SPT Labtech and BellBrook Labs have officially announced their collaboration to enhance drug discovery processes for cancer treatment. This partnership focuses on automating the screening of VPS4B ATPase inhibitors, a significant target in oncology due to its role in specific tumor growth. The announcement was made during the annual meeting of the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) held recently.
The collaboration integrates SPT Labtech’s advanced automation technology with BellBrook Labs’ innovative assay capabilities. According to SPT Labtech’s CEO, Rob Walton, the company’s approach centers on individualized solutions for clients. “One of the key principles of our business is working with customers on a very individualized basis,” he explained in an interview. Many clients are clear about their objectives but may not know how to implement automation effectively. SPT Labtech aims to bridge this gap with their expertise in high-precision liquid dispensing technology.
The newly developed miniaturized, high-throughput cell-based assay combines BellBrook Labs’ Transcreener® ADP2 fluorescence polarization assay with SPT Labtech’s dragonfly® liquid handling system. This integrated platform operates in 384- and 1536-well formats, allowing researchers to conduct screening with reduced reagent consumption while maintaining high data quality. During the SLAS meeting, the partners reported the successful identification of 13 novel VPS4B inhibitors, marking a significant advancement in the field.
“The assay is a transformative tool for any biotech or pharma team targeting complex ATPases,” stated Justin Brink, president of BellBrook Labs. He emphasized that this collaboration has significantly lowered the barriers to VPS4B screening, enabling researchers to work more efficiently in drug discovery.
SPT Labtech’s ongoing projects also illustrate its commitment to advancing life sciences automation. Walton noted that the company has established numerous partnerships in genomics, focusing on applications such as DNA and RNA sequencing. Earlier this year, SPT Labtech announced validated automated workflows for Twist Bioscience’s next-generation sequencing library preparation kits. Last October, they partnered with 10x Genomics to automate workflows for single-cell research.
The automation process, while beneficial, presents unique challenges. Walton explained that transitioning from manual to automated processes requires careful consideration of volume differences and operational protocols. “When you start to automate, the volumes are very different,” he said. Automation must replicate manual processes with equal accuracy and quality, necessitating extensive experimentation and testing to achieve reliable results.
To enhance user experience, SPT Labtech recently released upgraded versions of their mosquito and dragonfly liquid handling platforms. This includes improved functionality for increased pipetting capability and a refreshed user interface, making these tools more accessible for researchers.
The company is also expanding its production facilities in key global markets, including China and India. Walton noted a growing demand for their unique automation capabilities, even in highly competitive markets. “We’ve seen quite a lot of demand,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of SPT Labtech’s offerings in the current landscape.
Through this partnership with BellBrook Labs and ongoing efforts to enhance their technology, SPT Labtech continues to position itself as a leader in automating complex life science workflows. This approach not only supports cancer drug discovery but also paves the way for further innovations in the life sciences sector.
