Before new drugs get approval they are subjected to comprehensive tests in cell culture and animal models to assess their efficacy and toxicity. The biomarker assays developed by SIGNATOPE are able to detect organ damage and drug side effects. As biomarkers might differ between humans and animal models, to date a multitude of tests have been applied for this analysis. During phase I of the GO-Bio program, which is being funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the team at the NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen developed a novel technique, which quantifies relevant biomarkers not only in humans but also across a wide variety of species. “Our technique delivers quantitatively comparable data, regardless of the selected test model. We are able to detect even the tiniest amount of biomarkers in urine and blood samples. This helps to cut down significantly on time and costs with respect to drug development,” explains Oliver Pötz, CEO at SIGNATOPE.

As a major German seed stage investor, HTGF sees huge potential in the new approach devised by the Reutlingen researchers. “The team really impressed us with this pioneering technology. In comparison to traditional histopathological techniques involving tissue sections, non-invasive biomarker assays are becoming increasingly relevant in the development of new drugs,” explains Dr. Lena Krzyzak, Investment Manager at HTGF.

SIGNATOPE was founded by scientists Hannes Planatscher, Thomas Joos, Octa-vian Schatz and Oliver Pötz, together with the NMI. “As a business-minded incubator, the NMI is the nucleus behind many successful start-ups,” explains Dr. Klaus Eichenberg, Managing Director of BioRegio STERN Management GmbH. “It is a good example of how to fuse innovative research with successful business in the region.”