ICOCEPT^TM Innovative Compound Screening for the Operative Creation of Effective Patentable Therapeutics

Icogenex uses ICOCEPT^TM, a technologically advanced, high-throughput methodology, paired with molecular biology and biochemistry expertise to identify lead compounds that interact with cell surface receptors. ICOCEPT utilizes an in-house cDNA library of genes encoding cell surface proteins, a Xenopus oocyte expression system that allows cell surface receptors to be expressed in near isolation, and a highly sensitive electrophysiological recording system with which to rapidly screen complex chemical libraries from a variety of sources. The power of this approach lies in the ability to quickly obtain and express large numbers of cell surface proteins, and the exquisite specificity and sensitivity of the rapid screening system.

Target Protein Panels

Icogenex is continually adding to an in-house cDNA library of receptors for use in the ICOCEPT screening system. The ICOCEPT system allows a virtually limitless number of cell surface proteins to be expressed and screened simultaneously. Icogenex's initial screening targets are the chemokine receptors, a group of G-protein couple receptors (GPCRs) that play key roles in regulating immune cell signaling, and which are frequently involved in inflammatory diseases. A brain receptor panel is also in development, as well as several specific orphan GPCR panels. Scientists at Icogenex have extensive molecular biology expertise, allowing the fast procurement of new cDNA clones as interest or need arises.

The Screening System

Unlike many high-throughput techniques, ICOCEPT exhibits an excellent signal-to-noise ratio, allowing the rapid identification of true positive results. Experimental design insures that "positive" compounds interact directly with the cell surface protein of interest, eliminating the need for regressive experimentation to determine precise interactions between lead compounds and potentially complicated cell signaling pathways. Development is underway for the next generation of ICOCEPT, in which much of the screening process will be automated, and throughput will be increased by greater than 10-fold.

Library Screening- Partnerships to screen libraries for active compounds

Many types of screening libraries are appropriate for use with the ICOCEPT system. Icogenex scientists have experience with peptide expression libraries, (useful for the development of peptidomimetics), synthetic combinatorial chemical libraries, as well as chemical libraries from natural product sources. Screening is rapid, and easily repeatable, and the excellent signal-to-noise output allows highly interpretable results. Once an appropriate receptor panel is in place, screening can begin in less than 24 hours. Icogenex welcomes the opportunity to partner with companies or individuals to screen novel compound libraries using the ICOCEPT system.