Asteran leverages its expertise and resources to develop a robust pipeline of innovative, multifunctional therapeutics.
Our integrated research and development pipeline, spanning from target selection to pivotal clinical studies, is driven by a team of world-class researchers with extensive experience in the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel therapeutic agents. This expertise enables us to advance our innovative therapeutic products on a global scale through collaborations and partnerships.
Our expanding portfolio of novel multifunctional therapeutics is supported by cutting-edge technology platforms, including best-in-class antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) and multispecific antibody therapeutics (MSATs).
ADC technology combines the precision of antibodies with the potent efficacy of cytotoxic payloads, allowing for the selective delivery of small-molecule drugs to tumors. We are leveraging this technology, along with other drug conjugation approaches, in the development of a diverse array of therapeutic candidates. Additionally, the ADC platform can be integrated with our proprietary Asteran technology to create next-generation bispecific ADCs.
Multispecific antibody therapeutics engage distinct targets either on the same cell or across different cell populations, offering unique therapeutic mechanisms that are not achievable with single-target antibodies or traditional antibody combinations. Asteran is a leading platform in multispecific research and is instrumental in developing therapies aimed at addressing areas of high unmet medical need. Our clinically validated technologies capitalize on the versatility of the Asteran platform to address complex biological challenges and drive the development of innovative therapeutic solutions.
While innovative science often flourishes in academic research institutions, drug discovery requires highly specialized expertise, substantial technical resources, and significant funding. We collaborate with institutions and their faculty to identify novel concepts that may otherwise lack the necessary resources for development. By working together, we co-develop intellectual property, mitigate early-stage risks, and chart a path forward, ultimately advancing promising ideas to the stage of preclinical development candidates.
1. Oncology
- Technology:
- Validated Cell Lines and Animal Models:
- Specialized and licensed tumor cell lines used for in vitro studies and in vivo xenograft models.
- Immunocompromised and immunocompetent models, including knockout and syngeneic models, are employed to study tumor growth and drug efficacy.
- Digital Data Collection Systems:
- Real-time digital data collection and analysis enhance study accuracy.
- Histopathology Tools:
- Techniques like immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, and digital image analysis are applied to assess tissue responses in pharmacology and toxicology studies.
- StarTox Data Acquisition System:
- A validated system for pathology data collection, critical for GLP studies and regulatory submission.
- Validated Cell Lines and Animal Models:
- Specific Applications:
- Pharmacology and Xenograft Studies:
- Used to evaluate the effectiveness of anti-cancer compounds through tumor models. Subcutaneous, intravenous, and orthotopic tumor implantation methods are utilized.
- Oncology Toxicology:
- Toxicology and pharmacokinetics are assessed in animal models to determine drug safety, the maximum tolerated dose, and optimal routes of administration.
- Immunotherapy Studies:
- These focus on the development of novel cancer immunotherapies, studying their deep and often unpredictable pharmacologic effects.
- Pharmacology and Xenograft Studies:
2. Dermatology
- Technology:
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT):
- Non-invasive imaging technology to assess dermal layers and structures in real-time.
- Immunohistochemistry and Histology:
- Used to detect specific proteins and cellular changes in skin samples.
- Laser Doppler Imaging:
- Assesses blood flow to determine the effectiveness of wound healing therapies.
- Silhouette Photography:
- Digital imaging used to document and measure skin healing over time.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT):
- Specific Applications:
- Dermal Efficacy Models:
- Models for testing drugs and devices targeting skin conditions such as burns, wounds, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis.
- Wound Healing Studies:
- Technologies and models help accelerate the development of drugs that aid in wound healing by testing compounds in animal models.
- Pharmacokinetics and Toxicology:
- Preclinical studies are conducted to assess drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and toxicity in skin-related applications.
- Dermal Efficacy Models:
3. Inflammation Pharmacology
- Technology:
- Inflammation Models:
- Validated acute and chronic inflammation models using a range of animal species, including genetically modified mice and immune-compromised models.
- ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay):
- Used to quantify cytokines and inflammatory markers in biological samples.
- Custom Models:
- Custom-designed models to explore immune-mediated diseases and allergic responses, such as delayed hypersensitivity reactions and dermal sensitization.
- Inflammation Models:
- Specific Applications:
- Acute and Chronic Inflammation Studies:
- These models assess drug candidates for treating inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune disorders.
- Dermal Sensitization and Hypersensitivity:
- Models test the safety and effectiveness of treatments for allergic dermatitis, including regulatory-compliant tests like the Beuhler test.
- Immune-Mediated Pharmacology:
- Immune-modulating therapies are studied using these models to explore autoimmune diseases and allergic reactions.
- Acute and Chronic Inflammation Studies:
4. Pharmacology Services
- Technology:
- Translational Studies:
- Various animal models are employed to bridge the gap between early drug discovery and clinical trials.
- Surgical and Customized Models:
- Specialized techniques for surgical models and customized pharmacology studies are tailored to specific drug mechanisms.
- Nanoparticle and Stem Cell Technology:
- Advanced pharmacology studies using nanoparticles for drug delivery and stem cells for regenerative medicine applications.
- Translational Studies:
- Specific Applications:
- Anti-Infective Studies:
- Models to evaluate the effectiveness of drugs against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology:
- Studies focus on therapies for atherosclerosis, hypertension, and other cardiovascular conditions.
- Fibrotic Disease Models:
- Targeted models assess treatments for diseases involving excessive tissue scarring, such as liver cirrhosis and pulmonary fibrosis.
- Anti-Infective Studies:
5. Immunotherapy
- Technology:
- Oncology Immunotherapeutics Models:
- Preclinical models assess the toxicology and pharmacokinetics of immunotherapies targeting cancer, including small molecules, biologics, and gene therapies.
- Gene Therapy and Stem Cells:
- Advanced therapeutic agents are studied using models that simulate human immune system interactions with drugs.
- Oncology Immunotherapeutics Models:
- Specific Applications:
- Oncology Immunotherapy:
- Specialized models evaluate the effectiveness and safety of immune-modulating cancer therapies, including checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T therapies.
- Combination Therapy Studies:
- Research combines traditional chemotherapeutics with new immunotherapy agents to explore synergistic effects.
- Oncology Immunotherapy:
6. Histopathology and Digital Analysis
- Technology:
- Digital Image Analysis:
- Enables precise tissue analysis and visualization for histopathology studies.
- Confocal Microscopy and Immunofluorescence:
- High-resolution imaging techniques that help assess cellular responses and drug effects at a microscopic level.
- Digital Image Analysis:
- Specific Applications:
- Oncology and Toxicology Histopathology:
- Preparation and analysis of tissue samples from preclinical studies to assess both therapeutic and adverse effects.
- Regulatory-Ready Studies:
- GLP-compliant histopathological studies are critical for supporting regulatory submissions for new drug candidates.
- Oncology and Toxicology Histopathology:
These technologies and applications enable Asteran to provide comprehensive solutions for preclinical research across oncology, dermatology, inflammation, and pharmacology. They support drug discovery and development from early efficacy testing to regulatory-compliant toxicology studies.