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.
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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 Boston provides U.S.-based biotech and pharma with fast, local access to DMPK and BA expertise, offering validated assays and FDA-focused IND support.
How are recombinant proteins expressed and purified at Medicilon?
Reports are delivered in non-GLP format, with reproducible data supporting decision-making, method transfer, and readiness for GLP studies.
Can Medicilon support antibody and biologics discovery from screening to optimization?
The site supports small molecules, biologics, ADCs, PROTACs, peptides, siRNA, ASOs, and mRNA drugs, with validated bioanalytical methods for even the most challenging modalities.
What structural biology services for drug discovery does Medicilon provide?
We offer rapid turnaround times with transparent updates. Reports are delivered in non-GLP format, providing high-quality, reproducible data to support decision-making, method transfer, and readiness for subsequent GLP studies.
Are bioanalytical methods customizable for unique project needs?
Our Boston team provides non-GLP IND-enabling packages with validated data designed to streamline FDA regulatory pathways.
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