Nonclinical Research

START is dedicated to developing improved preclinical models and assays to accelerate oncology drug development. With over 40 combined years of oncology drug development, the Nonclinical Research Group specializes in assisting pharmaceutical and biotech companies in the development process of new agents.

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The mission of the Nonclinical Program is to accelerate the comprehensive development of new anticancer agents through integration of preclinical studies, novel clinical trial designs, and pharmacokinetic analysis, thus expediting evaluation of promising agents while increasing access of new anticancer therapies to patients.

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The Nonclinical Program offers rapid, cost effective preclinical services focused on data quality and accessibility. Our team works closely with sponsors to develop a comprehensive drug development strategy and with hundreds of novel agents screened each year in the laboratory and clinic, we have experience with virtually every mechanistic class of oncology agent. An extensive database with efficacy and toxicity profiles for approved chemotherapeutics also allows detailed evaluation of novel agents in combination with standard therapeutic regimens.

In addition to the development of cell-based screening tools, we have established over 200 models from patient tumor tissue, which can be utilized at various stages of drug development.

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We are unique in that our researchers work alongside the world’s leading Phase I clinicians who can advise the best course to move agents through preclinical development and into first in man studies.

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