Our products and services

In silico deep phenotyping-based research and patient stratification

The CK-CARE registry collects a unique range of data from patients with atopic dermatitis (several thousands of patients included; age range from birth to 99 years old) including aspects, such as, current severity (SCORAD and E ASI), age of onset, detailed disease course and history, family background, associated diseases (including infections) and comorbidities (asthma, rhinitis, other allergies) of patients and relatives, sociodemographic information, life style, past and current treatment regimens, intolerances, quality of life. The dataset also includes routine lab data, such as, total and detailed sensitization profile of specific IgE (ISAC Chip).

The patients are seen once per year for up to 5 years thereby providing follow-up data of particular interest in the pediatric population. Overall, more than 1,500 data points are generated per patient and visit.

Furthermore, the CK-CARE registry includes an increasing number of patients who are in remission of their AD, patients with psoriasis, control patients who have other atopic disorders but no AD as well as normal non-atopic individuals.

Thus, the registry offers a unique opportunity for in-depth analysis to better understand the complex phenotype of atopic dermatitis and its comorbidities for strategic decisions in drug development programs.

Contracted research projects for drug and biomarker discovery

Using the samples of the CK-CARE biorepositor y and the technology platform, we offer a unique opportunity to test your therapeutic approach and strategy. We can examine your new molecules or diagnostic test procedures on high quality and clinically well characterized biomaterial from patients and control individuals (including normal and other inflammatory skin conditions for sensitivity and specificity purposes). The biomaterial from the CK-CARE biobank can also be used for comparative studies with a well-defined population and for control purposes.

Biobanking services – preparation and storage of samples from preclinical and clinical studies

Our extended experience in operating large biorepositories offers the best conditions for the labeling, short-/long-term storage and management of biospecimens collected during preclinical and clinical procedures/trials. The DBS biobank facilities are certified by the Swiss Biobanking Association, and we can provide biobanking as a service including sample preparation upon request. Furthermore, DBS provides support in the analysis of complex multi-omics data with bioinformaticians and statisticians within our bioinformatics framework.

Immunohistochemistry

Histological and immunohistochemical staining procedures are well-established investigational tools in dermatology. For drug discovery and for biomarker programs in the context of clinical trials, we offer a large panel of staining procedures using specific antibodies directed against structural and cellular features in the skin to explore the in-situ impact of new compounds on the inflammatory infiltrate and/or the epithelial and dermal compartments. Furthermore, we provide qualitative and quantitative analysis of the results as well as image analysis and AI approaches on the stained samples. In case of need for reference biopsies and for sensitivity/specificity purposes, the CK-CARE biorepository can provide adequate material from well characterized patients and control individuals.

Analysis of soluble mediators in liquid samples

Measurement of soluble mediators in liquid biospecimens, such as, serum, sputum, interstitial fluids, or culture supernatants is a major pillar in biomarker programs flanking clinical drug development. We offer a panel of different technologies including Luminex and the newest generation multiplex analysis using the state-of-the-art Olink technology (the mandatory internal bridging controls for these technologies are provided by samples from the CK-CARE biobank). Body fluids, including those obtained from skin biopsies, can be measured with the highly sensitive proteomics technologies, including proximity extension assays and unbiased mass spectrometry.

Cellular phenotyping

Multicolor flow cytometric analysis of blood or skin samples provide a useful tool to analyze the behavior of the cells before, during, and after therapy with new compounds. Our platform is equipped with several modern multicolor flow cytometers (10 and 18 colors, respectively) as well as sorting capabilities.

Transcriptomics

DBS delivers state-of-the-art RNA isolation and processing for expression profiling from biosamples of different sources. We provide state-of-the-art RNA sequencing, including single-cell transcriptomics and spacial transcriptomics, using the latest available technologies.

Biomarker discovery and development services

We can provide a competent project management for all above-mentioned services and help in the trial design for the identification new biomarkers as potential companion diagnostics. Candidate biomarkers can be combined into panels of significant discriminatory power and thereby be used for diagnostic, prognostic, or predictive purposes. Beyond discovery programs, we can support validation steps (replication studies) as well as regulatory qualification/fitness for use procedures.