Joanneum Research

We are actively developing innovative and optimized analytical methods that can be used to investigate metabolic processes. Toward this end, we pool our bio-analytical, statistical, medical, biological and biochemical expertise and conjoin it with advanced information technology. This strategy allows us to offer a wide range of customer-oriented services in the field of metabolomics and metabolic research.

Our services

Quantification of metabolites

Complete quantification of metabolites using isotope-labeled internal standards.

Profiling classes of metabolites

• Coenzyme A activated substances isolated from tissues, cell and yeast cultures
• Polyamines from serum / plasma / tissue (human / animal) samples
• Phospholipids, triglycerides

Metabolic fingerprinting

Profiling small molecules in biological samples using chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (Orbitrap). Alterations in patterns of small molecules are examined using sophisticated statistical methods that have tailored for biomarker identification.

Profiling classes of metabolites - targeted / untargeted metabolomics

LC coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry based on Orbitrap technology allows the identification of metabolites in fingerprints on the basis of their exact molecular mass and retention time. This technology enables the user to study small molecule profiles while simultaneously targeting specific substances and substance classes.

Application: hypothesis-driven biomarker discovery, characterization of pharmaceuticals from natural sources (tea, plant extracts), metabolic research.

Optimized methods for quenching cellular metabolism

Specific metabolites resulting from energy metabolism are, in turn, metabolized at a high conversion speed. In order to carry out investigations on these metabolites, the background enzymatic reactions must be stopped (quenched) quickly and exactly at the desired time point. The metabolite concentrations are then preserved in the sample. This can be achieved by optimizing the methods for quenching cellular metabolism.

• Peak detection, peak integration, retention time correction, peak grouping
• Metabolite identification
• Development of univariate and multivariate statistical methods
• Data visualization
• Data filtering and correction

We carry out biomarker-based and metabolomic studies to pinpoint the causes of inflammatory diseases.

As a service to the pharmaceutical industry, we investigate the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of new drugs as well as the bioequivalence (BE) of new pharmaceutical formulations. We also carry out biomarker-based and metabolomic studies to pinpoint the causes of inflammatory diseases. We perform preclinical ex vivo and in vivo, as well as clinical in vivo, studies. During these studies, we use microdialysis and our patented Open Flow Microperfusion (OFM).

We focus on the targeted tissue

• Dermatology: Transport routes and effects of drugs within the dermal layer after topical or systemic administration (e.g., topical glucocorticoids or systemic antibodies in the case of psoriasis) [Details]
• Endocrinology: Transport routes and effects of drugs in adipose tissue (e.g., insulin) [Details]
• Neurology: Transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), dose-response effects when the BBB is bypassed, monitoring of BBB function (e.g., highly lipophilic substances, psycho- and neuropharmaceuticals [Details]

Open-flow microperfusion

• OFM is a method whereby tissue fluids are continuously extracted, which uses minimally invasive, membrane-free probes.
• It allows direct access to the interstitial spaces and fluid.
• Interstitial fluid can be continuously collected in vivo while several parameters (including biomarkers) are simultaneously analyzed, without any restrictions in terms of size (to the cellular level), lipophilicity of measured compounds, or protein binding effects.
• OFM allows access to all biochemical information within the interstital space in vivo and, thus, opens new perspectives for preclinical and clinical drug testing.

Target tissues Skin: transport routes and effects of drugs within the dermal layer after topical or systemic administration, e.g. topical glucocorticoids or systemic antibodies in the case of psoriasis. Brain: transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), dose-response effects when the BBB is bypassed, monitoring of BBB function, e.g. highly lipophilic substances, psycho- and neuropharmaceuticals. Adipose tissue: transport routes and effects of drugs in adipose tissue, e.g. insulins.

arget tissues Skin: transport routes and effects of drugs within the dermal layer after topical or systemic administration, e.g. topical glucocorticoids or systemic antibodies in the case of psoriasis.

transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), dose-response effects when the BBB is bypassed, monitoring of BBB function, e.g. highly lipophilic substances, psycho- and neuropharmaceuticals.

We support you by offering unbiased, evidence- and science-based expertise in the areas of health care and pharmacoeconomics, market analysis, horizon scanning, regulatory affairs and reimbursement, as well as in the scientific and economic evaluation of health care programs.

Our Services

• Early assessment of new technologies and products
• Health economic analysis and reimbursement
• Premarket surveillance and horizon scanning
• Outcome-based evaluations of health care

Know-how

• Comprehensive analyses and solutions
• Interdisciplinary approaches: we take into account aspects of health economics and modeling, epidemiology, psychology, statistics, clinical medicine and information technology
• Information about decision-making processes and requirements within the health system
• In-depth knowledge of the health system and services
• Expertise in a wide range of disease areas and clinical indications
• Contacts to clinical networks and health care personnel
• Application of a wide range of scientific methods and study designs
• Flexible and individually designed services and packages

As a service to the pharmaceutical industry, we investigate the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of new drugs as well as the bioequivalence (BE) of new pharmaceutical formulations. We also carry out biomarker-based and metabolomic studies to pinpoint the causes of inflammatory diseases. We perform preclinical ex vivo and in vivo, as well as clinical in vivo, studies. During these studies, we use microdialysis and our patented Open Flow Microperfusion (OFM).

We focus on the targeted tissue

• Dermatology: Transport routes and effects of drugs within the dermal layer after topical or systemic administration (e.g., topical glucocorticoids or systemic antibodies in the case of psoriasis) [Details]
• Endocrinology: Transport routes and effects of drugs in adipose tissue (e.g., insulin) [Details]
• Neurology: Transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), dose-response effects when the BBB is bypassed, monitoring of BBB function (e.g., highly lipophilic substances, psycho- and neuropharmaceuticals [Details]

Open-flow microperfusion

• OFM is a method whereby tissue fluids are continuously extracted, which uses minimally invasive, membrane-free probes.
• It allows direct access to the interstitial spaces and fluid.
• Interstitial fluid can be continuously collected in vivo while several parameters (including biomarkers) are simultaneously analyzed, without any restrictions in terms of size (to the cellular level), lipophilicity of measured compounds, or protein binding effects.
• OFM allows access to all biochemical information within the interstital space in vivo and, thus, opens new perspectives for preclinical and clinical drug testing.

Our expertise ranges from the development of innovative analytical solutions to quality-assured sample analyses for clinical studies. For many years, we have cooperated closely with research groups that are working in medical and academic research. Our portfolio also includes numerous research contracts with pharmaceutical industries. We offer:

• Optimization regarding sensitivity, time and costs
• Qualification and validation of analytical methods
• Development, optimization and validation using the latest technology with respect to your requirements

Bioanalytical Assays Services