Biopharma Services

Translation that moves you forward

Innovation will always involve risk. It comes with the territory when you’re pursuing better ways to fight cancer. We’re committed to reducing preclinical uncertainty by providing translation that helps biopharma researchers make informed decisions about a drug candidate's performance and path forward.

A protected tumor microenvironment for a more accurate assessment

The Elephas ex vivo platform is unique in its ability to protect the live, native tumor microenvironment. Our exclusive use of live tumor fragments enables us to characterize your drug candidates in a model that best represents the live, native tumor microenvironment.

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Protecting the tumor microenvironment starts with specimen preparation

Specimen preparation is critical for creating human live tumor fragments and the key to translation. Consenting patients' fresh tumor tissue and clinical data is obtained through our network of hospitals and academic research centers within the US and Canada. Specimens are then prepared by:

Precisely cutting live tumors into fragments, using a proprietary instrument
Randomizing and sorting to account for heterogeneity
Encapsulating to maintain tumor content and integrity

We are your partner from start to finish

Once prepared, live tumor fragments are treated with the drug candidate and controls of your choice for response measurement and reporting. We offer exploratory advanced imaging, as well as a set of core assays. We're able to design studies with the appropriate combination of assays to drive your drug development forward.

Advanced Imaging

Elephas' advanced imaging technology offers insights into cellular and molecular processes. Our proprietary microscopes visualize biological interactions and allow measurement from a live specimen over time.

Dynamic optical coherence microscopy (dOCM) is used for real-time, in-depth analysis of live tissue. With dOCM, the biological impact of drugs can be observed with speed and precision. This non-invasive technique generates high-resolution views of tissues, making it a useful tool for understanding viability over time ex vivo.

Multiphoton microscopy (MPM) enables deep tissue penetration with minimal disruption to live cells. This proprietary technology is crucial for observing intricate biological processes and evaluating drug efficacy within live tissue structures.

dOCM allows for rapid visualization of viability.

MPM: Two fields of view from the same tumor, demonstrating the heterogeneity inherent in tumors.

Cas-Green (detects apoptosis); CD8 (T cell); NAD(P)H metabolism); SHG (extracellular matrix/collagen)

Core Assays

The assays used on our platform capture tumor heterogeneity allowing for comparison within a specimen or across a population. All our assays are supported by robust data sets that demonstrate their reliability and precision.

Secretome profiling

Cell surface markers

Transcriptome analysis

Histology

Data in weeks, not months

Time is a precious commodity. That’s why we work to deliver actionable insights in weeks, from acquisition of specimens, not months. Based on your individual needs, deliverables will include:

Report that contains raw, normalized, and fold change assay results
Associated documents and data including protocols, amendments, and clinical data
Additional summaries, data files, and visualizations upon request

Results are made available through a secure, cloud-based portal.

Expertise at your fingertips

We support your studies from initial design through final data readouts. Beyond the wealth of data you’ll receive, our subject matter experts will work with your team to understand the data within the context of our platform. It’s a unique and vital connection that is designed to ensure you achieve your study goals.

We can reduce uncertainty throughout the discovery and development process

See below for some examples of how we can help you throughout your project.

Early-stage discovery	Discover novel biomarkers Identify pathway modulation Understand mechanism of action
Late-stage discovery	Validate predictive biomarkers Lead candidate selection
Translational & trial planning	Mitigate risk with ex vivo trial Inform patient stratification Determine tumor type or combination therapy for trial
Clinical development	Characterize specimens pre- and post-treatment

Our Data

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