BioSeek, LLC, a subsidiary of Asterand, has signed a new, three-year collaboration agreement with Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, expanding the companies’ 2009 agreement. BioSeek will use its BioMAP platform to evaluate Merck Serono small molecule compounds and proteins across multiple therapeutic areas to support the selection of candidates for preclinical development.

BioMAP Systems are primary cell-based models of human disease biology, designed to replicate cell and pathway interactions as they are observed in human pharmacology and toxicology. Assessment with BioMAP allows for early insight into human pharmacological and toxicological properties of compounds.

Jack Davis, chairman and interim chief executive officer of Asterand, said, “We highly value our long-standing relationship with Merck Serono. The studies carried out by BioSeek for Merck Serono over the past three years have demonstrated that BioMAP Platform can be used to reliably advance promising molecules through preclinical evaluation. Our scientists have worked closely and productively with the Merck Serono team, and we look forward to our continuing and expanding research with them.”