MSD Assay: Fundamentals Contract Research Organizations Adopt

With over 20 years of immunoassay development experience, Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) assays are powerful tools for the simultaneous analysis of biomolecules in complex study matrices. MSD combines electrochemiluminescence and multi-array technology to bring miniaturization and parallel processing to sample analysis. Moreover, MSD mesoscale offers assay development services, instrument services, and personalized training modules.

The current article highlights crucial MesoScale multiplex fundamentals that CROs adopt for their analyses. Several contract research organizations have switched to Meso Scale Discovery assays for biomarker analysis, immunogenicity testing, and custom assay development. Also, with technical advancements, CROs are regularly updated with MSD principles and evolving MSD parameters.

Assay development

Today’s clinical research needs increasingly robust and reliable assays to take crucial developmental decisions. However, developing such assays can be difficult. MSD provides seamless assay development for all research applications. They have collaborated with several companies and research organizations to develop assays ranging from serology and immunogenicity testing to immunoassays for phosphoproteins and peptides. Hence, depending on a CROs need, MSD develops assays for both basic research and validated protocols. Moreover, CROs are updated regularly with the progress of assay development through interactive discussions and consultative decision-making talks.

Biomarker Services

Biomarker services are one of the many favorite applications of Meso Scale Discovery. With vast experience developing multiplex solutions, MSD offers biomarker assays ranging from early discovery studies to a completely validated assay. MSD has a simple yet powerful process for biomarker services. The package involves screening the biomarker, selecting the choice of biomarkers, and finally allowing these biomarkers to validate. MSD has a full spectrum of biomarkers that can be screened and transferred to focused panels. Moreover, sponsors can validate these panels according to their study sample needs.

Conjugation services

MSD conjugates biomolecules with either Sulfo-Tag or biotin through their custom conjugation services. Sulfo-Tag molecules are used as detector molecules, while biotin conjugates may serve as both capture or detection reagents. CROs can use this service for proteins, antibodies, peptides, and oligonucleotides. Moreover, MSD also has a Gold Conjugation Service available for CROs with validation requirements or are involved in longitudinal studies requiring reproducibility and high performance.

Prototype printing services

Most CROs use MSD’s custom plate coating services to convert ELISAs into MSD or develop novel mesoscale multiplex assays based on a sensitive electrochemiluminescence platform. MSD coats plates with the material of choice, including proteins, antibodies, peptides, polysaccharides, or oligonucleotides.

Training services

Training services form a crucial component of Meso Scale Discovery. MSD offers immunoassays, instruments, and software trainings to ensure that CROs fully benefit from these advanced products. Some features of these trainings are as follows:

An MSD expert conducts personalized training on a one-on-one or small group basis.

These trainings are conducted by an MSD field application scientist at the CRO’s facility.

The training covers assay development and performance, MSD technology, best practices, and the Discovery Workbench analytical software.

Moreover, after completing the training, MSD provides training completion certificates so that CROs can demonstrate expertise and commitment for quality and precision.