PANATecs has developed P-CHECK® – a test procedure for the detection of proteolytic enzymes in pharmaceutical and diagnostic raw materials and for in-process control in the production of therapeutic proteins. P-CHECK is currently only available as a service, but will also be sold as a complete kit from the end of the year.

Protein-based raw materials are often basic substances in diagnostic tests and are frequently contaminated with enzymes that break down proteins (proteases). Proteases can have unfavorable effects on the stability of test kit batches and falsify the results of measurements.

Proteases also present a problem in the production of biopharmaceuticals. They can destroy the product and are also a potential risk to patients, if they pass into the blood when the drug is injected.

P-CHECK® is based on the FRET technology (Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer). This test procedure guarantees maximal sensitivity for proteases down to the lower nanogram range. The scope is much greater than with previous tests and can be enormously expanded with a peptide library, covering up to 2.47 million sequence variants.

More information about P-CHECK® can be found at the Biotechnica from 11.-13.10.2011 in Hall 9/Stand D38, or at the BioPh from 25.-27.10.2011 in Hall 4.1./Stand 41B42.