MEDiC Life Sciences, a biotech startup based in Silicon Valley, has announced a research collaboration with pharmaceutical giant Bristol Myers Squibb to advance the discovery of tumor targets.

The collaboration aims to leverage MEDiC Life Sciences’ expertise in tumor target discovery using its scalable 3D tumor models and CRISPR functional genomics screens.

In this partnership, MEDiC Life Sciences will utilize its advanced 3D tumor models to conduct CRISPR functional genomics screens in solid tumor indications that are of interest to Bristol Myers Squibb. These screens will help identify optimal gene targets and biomarkers for cancer treatment.

Additionally, MEDiC Life Sciences will employ its immune cell and tumor cell co-culture platform to identify novel genes relevant to the immune cell killing of cancer cells.

As part of the agreement, MEDiC Life Sciences will receive upfront payments for its research collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb. Furthermore, the biotech startup will be eligible for additional option payments on a target-by-target basis, as well as potential future development and regulatory milestone payments.

MEDiC Life Sciences has developed a proprietary CRISPR functional genomics platform that utilizes patient-tumor-like cancer models to identify the most effective gene targets and biomarkers for cancer treatment.

While functional genomics approaches have traditionally involved screening whole genomes for gene functions in cancer, MEDiC Life Sciences has demonstrated the significant potential of using 3D tumor models instead of conventional 2D cultures. This innovative approach enhances the accuracy and translatability of CRISPR functional genomics, enabling the identification of novel cancer targets and biomarkers for drug development in solid tumor indications.

The collaboration between MEDiC Life Sciences and Bristol Myers Squibb represents a significant opportunity to advance tumor target discovery and improve cancer treatment options.

By combining MEDiC Life Sciences’ technologies with Bristol Myers Squibb’s extensive pharmaceutical expertise, the partnership aims to accelerate the development of novel therapies for solid tumor indications. This collaboration underscores the growing importance of precision medicine and the continuous efforts to enhance cancer treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.

Kyuho Han — MEDiC Life Sciences co-founder and CEO said: “We are very excited that Bristol Myers Squibb selected MEDiC as a collaborator to advance its oncology discovery programs.

“We look forward to working with Bristol Myers Squibb to identify novel oncology targets to advance potentially effective new medicines for cancer patients.”

  Bristol-Myers Squibb, cancer, Kyuho Han, MEDiC Life Sciences, Oncology, Silicon Valley, Tumor, USA