SomaLogic, Inc. has entered into a multi-year research agreement with Novartis to use its proteomics technology to accelerate Novartis’ drug discovery and development efforts. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“We are excited by this opportunity to work with Novartis’ world-class researchers to help them define robust biomarkers, validate novel drug targets, and even develop companion clinical diagnostics,” said Larry Gold, chief executive officer of SomaLogic. “We believe that our technology is uniquely able to address the significant drug discovery and development challenges currently faced by biopharmaceutical companies.”
 
SomaLogic’s proteomic platform is a new generation of specific protein-binding reagents aimed at enhancing protein biomarker discovery and development in order to drive new diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities. SomaLogic’s technology consists of “SOMAmers” (Slow-Offrate Modified Aptamers), a novel class of protein-binding reagents. According to the company, SOMAmers offer a powerful combination of specific binding to individual proteins and facile nucleic acid-based quantification, allowing accurate detection and measurement of thousands of proteins over a vast range of concentrations in just a few drops of blood or other tissues.