DECEMBER 2023LIFE SCIENCES REVIEW 19Beyond its truly unique approach towards phenotypic screening of late stage preclinical compounds, the company excels in customizing pharmacology study designs, managing costs, and aligning with short lead times on a client-by-client basiscommitment to revolutionizing the future of cancer therapeutics.Melior's efforts in this domain are characterized by two broad categories of rodent models: xenograft and syngeneic models.The xenograft models involve the use of human tumors--either derived from human cell lines or directly from human cancer tissue--implanted into rodents. This necessitates the use of immune-compromised animals to facilitate tumor growth. Over the last three years, Melior has significantly invested in a specialized facility to support this aspect of their oncology research, marking a pivotal development in this field.Concurrently, Melior also leverages syngeneic models, which involve transplanting mouse-derived tumor cell lines into a genetically similar mouse strain. These models sidestep the issue of tumor rejection due to histocompatibility, creating an ideal environment to study a particularly promising class of cancer therapeutics: immunotherapies, including checkpoint inhibitors.As Melior continues to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of oncology, Reaume believes these models signify more than scientific exploration. It encapsulates the company's steadfast dedication to weaving innovation and impact together, all in the pursuit of a healthier tomorrow.A Deep Dive into Analgesic CandidatesMelior's opioidTRACE® platform, designed to address the nuances of analgesic therapy research, represents another strategic and specialized extension of its theraTRACE® technology.The platform provides a degree of customization, allowing it to function in two distinct modes: a higher-throughput `screening mode' for advanced candidate screening and a more comprehensive `full characterization mode' for detailed analysis of lead compounds.Rooted in the urgency to respond to the opioid crisis, opioidTRACE®'s primary goal is to identify advanced analgesics that can circumvent the limitations traditionally associated with opioid compounds, which include potential abuse due to addiction, gastrointestinal complications, and respiratory depression.By integrating surveillance of these liabilities into a single, cohesive platform, opioidTRACE® positions itself as an important tool in the development of safer, more effective analgesics. Where Innovation and Collaboration ConvergeMelior Discovery's team is composed of professionals who bring a wealth of diverse experiences, having honed their skills in the realms of big pharma, leading-edge biopharmaceutical companies, and academic institutions. Each member of the Melior team brings to the table a unique expertise, whether a nuanced understanding of animal behaviour, adeptness in surgical procedures, or proficiency in specialized technical disciplines.Celebrated as a `Great Place to Work,' Melior Discovery's dedication to fostering a positive and synergistic workplace culture is evident in its significant growth, which includes a compounded annual growth rate of 29 percent over the past three years. This growth is a testament to their collective mission: to uncover new therapeutic potentials and pioneer discoveries of compounds that save lives.
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