MilliporeSigma collaborates with Evotec for screening of customised CRISPR and shRNA libraries

MilliporeSigma has entered into a set of agreements with Evotec to expedite screening of customised CRISPR and shRNA libraries for a rapid and efficient exploration of disease pathways.

MilliporeSigma has entered into a set of agreements with Evotec to expedite screening of customised CRISPR and shRNA libraries for a rapid and efficient exploration of disease pathways.

Under the agreements, Evotec will provide screening services for MilliporeSigma's collection of genetic reagents such as CRISPR and shRNA libraries.

MilliporeSigma applied solutions strategic marketing and innovation head said: "Drug discovery starts with the identification of new targets, a process that can be time and labor intensive.

"Our collaboration with Evotec accelerates the discovery workflow, enabling customers to more rapidly and efficiently explore disease pathways and find new targets."

The collaboration is expected to enable selection of customised set of CRISPR and shRNA libraries, and use Evotec's capabilities in phenotypic screening within primary and induced pluripotent stem cells and in vivo disease models.

"Deploying MilliporeSigma's assay-ready reagents on our cellular screening platforms and in-vivo models creates powerful drug discovery capabilities and more value to our customers through such a comprehensive solution."

The custom-engineered cell lines developed by MilliporeSigma's Cell Design Studio will further facilitate the target identification workflow as it will be used by Evotec to customise screening assays.

Evotec chief operating officer Dr Mario Polywka said: "This agreement with MilliporeSigma further strengthens our offering in the area of target identification and validation.

Image: A hand holding a pen infront of a strand of DNA. Photo: courtesy of MilliporeSigma.