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Bioassays and mechanistic profiling
Our bioassays and mechanistic profiling services support drug discovery and lead optimization by generating reliable, actionable biological insights across oncology, immuno-oncology, and related therapeutic areas. Using validated cell lines, mechanistic studies, and integrated bioinformatics, we confidently identify the most promising compounds to move your program forward.
We provide a full range of in vitro bioassays to characterize drug candidates. Our capabilities include:
- Cell panel profiling – Screening across >260 well-characterized tumor cell lines to assess sensitivity and biomarker associations.
- Mechanistic cell biology – Studies of proliferation, apoptosis, signaling, and immune-modulation to define mode of action.
- Combination studies – Drug-drug interaction analysis in oncology-relevant systems to identify synergy or resistance.
- High-throughput screening – Automated assays for rapid screening of compound libraries.
- Biochemistry assays – Enzyme activity, binding kinetics, and pathway-specific biochemical assays
- Kinase inhibition – Broad kinase activity profiling to support target validation and selectivity assessment – protein–ligand interaction studies, including binding affinity and thermodynamic characterization
- Biophysics
Related services
Bioassay expertise
270+ cell lines profiled
Comprehensive oncology and immuno-oncology panels support biomarker discovery and patient stratification.
Fast, phase-appropriate insights
Flexible workflows and in-house bioinformatics shorten timelines from data to decision.
Deep oncology expertise
Tailored guidance and flexible study design aligned with your program goals.
Integrated biology and bioinformatics
Our biology offering goes beyond running assays. Bioinformatics, biomarker discovery and mechanistic insights are built into every study, giving you connected data instead of isolated results.
By linking screening, mechanism and translational biology, we turn complex datasets into clear direction – helping you make faster, better-informed decisions across discovery and development.
Testimonials
“We’ve been with them…over 10 years. The cost, the flexibility - the value is just so strong. That’s why we’ve stuck with them.”
Senior Director, CMC
Biotech
“They’ve always met or exceeded my expectations - that’s why I continue to come back, company after company, year after year.”
Allen Horhota, Vice-President Platform & Delivery
Seamless Therapeutics
“The progression was really phenomenal. I am truly impressed. There is a world of difference between you and other CROs.”
Start-up Founder
Biotech
“If the compound can be made, Symeres will undoubtedly find out a good way to make it.”
Dooyoung Jung, CEO
Pinotbio
“I would like to extend my thanks for the excellent work Symeres has done in synthesizing the API for Part 1 of our project. Your communication throughout the process was outstanding, and the sense of urgency with which you operated allowed us to complete this phase promptly and efficiently.”
Leader
Large biotech
“A sign that things are going well - we keep coming to you. We’ve given Symeres five or six different projects already. That’s almost unheard of for us.“
Senior Director, Manufacturing
Top 10 global pharma
“We are developing the most complex molecule that is built at this time in the world…We work with a lot of CROs, also chemistry CROs, and so far Symeres has done the best job with respect to transparency and also to troubleshoot the problems and find a solution. Over the years we have been really impressed with the work that Symeres has done.”
Founder
Biotech
“Through our dedicated FTE resource at Symeres we have achieved remarkable results, not only by developing a new “aspirational” synthetic route but also by significantly improving the current one to deliver a sustainable route for commercial production and giving us two options for late development.”
Associate Director
Large pharma, Europe
“The team is making short work of these targets, so we will have to start thinking of some additional targets!”
Director
Biotech
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Speak with our bioassay drug discovery experts
See how we can support the discovery and development of your next breakthrough.