DxDiscovery relies on several core technologies. These technologies are seamlessly integrated to produce the end product – a diagnostic immunoassay. The sequence in use of technologies is illustrated in the figure below. The entry point into the sequence is dependent on whether or not the target is known from the onset. If the target is not known, the process begins with target discovery. If the target is known, the process begins with the design of an immunization strategy that is best suited for the diagnostic target, e.g., is the target a protein or a polysaccharide.
The goal is to produce the best possible antibody for the intended application. Considerations in selection of the best antibody include epitope specificity, antibody class and subclass, physical properties such as solubility, and antibody binding properties, e.g., association- and dissociation-rates. Most often, the antibody that is produced first is not necessarily the antibody that is best. As a consequence, there is an iterative process in which antibody properties as determined via BIAcore analysis and other forms of evaluation are evaluated in the context of antibody performance in an immunoassay, most often using the lateral flow immunoassay platform.
We strive for a product of exceptional quality. This quality cannot be achieved by simple monoclonal antibody production such as that available from commercial sources. We custom design and select antibodies for an intended purpose. Achieving this goal is critically dependent on an integrated system of proprietary technologies for antigen production, immunization strategies, and strategies for production and selection of hybridomas designed to achieve individual project objectives.
Iterative improvement is an ongoing component for our core technologies. Einstein wrote that, “The most powerful force in the universe is compound interest.” A 15% improvement in each of the technologies shown above will, if compounded, produce a doubling in the value/quality of the overall process. We believe that compounding of incremental changes to core technologies will produce exponential improvements in the diagnostic development process.