SPT Labtech unveils Japan deal for its for firefly platform

The customer is deploying SPT LabTech’s firefly all-in-one liquid handling platform to accelerate the design of small molecule inhibitors of protein-protein interaction (PPI) targets by automating screening workflows.

firefly will be integrated into PRISM BioLab’s screening workflows to automate numerous pipetting and transfer steps across 96 and 384-well plates. The companies say that automating this process with firefly “enhances throughput and efficiency in a cost-effective manner, while reducing the risk of human error and strain associated with repetitive manual liquid handling.”

PRISM BioLab utilises proprietary PepMetics® technology to identify small molecule inhibitors of PPI targets, thereby converting previously undruggable targets across cancer, autoimmune, fibrosis and other therapeutic areas intro readily druggable pathways.

Joby Jenkins, Chief Technology Officer at SPT Labtech, said: “It’s fantastic to see firefly make its debut in Japan. The adoption of firefly technology by PRISM BioLab is a true validation of the dedication and expertise of our scientists and engineers in delivering a truly innovative and robust automated liquid handling platform.

“firefly’s capabilities are well-suited to the repetitive nature of drug discovery screening workflows, empowering laboratories to maximise throughput in such critical areas of diseases with unmet needs.”

Tatsuya Toma, Chief Technology Officer at PRISM BioLab, added: “firefly will be utilised in the screening of our PepMetics® small molecule library and in the dose titration assays. Through the several demo opportunities, we realised firefly is easy to handle and is applicable to automation.

“We are confident firefly will minimize our assay optimization steps and accelerate our research projects to identify novel drugs for the patients.”