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Hit Discovery in the European Lead Factory: Output and experiences of Assay Development and High Throughput Screening

In a paper recently published in the SLAS Discovery Journal of Biomolecular Screening, European Lead Factory (ELF) scientists from Pivot Park Screening Centre (PPSC) shared their experiences working on the assay development and ultra-High Throughput Screening (u-HTS) of crowed-sourced drug targets during the first phase of ELF (2013-2018).

With a primary focus on the activities of PPSC, the perspective piece reflects on the lessons learnt during the assay development and u-HTS operations and the contributions of PPSC to ELF. It gives a detailed overview of the consortium and the results of the first phase, noting that between 2013 and 2018, 154 proposals in seven therapeutic areas were submitted to ELF with a total of 72 u-HTS campaigns completed.

Corresponding author of the paper, Saman Honarnejad said “this work gives a detailed perspective on the assay development and screening operations at PPSC, while illustrating how complimentary assets within public-private partnerships such as ELF consortium could operate as a well-oiled machine to translate basic research into novel starting points for drug development, with the aim to ultimately benefit public health”.

While the full impact of ELF is yet to be seen, the hit lists that were delivered during this first 5.5-year phase have produced a host of tangible results including lead compounds, candidate drugs, peer-reviewed publications, patents, new start-up companies, PhD theses, and more.

Senior author of the paper, Steven van Helden said “As a young and small company we are proud to play a leading role in early drug discovery in Europe as part of ELF. And we look forward to continue this work over the next few years. I am sure will report again on successes of our work in ELF !”

For an in-depth look into the work of PPSC and the overall experience of screening such a large portfolio of drug targets within the ELF Consortium.

Pivot Park Captains' Dinner

10 years ago, Pivot Park opened its doors to the world. Thanks to your commitment, support and confidence, we have been able to grow it into the successful and innovative biopharmaceutical campus it is today.

Now it’s time to celebrate!

We are therefore delighted to invite you – along with all your fellow CEOs at Pivot Park – to a special night out featuring inspiring art, a wonderful dinner and lots of opportunities to network and exchange ideas.

Erwin Wurm | Am I a House?

For the first time, the artist shows a cross-section of his work, from Narrow Furniture to One Minute Sculptures, within the walls of a historic building. Villa Constance, a former home that today houses Museum Jan Cunen, is not only a location but also part of the conversation. Because what exactly is a house?

#100YEARSPHARMAFUTURE

The development of medicines in Oss began one hundred years ago. It was then that the foundations were laid for what would become a flourishing pharmaceutical sector in the Netherlands, leading to groundbreaking discoveries such as insulin and the anti-conception pill.

Today, the entire chain is still represented in Oss, from early-stage research to the commercial scale production of medicines. Working in Oss, we focus on the health of people all over the world. Employees at dozens of companies large and small put their heart and soul into new medicines, products and services that will improve lives worldwide. Together, our strength lies in our combination of broad knowledge about the development of medicines and a thorough understanding of the requirements of high-quality production.

This shared past and common values stimulate strong bonds among everyone who works in pharmaceuticals in Oss. We build on qualities, expertise and networks that go back decades. And with a wide variety of pharmaceutical companies, suppliers and scientific institutions all located nearby, we offer an attractive business climate and an excellent basis for international collaboration.

We are proud to work together to create a better and healthier future for all, a collaboration that in turn fuels growing employment: today, most pharmaceutical jobs in the Netherlands are in Oss. Here we connect talent and companies and stimulate entrepreneurship, while our expert employees are our most important asset. Their drive ensures that Oss has an influence on health all over the world.

Pharma in Oss offers endless opportunities to startups and talent in a city and region that is a joy to live and work in. We are committed to collaboration and sustainable and successful entrepreneurship. Oss’s pharmaceutical companies are intrinsically competitive while also being committed to quality and safety. This, plus their focus on new health solutions and contemporary technology, makes us a leader in our pursuit of a better life for people worldwide.