Crown Bioscience has expanded its translational oncology research capacity by opening a new site in Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.

According to the company, the large amount of data now available from preclinical and clinical research requires specialized expertise in bioinformatics, big data analysis and dedicated storage facilities. CrownBio’s new site will focus on integrating the company’s experience in preclinical and translational research with cutting-edge digital technologies for the discovery of predictive biomarkers and the development of new and companion diagnostics.

The Suzhou site will become CrownBio’s center of excellence for systems biology and clinical sample testing. Located at the heart of the BioBay Science Park, one of the top-ranked biopharmaceutical hubs in China, this new site will also bring CrownBio into closer contact to regional and global pharmaceutical companies.

CrownBio will enhance its current translational oncology platform by expanding its existing services, and developing additional services, for advanced systems biology, including bioinformatics, big data and machine learning, along with biomarker discovery and clinical sample testing.

“Our newly established center of excellence is dedicated to exploring the wealth of data that has become available from years of preclinical and translational research,” said Henry Li, senior vice president of global scientific research and innovation, CrownBio. “The site will leverage our extensive expertise in data analytics and testing to advance big data utilization that will guide preclinical programs.”

Jean-Pierre Wery, chief executive officer, CrownBio, said, “The Suzhou site is a direct result of increased customer demand and market dynamics. It will allow us to both support an increased volume of global customer studies, and accelerate our bioinformatics goals, which will in turn facilitate the development of the next generation of precision medicine.”