The Meso Scale Discovery platform has multiple assay options for analyzing analytes in complex biological matrices. These assays include ADA MSD and cytokine assay. Moreover, today sponsors have several MSD assay service providers. Identifying the right vendor providing advanced bioanalytical services can be a challenging task. Therefore the current article shares five tips for choosing the best MSD assay services provider to accelerate your process of drug development.
Does the MSD assay service provider understand your target molecule?
Before selecting an ideal laboratory, sponsors generally have a good understanding of compound physiology and biology. An ideal MSD services provider can help design an experiment to screen potential lead compounds. Besides, a reliable partner can help identify a potential protein source.
What are the primary objectives of the MSD assay?
Each assay has unique goals and objectives. However, knowing your screening goals can be beneficial in deciding the direction of analytical assessments. For example, a large biochemical screening will require a partner MSD assay lab with adequate functional capacities. Therefore, an ideal partner can transfer the assay protocol to your laboratory. Understanding the throughput capacity of your experiments upfront can help determine and identify a potential MSD Assay Services provider to meet your experiment and research goals.
Assay expertise
Robust MSD assays are crucial for reliable and accurate study data. MSD assays are highly selective and sensitive. However, an ideal MSD service provider should be proficient in developing reliable assays.
MSD assays should be sensitive enough to identify low concentrations of analytes. Moreover, the assay should generate high throughput at a lower cost. Delivering results under appropriate conditions is vital for MSD technology. For extensive drug screening studies, the cost will proportionally increase. However, an expert MSD assay provider will have solutions and techniques to reduce assay costs while delivering fast and accurate results.
Must Read: How Assay Testing Ensures Quality Control in Pharmaceuticals?
Is a novel MSD assay required for analysis?
There can be cases when sponsors may not find an analyte in the MSD assay panel library. Here an ideal MSD assay provider should be able to customize your assay development and tailor the MSD assay to detect your compound of interest. Hence sponsor should look for an MSD assay provider with expertise in custom assay development services.
The size, speed, and bioanalytical support provided by an MSD assay service provider
Finding the right MSD assay service provider is crucial for long-term relationships. Hence identifying individual requirements is vital when deciding on a partner laboratory. Sponsors can choose a large contract laboratory that offers services encompassing the entire drug development and discovery phase. On the other hand, they may move forward with a company having knowledge in a specific therapeutic area. Often large contract laboratories focus their expertise on clients with extensive experimental profiles. Therefore smaller companies should ensure they provide the same level of services and support. Moreover, focusing on crucial aspects such as the time taken to complete MSD analysis, the time taken by a contract laboratory to initiate the experiments, and the ability to navigate through difficult times are some key considerations sponsors must focus on while choosing a partner MSD assay service provider.
