Molecular Discovery Systems (MDSystems) is due to be listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and has been spun out of BPH Corporate Limited [ASX: BPH]. MDSystems was launched in 2006 and the main business of the company since its launch has been drug discovery and the validation of biomarkers for disease, therapy and diagnostics. The company is now dedicated to all of the following technologies:


High-Content Screening Facility (InCell Analyser 1000)

MDSystems has core expertise in high content and high throughput imaging and analysis, providing services for researchers worldwide. The MDSystems owned InCell Analyser 1000 combines high-resolution imaging and high-content analysis to provide a technology that rapidly detects and quantifies cellular properties much faster than conventional methods. MDSystems has developed a range of high content analysis algorithms targeted to cellular processes and designed to identify and quantitate changes to protein expression, movement and sub cellular location. MDSystems has established a semi-automated cellular imaging and analysis platform. High-throughput screening (HTS) of chemical libraries is widely regarded as the most efficient and cost effective approach to finding hits in early drug discovery. In light of the success of HTS in drug discovery, this technology has been further developed to include high-content screening (HCS). By providing imaging and analysis of pathways and phenotypic screening, HCS permits identification of modulators of a multitude of intractable molecular and cellular targets. A library of recently synthesized molecules is available at MDSystems for HCS-mediated identification of new bio-active molecules. The substantial collection of molecules are based on novel complex scaffolds that have been selected for drug-like properties. By permitting analysis of complex cellular properties, the InCell Analyser at MDSystems is primed for screening the library for new pharmaceutical leads. Molecular Discovery Systems is available for Contract Services, for further information please email admin@mdsystems.com.au or call the laboratory on +61 8 9346 7404.


Cancer Therapeutics

MDSystems has identified new anti-cancer agents that inhibit cancer cell proliferation by targeting of the microtubule cytoskeleton. Currently in the proof of-concept stage, the project is utilizing the InCell Analyser high-content platform for cell-based investigations, as well as in vivo trials of tumour growth. Microtubule drugs directly block cell proliferation, thereby causing cancer cell death. As a result of their ability to kill rapidly dividing cancerous cells, microtubule drugs such as Taxol® are among the most clinically useful cancer therapeutics discovered to date, generating revenue will in excess of one billion USD per year. Several more recently developed microtubule drugs can also target tumours by disruption of the tumour vasculature. Microtubule drugs (e.g. Zybrestat and Ombrabulin) that target the tumour vasculature are currently undergoing extensive clinical development and testing. The new microtubule drug BPH 8 can disrupt adhesions between vascular endothelial cells.


HLS5 Tumor Suppressor Gene

The HLS5 tumour suppressor gene (HLS5) was reported by Professor Klinken's team in 2004. In conjunction with BPH the expert team at The West Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR) led by Director Professor Peter Klinken are continuing with their research. Currently the team will be investigating HLS5 and its potential influence in Melanoma. However, the concerted research efforts previously undertaken reveal that HLS5 works through multiple pathways that may target cancer as well as a range of other diseases such as Huntington's, Parkinson's and HIV. There has been an extensive patent portfolio produced which provides exclusive rights to HLS5 both as a potential therapeutic target and also underpinning its involvement in a variety of disease pathways. The patent portfolio of technology surrounding HLS5 is currently going through National Phase filings in Australia, US and Europe.


We are located at Western Australian Institute for Medical Research:

For further information on the above projects please go to: www.bphcorporate.com.au

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