Schering AG has been working with Cenix, a spin-off from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory and the Max Planck Institute, completing pilot studies using Cenix’s technology to seek cell targets.
Started in late 2004, the pilot project focused on the application of Cenix’ combination of high throughput RNAi technology with multiplexed, high content phenotypic analyses to efficiently generate detailed in vitro validation data for over 100 target candidates in multiple mammalian cell types.
As a result of the successful completion of these studies, the two companies have now entered into a new agreement, setting the terms under which Schering will outsource up to 6 more projects of similar type, i.e. mandating Cenix to carry out HT-RNAi validation programs in human cells to rapidly and efficiently screen through large collections of target candidate genes previously identified by Schering. The financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.