High Throughput Protein Production
We have developed proprietary protein expression systems for production of our library at high throughput and quality.  We produce our library using human cells to best ensure proper protein folding, glycosylation and activity.  Our automated system is capable of producing over two thousand distinct proteins per week at therapeutically relevant concentrations.  We rigorously monitor and quality control our protein expression systems for expression levels and protein activity.

Innovative High-Content Cell-based Assays
We have extensive expertise in designing and executing complex, high-content assays on primary cells.  All our assays are designed to test one candidate protein per well in a 96 or 384-well format.  Many of the assays that we routinely perform in our high-throughput system were developed from assays originally done as low-throughput secondary or confirmatory assays.  

High-Throughput Screening System
We execute these assays on a state-of-the-art, automated cell-based screening system designed and built in-house.  Our screening system is capable of multiple and diverse readouts, ranging from radioisotope incorporation to measuring cellular impedance.  The >100,000 data points we collect per month are captured, stored and analyzed using software developed at FivePrime. 

In Vivo Technologies
We use a new and optimized technology to quickly obtain both animal efficacy and preliminary toxicity data on our in vitro screening hits.  This technology achieves sustainable, pharmacologically relevant levels of blood-circulating protein for extended periods in animals.  The speed of this system allows us to obtain crucial animal data in a matter of weeks and allows us to eliminate much of the lag time and triaging that occurs between in vitro hits and in vivo validation.

Protein Ligand and Receptor Matching
Our technology platform also gives FivePrime the ability to rapidly match ligands and receptors in cell-based assays.  Besides leading to the de-orphanization of receptors and ligands, this facet of our technology leads to identification of additional therapeutic intervention points and understanding mechanisms-of-action.

Antibody Targets
In addition to identifying therapeutic proteins, our technology platform also identifies proteins whose over-expression increases, depends upon or correlates with, the disease state.  In these instances therapeutic benefit can be derived from targeting the identified protein with antibodies.  Antibodies to such targets can also find use as diagnostics and biomarkers. FivePrime has partnered with Biosite for antibody generation.

Rapid Candidate Development
We apply our extensive protein expression expertise and high-throughput mentality to expedite downstream activities as well.  We are using our existing platform technologies to implement faster and more thorough screens for high-producing cell lines and to optimize vectors for protein expression and production.  We are also evaluating and in-licensing proven technologies to build our internal process development capabilities.  Our current infrastructure allows us to develop clinical quality manufacturing processes and to produce gram quantities of materials for preclinical studies.