Singapore: Life Technologies signed a collaborative partnership with the Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC) and scientists in antibody technology at the Universities of Chicago and Toronto, to generate a first-ever master set of quality epigenetic recombinant antibodies for use in disease-related research. The first 58 of 200 highly-specific antibodies to be designed are now available to the scientific community.

SGC comprises a network of more than 200 scientists from the University of Toronto and Oxford University, as well as six pharmaceutical companies, including AbbVie, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, Pfizer and Takeda.

Epigenetic regulatory proteins are involved in a wide variety of chronic diseases, such as cancer, and are the target of an explosive new field of drug discovery. A lack of industry-wide standards for quality antibodies, has plagued the ability to properly study most epigenetic changes.

Dr Aled Edwards, director and CEO, SGC, said that, "The partnership is prepared to produce a set of 200 highly-specific, highly-sensitive antibodies that are validated for specific applications. These 58 now being launched are the first step toward developing the defacto standard set of quality epigenetics antibodies that researchers can use for generations to come."

Mr Mark Stevenson, president and COO, Life Technologies, said that, "Our partnership with SGC in this pioneering endeavor demonstrates Life Technologies' commitment to provide the most innovative products that meet the needs of the global scientific community."