Bio-Modeling Systems and Persistent Systems entered a collaboration that marries non-mathematical heuristic modeling with mathematical modeling in an effort designed to increase the success rates of drug discovery and formulation development by the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. A key deliverable of this joint initiative is the development of a predictive in silico or computer-simulated skin model that will help eliminate the need to use animals in contact allergy testing. The deal follows on the heels of the European Union’s ban on the import and sale of cosmetics containing ingredients tested on animals.

Bio-Modeling Systems will combine the outputs of its CADI™ modeling platform with a new software platform, Cell-in-Silico, developed by Persistent, resulting in heuristic model of skin cell interplay mechanisms to be enhanced through mathematical modeling. This strategic collaboration harnesses the scientific and bioinformatics capabilities of Bio-Modeling Systems and the information technology and scientific capabilities of Persistent Systems to provide the first truly holistic systems-based drug discovery solutions, according to Anand Deshpande, Ph.D., managing director and CEO, Persistent Systems.

“Bio-Modeling Systems and Persistent Systems have come together to develop a much-needed solution that will address the pharma and cosmetic industries’ need for predictive modeling of skin in silico,” said he explained. “Bio-Modeling Systems scientists have pioneered heuristic biological modeling with their CADI platform. By coupling this with Persistent Systems’ strength in mathematical modeling and IT, we will develop a viable in silico alternative to animal testing.”

“For the first time ever, mechanistic modeling and dynamics engineering will be merged, bringing a whole new level of understanding to the multi-scale biological space, enabling us to develop a fully integrated, outstanding set of solutions to previously intractable biotechnological problems,” said François Iris, CSO, Bio-Modeling Systems. We look forward to addressing the industry’s challenges head-on with this powerful offering.”

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