ATG joins MoDiPro data application project

Merzhausen, Germany: – German-based contract research organization ATG:biosynthetics (ATG) has joined the collaborative project MoDiPro managed by IBB Netzwerk that aims to harness complex data management to develop superior medical outcomes.

The MoDiPro (“Models for diagnostics and process optimization”) initiative has attracted German Federal Government funding under the BMWi ZIM (Central Innovation Programme for SMEs) program. It is currently an alliance of nine technologically advanced companies and organizations with different fields of expertise in applying advanced technologies, big data and computer-supported modeling to develop more individualized medicine.

The alliance aims to develop 21st century products such as diagnostic and decision-supporting digital tools for physicians or clever sensor-control-modules that optimize industrial production processes in real-time.

Bioinformatic leadership

ATG is already a leader in the field of applied IT with its expertise in bioinformatics, synthetic biology, gene and pathway design and engineering, library and expression vector design/synthesis and its novel Epitope mapping service that combines computational analysis of pathogen surfome genes with PepID biopeptides expression and micro array expression technology.

ATG’s strong PepID’s computational algorithms allow it to generate overlapping deterministic DNA-encoded peptide libraries from multiple pathogen genomes. The peptide sequences generated are non-redundant and restricted only for the accessible parts of surface proteins. This can be achieved by analysing protein structural data. Screening arrays and focussed expressed biopeptides can then be subjected to poly- and monoclonal antibodies recognition in many different assays. ATG’s tANCHOR mammalian cell surface display is one possible way to expose epitopes in vitro as well as in vivo, e.g. in autologous environments. The new methodology can be used to maximize the efficacy of multi-epitope vaccines in personalized medicine.

Applied data modeling

ATG’s CEO, Dr. Hubert S. Bernauer, commented:

“Collaborating with the IBB Netzwerk as part of the MoDiPro program provides us with a great platform from which to extend our activities and apply our advanced bioinformatics and algorithms on new types of medical data mining and experiment data integration technologies.”

“We see real opportunities within MoDiPro to apply our expertise in application of data modeling to develop a new generation of solutions that are closer to the end-user and individual patient” said Dr. Bernauer.

Adding value

IBB Netzwerk Managing Director Prof. Haralabos Zorbas said the network could add value to the activities of all of its members.

“Cooperation networks provide a highly fertile ground for implementing innovative ideas more efficiently and economically in R&D projects and for realizing market-ready products and processes,” said Prof. Zorbas.

“We support our member in acquiring further, suitable project partners as well as in initiating and elaborating R&D proposals. We can also strengthen links with potential large-scale pharmaceutical companies and end users, such as clinics and patient organizations,” he added.

About ATG: biosynthetics

Advanced Technical Genetomics (ATG) is a German-based company that specializes in synthetic biology, combinatorial gene design and multi-gene expression. Located in Merzhausen near Freiburg, ATG offers a complete range of multi-gene and multi-peptide expression products and services for synthetic and molecular biology as well as allied research and development areas.

ATG: biosynthetics possesses particular strengths in designing tailor-made solutions (e.g., gene cluster and complete pathway designs) that harness its technologies and services in related product areas that include gene synthesis, bioinformatics, molecular in silico biodesign, epitope mapping and pathway engineering. These provide clients with individual products and services or integrated solutions that offer a complete product & service package for peptide/gene expression and synthetic biology applications.

ATG seeks partnerships and outsourcing projects that aim at developing and marketing high-potential applications, e.g. creating high efficiency DNA- and protein-based vaccines.

About MoDiPro

The strategic focus of the “MoDiPro” cooperation network is the digitization of biotechnology with the two main fields of application being Industrial Biotechnology, sustainable economy and individualized medical technology.

The network partners aim to harness methodologically advanced modeling and prognoses to make biotechnological processes more efficient and enable optimized and fast decisions in medicine. Products targeted are software solutions and hardware components as well as services based on the predictive power of computer models.

The cooperation network “MoDiPro” is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy within its Central Innovation Program for SMEs.

The funding for Phase 1 runs from June 2017 to May 2018, after that a continuation in phase 2 will be pursued.

The network framework is provided by the Industrielle Biotechnologie Bayern Netzwerk GmbH (IBB Netzwerk GmbH), which is a network and service organization in the field of Industrial Biotechnology and sustainable economy.

More information at: http://www.ibbnetzwerk-gmbh.com/en/service/pressebereich/pr-28082017-modipro-phase-1/.