In a recent research study (1), Roche's (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) Liberase TM Research Grade was used to isolate cells from lung tumor tissue. The resulting cell number, viability, and functionality were compared with a collagenase/neutral protease mixture of another supplier. Before any tissue dissociation procedure, the biopsies were characterized immunohistochemically with anti-CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) and anti-cytokeratin antibodies as a positive control. A high number of CEA-positive cells could be detected, demonstrating the tumor origin of the tissue. The cell yield after isolation and the proliferation capacity of the cells isolated from human lung tumor tissue was significant higher in cultures from Liberase TM Research Grade compared to the competitor enzyme mixture.
Roche's Liberase Enzymes are mixtures of collagenases and neutral protease enzymes, formulated for efficient dissociation of tissue from a wide variety of sources. The enzymes are of highly pure grades as a result of advanced fermentation conditions and an optimized purification process leading to intact, non-degraded raw material (2).
For the development of efficient future tumor therapies the in vitro testing of pharmaceutical products in reliable cell culture test systems is of outmost importance. Using specific primary cells of individuals suffering from cancer, custom-made therapies could be developed. To establish such upcoming test systems, primary human tumor cells have to be isolated by dissociating the tissue without damaging the cells. The goal of all cell isolation procedures is to maximize the yield of dissociated cells that are viable and functionally active.
(1) Appelt, A, Jany, C., Heymer, A. (2010) European Biotech News, in press.
(2) Biochemica 1 (2009), pp. 20-21.
Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is a leader in research-focused healthcare with combined strengths in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. Roche is the world's largest biotech company with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, virology, inflammation, metabolism and CNS. Roche is also the world leader in in-vitro diagnostics, tissue-based cancer diagnostics and a pioneer in diabetes management. Roche's personalised healthcare strategy aims at providing medicines and diagnostic tools that enable tangible improvements in the health, quality of life and survival of patients. In 2009, Roche had over 80'000 employees worldwide and invested almost 10 billion Swiss francs in R&D. The Group posted sales of 49.1 billion Swiss francs. Genentech, United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche has a majority stake in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan. For more information: www.roche.com.
Roche's Liberase Enzymes are mixtures of collagenases and neutral protease enzymes, formulated for efficient dissociation of tissue from a wide variety of sources. The enzymes are of highly pure grades as a result of advanced fermentation conditions and an optimized purification process leading to intact, non-degraded raw material (2).
For the development of efficient future tumor therapies the in vitro testing of pharmaceutical products in reliable cell culture test systems is of outmost importance. Using specific primary cells of individuals suffering from cancer, custom-made therapies could be developed. To establish such upcoming test systems, primary human tumor cells have to be isolated by dissociating the tissue without damaging the cells. The goal of all cell isolation procedures is to maximize the yield of dissociated cells that are viable and functionally active.
(1) Appelt, A, Jany, C., Heymer, A. (2010) European Biotech News, in press.
(2) Biochemica 1 (2009), pp. 20-21.
Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is a leader in research-focused healthcare with combined strengths in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. Roche is the world's largest biotech company with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, virology, inflammation, metabolism and CNS. Roche is also the world leader in in-vitro diagnostics, tissue-based cancer diagnostics and a pioneer in diabetes management. Roche's personalised healthcare strategy aims at providing medicines and diagnostic tools that enable tangible improvements in the health, quality of life and survival of patients. In 2009, Roche had over 80'000 employees worldwide and invested almost 10 billion Swiss francs in R&D. The Group posted sales of 49.1 billion Swiss francs. Genentech, United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche has a majority stake in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan. For more information: www.roche.com.
