Receptor Pharmacology
for Oncology

Gifford Bioscience advances your oncology drug development with our expertise in specialist ligand binding techniques. We maintain a strong relationship with several tissue banks, including the Human Biomaterials Resource Centre here in Birmingham, to obtain solid tumor tissues of interest for your study, such as prostate, colon or lung tumor tissue, as well as healthy control tissue.

We evaluate the binding of your therapeutic compounds or radiotracers for imaging and the diagnosis of cancer, allowing you to study disease progression and detect biomarkers.

We also provide a cell culture service to grow your specific cell lines for analysis, or alternatively, utilize our in-house cell lines.

Case Study

Adenosine receptors, particularly the A2A and A2B subtypes, contribute to breast cancer progression by promoting tumour growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, and immune evasion. Similarly, the overexpression of the HER2 receptor is associated with aggressive breast cancer, with targeted therapies like trastuzumab effectively inhibiting tumour cell proliferation. Enabling the simultaneous targeting of multiple receptors, such as adenosine and HER2, enhances the understanding of therapeutic mechanisms and supports the development of more effective breast cancer treatments.

Determination of Adenosine 2A receptor activation in two recombinant cell types. Use of [¹²⁵I] labeled antibody (Trastuzumab) to show receptor density on SKBr3 cells, following addition of a saturating concentration of unlabelled antibody to the medium.

Radioligand Binding Assays determine the number of target binding sites (B_max), drug affinity and inhibition (K_d, IC₅₀, K_i) and binding kinetics (k_on/k_off) in in cell lines or tumor tissue. These assays are also used to identify suitable PET radiotracers.

Autoradiography and Receptor Occupancy visualise the tissue distribution of your target in tumor tissue and assess off-target binding.

SPR assesses binding affinity, inhibition (K_d, IC₅₀, K_i) and kinetics of therapeutic antibodies to target of interest (k_on/k_off) and investigate protein-protein interactions.

Functional Cell Signalling Assays determine the physiological effects of your test compounds by measuring GPCR activation (GTPγS) and downstream signalling (cAMP, Ca2+, phospho-ERK assay) as a result of agonist, antagonist, or inverse agonist treatment (EC₅₀, E_max, IC₅₀). Our kinase assays assess targeted therapy development.

Radioimmunoassay and ELISAs monitor target expression, detect cancer markers using radiolabeled antibodies and determine concentration of targets upon drug treatment.

What our Partners say about Gifford Bioscience

From initial inquiry to project debrief, it’s our collaborative style that sets us apart. Our 100% PhD level scientists use their deep expertise to help you solve even the most complex of scientific challenges. Visit our testimonials page to see how our Oncology CRO services have helped our partners achieve quality outcomes in the development of their novel therapeutics.