SomaLogic, Otsuka extend research collaboration for Therapeutic SOMAmer development

"SOMAmer molecules are a promising new class of drug entities, and we are excited to continue our work with SomaLogic to fully realize that promise," said Takayuki Shiratsuchi, Operating Officer and General Manager of Basic Research at Otsuka Pharmaceutical.

"We are optimistic that extending this collaboration will help accelerate several of our ongoing therapeutics discovery and development efforts."

SomaLogic is the recognized leader in the development and application of advanced aptamer technologies. The company has designed its proprietary SOMAmer (Slow Off-rate Modified Aptamer) reagents to combine the wide target range of antibodies with the consistency and reproducibility of traditional aptamers.

The chemical addition of "protein-like" side chains to the nucleic acid bases that comprise a SOMAmer molecule results in the ability to discover molecules that bind specifically and tightly to virtually any targeted protein.

These properties allow SOMAmer molecules to be used in virtually any laboratory or clinical application that currently uses monoclonal antibodies, including therapeutics. For example, SOMAmer molecules have been demonstrated to be potent inhibitors of specific targeted proteins.

This property, along with other unique characteristics, makes SOMAmer candidates attractive for novel therapeutic discovery and development.

"We are delighted that our Otsuka colleagues see the value of our technology, and have chosen to extend their productive collaboration with us," said Byron Hewett, CEO of SomaLogic.

"The projects we are continuing to develop with them hold great potential for bringing novel therapeutics to the clinic for several unmet clinical needs."