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The AIT Austrian Institute of Technology and JOANNEUM RESEARCH have signed a memorandum of understanding to combine their expertise in preclinical research. The plan is to create a platform that provides an integrated range of technologies, services, and scientific expertise. This should make research and development significantly more efficient for partners from science and industry.
Preclinical research is the stage at which new drugs, diagnostic procedures, or therapies are systematically tested for the first time before clinical trials on humans are possible. It is precisely in this transition from basic research to application that obstacles often arise: different laboratories and providers work in isolation, interfaces are unclear, and access to the appropriate methods is difficult for companies such as start-ups. “By bundling complementary preclinical expertise, we can provide industry and research partners with a significantly expanded, integrated range of services. This increases efficiency, planning reliability, and implementation speed in research and development,” explains AIT Scientific Director Andreas Kugi.
Complementary strengths
This is precisely where the collaboration comes in. The AIT Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics contributes its experience in molecular analysis, biomarker development, and state-of-the-art diagnostics. JOANNEUM RESEARCH complements this with expertise in preclinical research, such as tissue-specific pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, mode-of-action studies, the evaluation of protein binding effects, and approaches to predicting the results of expensive clinical trials. “The establishment of a joint platform for diagnostics, models, and services is an important step in the collaboration between Austria's two largest non-university research units. This enables us to create an offering that benefits science, but above all industry,” emphasizes JOANNEUM RESEARCH Managing Director Heinz Mayer.
Target groups and benefits
The offering is aimed at pharmaceutical and biotech companies, medical technology firms, and academic partners. A typical example: a start-up developing a new drug candidate will in future be able to access a complete package in Austria—from genetic and molecular analysis and preclinical testing in validated models to data evaluation and advice on regulatory requirements. The advantage: shorter distances, lower risks, and bundled access to relevant expertise.
In the coming months, the platform will be developed into a concrete offering for the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Joint projects with industry and scientific partners are also planned in order to raise the international profile of Austria as a center for preclinical research. In addition to the AIT management, Andreas Weinhäusel, AIT Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, and Franz Feichtner from JOANNEUM RESEARCH are involved in the implementation.
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