ANN ARBOR, Mich., May 5 — Assay Designs, Inc., a leading

provider of immunoassay kits, antibodies, and reagents to the life sciences

and translational research markets, announced a collaboration on a joint

antibody research project with the Medical University of South Carolina and

Dr. Jennifer Isaacs’ laboratory. Under the terms of this agreement, Assay

Designs will provide anti-Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) antibody for both

cell-based and animal-based work.

This collaboration agreement will allow Dr. Isaacs to move forward with

research investigating the role of Hsp90 in the progression of many

cancers. “I am excited about the prospect of utilizing this antibody to

target the Hsp90 chaperone and to potentially curtail the metastatic

properties of some cancers. Moreover, we now have a new tool to explore the

role of cell surface localized Hsp90 protein in cancer progression. Since

this antibody is well-tolerated in animals, this approach paves the way for

a promising therapeutic strategy, ” stated Dr. Isaacs.

“As the leader in heat shock proteins (HSPs) and chaperones,

collaborations such as this provide valuable insight for our new product

development efforts,” stated Dan Calvo, Assay Designs’ President and CEO.

“Supporting the validation of new and novel test protocols enhances the

value and flexibility of our broad HSP product portfolio.”

About Assay Designs, Inc.

Based in Ann Arbor, MI, Assay Designs develops, manufactures and

markets immunoassay (ELISA) kits, antibodies, and proteins that are used

for life sciences research. The company markets these products under the

“Assay Designs” and “Stressgen” brand names. Researchers use Assay Designs

products to detect and quantify molecules that are important biomarkers of

inflammation, heat shock, cell signaling, and oxidative stress.

About Isaacs Lab.

A long-term research goal of the Isaacs Lab is to better understand the

role of Hsp90 in tumor progression to ultimately optimize the use and

potency of Hsp90 inhibitors in the clinic. In particular, the lab

investigates how Hsp90 contributes to angiogenic processes and cell

migration, representing two fundamental and universal aspects of cancer

progression. Specifically, the tumor-promoting roles of Hsp90 are being

assessed in various invasive cancers, such as prostate, renal cell

carcinoma (RCC), and the deadly disease glioblastoma (GBM). Clinically

relevant orthotopic models of RCC and GBM are being used and newer forms of

Hsp90 antagonists are being evaluated. In collaboration with other groups,

there is also interest in identifying combination treatments most effective

against these cancers.