The global reaching partnership aims to provide clinical researchers with new biomarkers and validated image analysis protocols, ensuring a continuum from preclinical to clinical phase in the development of anticancer therapies  

Oncodesign,a contract research laboratory dedicated to the discovery of new anticancer therapies, and Banook Central Imaging, a company specializing in the centralized reading of medical images, today announce the start of a partnership to expand the use of new approaches in pharmaco-imaging. The partners expect to share expertise, co-promote joint activities and jointly engage in scientific collaboration to standardize image acquisition and analysis protocols in early clinical phases. The financial details of the agreement were not disclosed. 

The various medical imaging procedures (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography and ultrasound imaging) have become indispensable tools in early-stage development of anticancer compounds. The information they provide about the disease and the effects of molecules is highly valuable in identifying translational markers in preclinical and clinical phases. The partnership between Oncodesign and Banook Central Imaging breaks new ground in the evaluation of anticancer therapies by helping to guide a compound from research laboratory to patient through the pursuit of greater consistency in the imaging protocols used during the development cycle, in accordance with good clinical practice. The first phase of this partnership will last three years. First results are expected by early 2014. 
 
“Oncodesign leads the way in pharmaco-imaging. As well as conducting preclinical proofs of concept, we have a long tradition of striving to provide our clients with tools for improving the characterization of their molecule's therapeutic potential, to expedite clinical trials in humans,” said Philippe Genne, PhD, CEO and founder of Oncodesign. “In the coming weeks, our partnership with Banook Central Imaging will help us to provide our clients with practical solutions, ensuring that the measure of efficacy of anticancer therapies is attainable from one phase of development to the next.”
 
“It is crucial that the challenges of standardizing biomarkers in pharmaco-imaging are considered from the early phases of clinical development,” said Dr Pascal Voiriot, MSc, chairman of Banook Central Imaging. “Our partnership with Oncodesign is in line with our strategy which aims to implement relevant biomarkers in medical imaging, focusing ultimately on personalized medicine and the ability to produce a considerable time saving for the direct benefit of research laboratories and patients.”
 
A joint announcement about the partnership will be made at the ESMO (European Society for Medical Oncology) conference to be held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, from September 27 to October 1.

About Oncodesign

Founded in 1995 and headed by Dr. Philippe Genne, Oncodesign is a pioneer in the preclinical assessment of anti-cancer therapies, a market in which it has been leading for many years. Oncodesign's mission consists of discovering effective anti-cancer therapies. Its scientific expertise in pharmacology, imaging and medicinal chemistry, in addition to strong project management skills, support the company's two strategic activities of experimentation and discovery. These strategic activities are organized in four technological platforms and enable Oncodesign to offer a unique and innovative translational research approach conducted in partnership with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

more about Oncoodesign

About Banook Central Imaging (Banook-ci)
Banook-ci is a global service organization providing medical image management for clinical research to academic centers as well as pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries.
We help our clients secure an expeditious marketing approval by providing objective, reliable and rigorous image acquisition, analysis and processing services that exceed scientific standards of excellence and regulatory requirements.
Banook-ci has been implementing state-of-the-art technologies to handle large volumes of data in full compliance with a comprehensive set of operating procedures and all applicable regulatory guidelines.
These services are supported by a multidisciplinary team including technicians, IT professionals, data managers, specialists in logistics, quality assurance and regulatory affairs, as well as medical experts. All staff members work collaboratively to develop innovative solutions and deliver data of the highest quality and integrity within the agreed timelines.
Banook-ci is a subsidiary of the “Banook Medical Services” group regrouping the activities of three companies: “Banook-ci” itself, “CardiaBase” (global ECG lab) and “Medica Research Services” (worldwide devices rental services for clinical trials).

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