Call for proposals

Xcellomics is seeking novel, in vitro or ex vivo pathologically relevant cellular phenotypes that have the potential to be developed into small molecule High Content or CRISPR screens. We are encouraging members of the research community to submit proposals through the Xcellomics applications portal in the following disease areas:

We are particularly interested in the diseases and phenotypes listed below but all proposals will be considered.

 

ONCOLOGY

We are seeking innovative cellular assays for cancer indications where there is an unmet clinical need such as Glioblastoma, Lung, Breast, Ovarian, Multiple myeloma and Haematological cancers.

Of particular interest are: 

  • Screens that enable the identification of tumour cell targets in clinically-relevant genetic and/or resistance backgrounds.  

  • Screens where  there is a strong focus on tumour cell intrinsic and synthetic lethal targets where the knock down/knock out of the target results in tumour cell killing.  

  • CRISPR screens executed with existing molecules that can enable MOA deconvolution.

  • CRISPR screens carried out with existing molecules used in combination with standard of care molecules to identify new targets and genetic backgrounds that could provide increased benefit in the clinic. 

Assays for tumour microenvironment and Immuno-Oncology will also be considered.

 

ANTIVIRALS:

We are seeking innovative cellular assays for the identification of novel antivirals. Of particular interest is the identification of antivirals for target indications where there is a current unmet need, or where there is a disproportionate impact in low and middle income countries.

We would specifically encourage applications focused around the following areas:

  • Modalities that would have broad-spectrum activity against a range of viruses including novel viral pathogens with epidemic or pandemic potential

  • Harnessing the antiviral state e.g. potentiation of innate immune pathways

  • Influenza viruses

  • Paramyxoviruses

  • Bunyaviruses

  • Flaviviruses

At this stage we can only consider assays that can be run under BSL1 and BSL2 conditions.

 

(C) Caroline Woffindale, Cellular High Content Imaging Group, TDI.

BLUE SKY SUBMISSIONS:

Blue sky submissions can be in any disease area, but must demonstrate exceptional biological novelty, or represent an innovative method for achieving a near-patient environment whilst being amenable to development for high throughput screening activities.

Please note that applications in the following disease areas will not be prioritised at this stage; cardiovascular, metabolic and neurodegenerative disease.

At the application stage, we are only looking for non-confidential information on the assays. NDAs will be put in place for any more detailed discussions.