This group utilizes advanced assay automation technology and microimaging techniques to determine the potency, selectivity and mechanism of action of molecules on discovery targets, to support structure activity relationship studies and to facilitate the development of high throughput screening assays.

Specific Functions:

  • Assay Design and Development
  • HTS: assay optimization, miniaturization, automation, screening, hit confirmation
  • Cell Imaging, High Content Screening
  • Lab Automation and LIMS Support

  • Screening Platform: Orca Core System; Nano Volume Dispensing Unit; Beckman Coulter Integrated Workstation
  • Workstations: Perkin Elmer Janus, PlateTrack, Evolution P3; Aurora FDR dispenser; Molecular Devices Auqamax DW4; Tecan Genesis
  • Detectors: Perkin Elmer ViewLux, Fusion Alpha, Fusion HT, TopCount; Tecan Safire II; Beckman DTX; Aurora: tcPR; Incell 1000
  • Proprietary LIMS


The group has expertise in diverse scientific areas, including biochemistry, molecular pharmacology,and molecular genetics. Cutting edge technologies are employed to facilitate the understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms and to select drugs with appropriate potency, selectivity and tolerability profiles.

Assays include:

  • Hepatocyte isolation and culture
  • Drug transport assays
  • Cytotoxicity & Genotoxicity Assays (non GLP)
  • Customized Cell based and in vitroassays
  • Biochemistry services
  • Molecular Biology (cloning, mutagenesis, qPCR)
  • Immunoassays
  • Mechanism of Action Studies


Highly automated robotic workstations are used to improve the quality and availability of cellular reagents. These systems provide reagents for cell-based assays and are used to maintain multiple cell lines (20+)

  • Robotized Cell Culture - 106 to 1010 scale
  • Cell banking
  • Instrumentation
    • Select-1
    • Select-2
    • Cello
    • Integrated Beckman robotic workstation.
    • Bioreactors: Fibrastage, MiniPerm


  • NMR Solution structure of proteins, peptides, nucleic acids
  • Affinity and Kinetics of protein-ligand interaction
  • Equipment:Bruker Avance NMR 600 cryo probe; NMR 400 & 500; Biacore3000,Flexchip; CD; Calorimetry; LC-MS