Since 2005, TaconicArtemis GmbH, the German-based subsidiary of Taconic, has been working with its Scottish partner, Dundee based CXR Biosciences Ltd  to deliver, commercially viable, models that are better predictive of the pharmacokinetic and toxicological effects of candidate drug compounds and their metabolites in the human body.

This work, supported by the Intermediary Technology Institute, dedicated to life sciences (ITI Life Sciences), which was formed as part of a flagship programme by Scottish Enterprise to help Scotland turn world-class research in life sciences into commercial successes.

Founded in 2001, CXR Biosciences has used its collaborative approach, proprietary models and cutting edge expertise to help customers of all sizes solve issues relating to the selection of drug candidates or safety of compounds.

CXR develops preclinical technology platforms that are more predictive of drug response in man, ad offers tailored preclinical services in drug development and investigative toxicology. It has business relationships with more than 60 customers and collaborators, from lead universities, research institutions, and pharmaceutical, chemical and biotechnology companies.

Now based on the success of the programme, TaconicArtemis and CXR Biosciences have signed three commercial licences with ITI Life Sciences to allow them to co-commercialise a range of drug screening models and services developed using these new technologies . More than 40 transgenic strains generated in this program are now included in its transADMET programme.

Preclinical models can be poorly predictive of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicology (ADMET) in man. Inability to translate animal results to man is driven by profound interspecies differences in the levels and functions of proteins involved in ADMET, and a major reason for development failure.

The transADMET programme offers improved preclinical means of predicting human ADMET response. In each model, key genes have been knocked out or replaced with their human counterparts -- improving the pharmacokinetic and safety assessment of drug candidates by yielding research results that are better predictive of man.

"Taconic and CXR Biosciences are empowering investigators with sophisticated new tools that can revolutionise drug discovery and provide a strong competitive advantage," said Todd Little, (right) president and CEO, Taconic.

"Our new transADMET models will enable researchers to advance drug discovery more effectively, minimise the odds of late-stage failure and improve time-to-market with viable new drug therapies."

"TransADMET models will transform pharmaceutical research and chemical safety assessment by allowing scientists to more closely reflect the human situation in preclinical studies, thereby reducing the likelihood of problems occurring later in clinical trials," saidTom Shepherd, (left) CEO, CXR Biosciences. "The decision by Taconic to locate here to develop this platform with CXR will establish a unique world leading translational research capability in Scotland."

Rhona Allison, senior director of life sciences, (right) Scottish Enterprise, said: "Despite difficult economic conditions Scotland's life sciences sector has continued to grow and develop in recent years. Taconic's investment in this specialized facility is a strong indication of continued confidence in Scotland as an excellent location for life sciences."

The transADMET program is the culmination of a five-year, $13m effort funded by ITI Life Sciences. CXR Biosciences validated the transADMET models, while TaconicArtemis served as the primary generator of the new models.