Medicilon Biology Capabilities
The Biology Platform Builder for Innovation
Core Functions Driving Biology Capabilities
Medicilon’s Biology is powered by four central functional units, providing an integrated system that supports entire drug discovery process as well as mechanism-of-action related studies.
In vitro Biology
Recombinant Protein Expression
Antibody & Biologics Discovery
Structural Biology
Technology & Instrumentation
We uphold excellence, scalability, and speed in every engagement, powered by state-of-the-art technologies and a client-first mindset.
Discover how we accelerate your R&D goals
Protein Science & Engineering
Protein Engineering & Expression Systems
Medicilon provides robust protein engineering services essential for drug target validation and biologics development. We leverage diverse expression systems to ensure optimal protein yield and quality.
- Expression in E. coli, baculovirus and mammalian systems
- Engineering for stability, solubility, and bioactivity
- Production of enzymes, kinases, and therapeutic proteins
- Reagent generation (Tool engineered cell lines, protein and antibody labeling and analytics)
Protein Purification & Crystallization
- Scalable purification (1 mg–500 mg) with >95% purity
- Tags: His, GST, SUMO, MBP, Flag, Strep
- Crystallization strategies: soaking, hanging drop, microdialysis
Structure Determination
- Data collection at APS (USA) and Shanghai Suychrotron
- Molecular replacement, SeMet labeling, Heavy atom soak
Screening of KRASG12D showcasing optimization of conditions essential for high-quality crystal growth.
X-ray diffraction Data Collection by using synchrotron X-ray sources to obtain high-resolution diffraction patterns, a critical step for accurate structure solution.
KRASG12D crystallization providing insight into the protein’s conformation and GDP-bound state.
KRASG12D-MRTX1133 (target inhibitor) co-crystallization demonstrating binding mode and molecular interactions relevant for drug design.
Assay Platforms & Mechanism Evaluation
Biophysical Assays
Our biophysical assays provide quantitative insights into molecular interactions.
SPR Binding Kinetics
drug-target and protein interactions
Scale-Up Detailed Profiling
Affinity (KD), IC50/EC50, binding modes
Enzymatic Assays
Medicilon’s extensive enzymatic assay capabilities support small molecule and biologics drug discovery.
- Kinase Panels
150+ validated kinase assays covering diverse families, including assays for specific mutant EGFR and ALK.
- Other Enzyme Assays
Includes panels for PDE family members, proteases, and other functional enzymes via HTRF, ADP-Glo, and AlphaLISA.
- Applications in synthetic lethality, EGFR/ALK inhibitor evaluation.
Cellular Functional Assays
Our comprehensive cell-based functional assays are fundamental for assessing drug efficacy and mechanism of action.
Cell Proliferation/Viability
MTT, CCK8, CTG, MTS, and LDH for cytotoxicity and growth inhibition.
Apoptosis & Necrosis
Quantified via Annexin V staining (FACS) and Caspase 3/7 Glo assays.
Cell Migration & Invasion
Assessed using Transwell assays and Oris™ Cell Migration Assay
Cell Signaling
Evaluated through Western Blotting (WB), HTRF, AlphaLISA, FACS and MSD for phosphorylation, receptor internalization, and pathway activation.
Advanced Systems
Capabilities include 2D and 3D cell culture systems, synergy testing, and drug combination studies.
Specialized Therapeutic Modalities
siRNA/mRNA Drug Platforms
Medicilon is at the forefront of small nucleic acid drug discovery, offering platforms for siRNA and mRNA therapeutics.
- From sequence design to in vitro & in vivo PK/PD
- Target validation, off-target screening
PROTAC Evaluation
Our specialized platforms support the discovery and evaluation of PROTAC and Molecular Glue drugs.
- Cell-free assays including Binary/ternary complex formation assay
- Different formats of Cellular degradation assays
ADC Evaluation
A comprehensive in vitro assay platform for ADC evaluation, spanning target selection, trafficking, and safety, built on a library of over 300 cancer cell lines.
- Payloads: MMAE, DM1, DXd
- Linkers: cleavable/non-cleavable
- Functional assays: Binding, Internalization (FACS, Image, IncuCyte), Cytotoxicity/ Bystander effect, cytokine release (Luminex), MOA-related assays
Specialized Target Class Assays
GPCR/Signaling Pathways
Our biophysical assays provide quantitative insights into molecular interactions.
Our specialized GPCR platform provides in-depth functional analysis of G protein-coupled receptors and related signaling pathways.
- Activation studies for GLP1, GIP, GCGR
- Methods: cAMP, Ca²⁺ signaling and HTRF
GPCR/Signaling Pathways
cAMP release in GLP1R and GCGR-expressing cells
A: Glucagon induced cAMP release in HEK293/Ga15/GCGR were tested through TR-FRET assay
B: Trizepatide induced cAMP release in HEK293/GIPR were tested through TR-FRET assay
C: Compound induced cAMP release in CHO-K1/GLP2R/Gα15 were tested through TR-FRET assay
Immune Cell Function & Immunotherapy
Medicilon’s advanced immune cell analysis platform supports immunotherapy, vaccine development, and basic immunological research:
- CAR-T, TCR-T, NK, TIL phenotyping and functional testing
- Cytokine release (MSD, Luminex), T/B cell activation and proliferation, ADCC/CDC
Multiplex MSD analysis of serum cytokine/chemokine levels in cynomolgus monkeys (n=6/group) at 0, 6, and 24 h post subcutaneous dosing (1 mg/kg) with control or test article. Measured markers include INF-γ, IL-10, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, IL-12P40, G-CSF, and IL-12P70. Elevated cytokines at 6 h in the test group (red bars) indicate an acute immune response.
Human PBMCs were incubated with antibody or ADCs, cytokine released in supernatant were tested through Luminex
MSD multiplex assays panels
Antibody & Biologics Discovery Platforms
Medicilon offers a robust and integrated suite of platforms for antibody and biologics discovery, supporting projects from early discovery to IND.
Discovery Platforms
- Hybridoma Platform
- Phage Display Platform
- Single B-cell Sequencing Platform
- mRNA Display
Humanization & Optimization
- From animal immunization to antibody sequencing
- Analytical workflows for PK/PD, toxicity, and MoA
NanoString & High-Throughput Transcriptomics
Multi-Omics, Data Analysis & Translational Research
Medicilon employs advanced multi-omics technologies to provide deep biological insights.
NanoString nCounter Pro
- Amplification-free, highly multiplexed mRNA quantification
- 29 panels in oncology, immunology, infectious disease, neuroscience
Functional Assay Portfolio
- Cytokine profiling
- Signaling Assays (cAMP/cGMP release assays, IP3 release, Calcium release)
- Phosphorylation
- RNA-seq
- Luminex, MSD, and ELISA-based high-throughput formats
Data Reporting
- Heatmaps
- Volcano plots
- Custom bioinformatic dashboards
At A Glance: Antibody & Biologics Discovery Platforms
Medicilon’s integrated biology and in vitro pharmacology platforms provide an end-to-end solution for drug discovery and preclinical research.
Capability
Core Output
Use Case
- Protein Expression & Engineering
Assays, structural biology
- Assay Platforms
MoA & pharmacology
- Modalities (siRNA/ADC/PROTAC/peptide)
Drug validation
- Antibody Discovery
Biologics lead generation
- GPCR/Immune Assays
Immune oncology, metabolic disorders
- Multi-Omics & NanoString
Translational research
FAQs
What types of in vitro biology assays does Medicilon offer?
Medicilon provides a comprehensive suite of in vitro biology assay services to support drug discovery and preclinical research. Our team offers high-throughput and customized platforms designed to generate accurate, reproducible, and regulatory-compliant data. Available assays include:
- Enzyme activity and inhibition panels for drug target validation
- Cell proliferation, migration, and viability assays for therapeutic efficacy testing
- Immunological assays (ELISA, cytokine release, flow cytometry) to evaluate immune responses
- GPCR and ion channel functional assays for receptor signaling studies
- 2D/3D cell culture models that closely mimic human physiology for advanced drug screening
By combining industry-leading instrumentation with expert assay development, Medicilon ensures reliable results that accelerate early-stage drug discovery. Our in vitro biology services are tailored to meet specific project requirements and can be scaled for both exploratory research and regulatory submissions.
How are recombinant proteins expressed and purified at Medicilon?
At Medicilon, recombinant protein expression and purification services are designed to support diverse applications, including structural biology, antibody discovery, and drug screening. We offer multiple expression systems to optimize yield and bioactivity:
- E. coli expression for rapid, cost-effective protein production
- Baculovirus/insect cell systems for post-translational modifications
- Mammalian cell expression for complex and glycosylated proteins
Each project includes:
- Scalable upstream expression and downstream purification protocols
- Quality control assays to confirm protein stability, folding, and bioactivity
- Delivery of proteins suitable for structural studies, functional assays, and antibody generation
With flexibility across expression platforms and expertise in purification workflows, Medicilon ensures proteins are produced with the highest integrity for your specific research needs.
Can Medicilon support antibody and biologics discovery from screening to optimization?
Yes. Medicilon offers end-to-end antibody and biologics discovery services, supporting every stage from hit generation through preclinical development. Our integrated solutions include:
- Antibody screening via hybridoma, phage display, or mRNA display technologies
- Affinity maturation and humanization to improve therapeutic potential
- Biophysical and biochemical characterization, including immunogenicity, PK/PD, and stability studies
- Toxicity and safety assessments aligned with regulatory requirements
By combining advanced platforms with scientific expertise, Medicilon enables rapid identification and optimization of biologics. Our comprehensive workflows ensure that antibodies and therapeutic proteins are thoroughly characterized, derisking development and accelerating timelines from early discovery through IND-enabling studies.
What structural biology services for drug discovery does Medicilon provide?
Medicilon’s structural biology services help researchers gain insights into drug-target interactions, enabling rational drug design and optimization. Capabilities include:
- Protein crystallization and X-ray diffraction for high-resolution structural data
- Cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) sample preparation and imaging for large or complex proteins
- Ligand docking and structure-based drug design to accelerate hit-to-lead development
- Membrane protein structural analysis, a key challenge in drug discovery
Our structural biology experts collaborate closely with drug discovery teams to elucidate molecular mechanisms and optimize compounds. By integrating structural insights with medicinal chemistry and bioinformatics, Medicilon enables efficient structure-guided drug design for both small molecules and biologics.
Are bioanalytical methods customizable for unique project needs?
Yes. Medicilon offers custom bioanalytical method development and validation tailored to unique project requirements. Our services include:
- Tailored assay design and optimization for specific analytes or biomarkers
- Multiple formats such as ELISA, LC-MS/MS, HTRF, and SPR for flexibility in analysis
- Regulatory-aligned QC benchmarks that ensure data reproducibility and compliance
Whether your project requires PK/PD studies, immunogenicity testing, or biomarker quantification, Medicilon provides scalable and customized solutions. Our bioanalytical team ensures methods are validated to meet regulatory expectations, enabling smooth progression into preclinical and clinical development stages.
How does Medicilon ensure quality and regulatory compliance?
Yes. Medicilon offers custom bioanalytical method development and validation tailored to unique project requirements. Our services include:
- Tailored assay design and optimization for specific analytes or biomarkers
- Multiple formats such as ELISA, LC-MS/MS, HTRF, and SPR for flexibility in analysis
- Regulatory-aligned QC benchmarks that ensure data reproducibility and compliance
Whether your project requires PK/PD studies, immunogenicity testing, or biomarker quantification, Medicilon provides scalable and customized solutions. Our bioanalytical team ensures methods are validated to meet regulatory expectations, enabling smooth progression into preclinical and clinical development stages.
What are the typical study timelines for biology projects at Medicilon?
Yes. Medicilon provides custom antibody and reagent development services to support drug discovery and diagnostic applications. Our offerings include:
- Polyclonal and monoclonal antibody generation tailored to specific targets
- Peptide synthesis and recombinant protein production for immunogen design
- Labeling, conjugation, and assay-ready formats for immediate use in screening
By combining advanced production technologies with rigorous quality control, Medicilon ensures that custom antibodies and reagents meet high-performance standards. These solutions can be applied in assay development, biomarker research, and therapeutic discovery, offering flexibility for diverse research goals.
Can Medicilon develop custom antibodies or bioreagents?
Yes. Medicilon offers custom bioanalytical method development and validation tailored to unique project requirements. Our services include:
- Tailored assay design and optimization for specific analytes or biomarkers
- Multiple formats such as ELISA, LC-MS/MS, HTRF, and SPR for flexibility in analysis
- Regulatory-aligned QC benchmarks that ensure data reproducibility and compliance
Whether your project requires PK/PD studies, immunogenicity testing, or biomarker quantification, Medicilon provides scalable and customized solutions. Our bioanalytical team ensures methods are validated to meet regulatory expectations, enabling smooth progression into preclinical and clinical development stages.
What instrumentation and technology platforms are available at Medicilon?
Medicilon’s biology labs are equipped with advanced instrumentation and technology platforms that enable precision, scalability, and reproducibility. Available tools include:
- Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) for binding affinity analysis
- Homogeneous Time-Resolved Fluorescence (HTRF) for high-throughput screening
- LC-MS/MS mass spectrometry for bioanalytical studies
- Automated cell imaging systems and multiplex assay platforms for enhanced efficiency
By combining cutting-edge tools with expert staff, Medicilon delivers reliable results that accelerate decision-making in drug discovery and development.
Does Medicilon provide multi-omics and bioinformatics analysis?
Yes. Medicilon offers multi-omics and bioinformatics services to provide a holistic view of biological mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Our capabilities include:
- Transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics profiling for comprehensive biological insights
- Advanced bioinformatics pipelines for biomarker discovery and pathway analysis
- Data integration with preclinical and clinical datasets to inform drug development
By combining multi-omics data with computational biology, Medicilon helps researchers uncover disease mechanisms, identify biomarkers, and optimize therapeutic strategies. This integrated approach ensures data-driven decisions that enhance drug discovery and translational research.
Let’s Build Your Next Breakthrough - Together
Get expert input in biology, assay development, and functional validation.
