Pharmagene achieves Jess™ Simple Western™ certification

Pharmagene Discovery Services are proud to be the first Certified Service Provider for the Jess™ Simple Western™ platform in the UK. Jess is an advanced automated platform from Bio-Techne that delivers accurate, reproducible and quantitative protein expression data/analysis.

Our scientific team has completed a dedicated training programme led by Bio-Techne’s expert field application scientists, equipping them with the knowledge and practical expertise to ensure optimal use of the Jess platform across singleplex, multiplex and RePlex assay designs.

Jess complements our bioassay services, which also include traditional SDS-PAGE and Western blotting.

Kathryn Bagot (Senior Scientist) and Bryony Davies (Research Assistant) give their insights into Pharmagene’s bioassay services, the Jess platform, and the Bio-Techne certification.

What bioassay services does Pharmagene offer and how does the Jess platform complement them?

Kathryn: Our skilled cell biology and bioassay team routinely develop 2D (multiwell and Transwell plates) and 3D (air-liquid interface, matrix-based or matrix free, simple or co-culture) human primary cell-based assays and have experience with a variety of cell types (isolated from blood, skin, lung and liver). We deliver quantitative data from a comprehensive range of biochemical assay endpoints, including ELISA and qRT-PCR. Our systems are validated, so we are able to generate and analyse data from both preclinical and clinical samples.

The Jess platform adds another capability to our range of services allowing us to design and perform more complex, automated Western blotting assays for our customers which is something they now routinely request.

What are the advantages of Jess?

Bryony: The key advantages of the Jess platform are improved precision and reproducibility compared to manual Western blotting. Therefore, our customers can be sure that they will get reliable data. Additionally, the system allows multiplexing for simultaneous target detection and analysis enabling us to offer a more efficient and cost-effective service.

A further advantage is that the system enables quantitative protein data to be obtained from low sample volumes which is important when samples are precious or just not available in large volumes.

Furthermore, the software supporting our Jess system is GxP-compliant, and the platform uses validated reagents, both of which are essential for our clinical customers.

What did the certification process involve?

Kathryn: The certification process included participation in a training programme that was designed to strengthen both our theoretical understanding and practical skills with the Jess Simple Western system. This included the completion of a series of online training modules covering assay design, best-practice workflows, and enhanced data analysis. These modules were assessed through an online examination.

Following the theory component, we moved into the laboratory to carry out the practical training runs. Here, we successfully replicated expected data outputs and met the defined success criteria.

Bryony: The data generated during the practical component was assessed externally by a Field Application Scientist from Bio‑Techne. After reviewing our results and confirming that all criteria had been met, our submission was approved and certification was issued.

In addition, we will complete an annual recertification to ensure we remain up to date with new instrument features, software developments, and assay protocol updates.

How does the certification benefit your laboratory work and Pharmagene’s customers?

Bryony: The training has increased our knowledge of the system and provided us with a comprehensive understanding of the Jess’ functionality. It has also given me valuable hands‑on experience, enabling me to confidently design and perform routine assays as well as utilise more advanced features, including the multiplexing/RePlex functions.

Kathryn: The additional knowledge and expertise gained through this training will directly benefit our customers. Many of our customers are increasingly incorporating the Jess Simple Western system into their workflows due to its advantages over traditional Western blotting, including its fully automated protocols, GxP‑compliant software, minimal sample input requirements, and ability to generate quantitative data.

Our training and certification provide customers with further reassurance of our technical expertise and confidence in our ability to deliver high‑quality, robust data.

Biographies

Kathryn Bagot (Senior Scientist)

Kathryn joined the company in 2006, following completion of her PhD. She has worked within the cell biology and bioassay team for just over 18 years where she has been responsible for assay development and project management for both clinical and pre-clinical projects over a wide range of therapeutic areas (including oncology, respiratory and fibrosis). Her work has covered isolation and use of primary cells in both 2D and 3D models and the extensive use of cell lines to support Pharmagene’s customers’ R&D programmes.

Bryony Davies (Research Assistant)

Bryony joined the company in November 2021 as an apprentice, primarily focused on isolation of PBMCs to support numerous global clinical trials. Following the completion of her apprenticeship, she joined the cellular biology and bioassay team, supporting the lab by performing ELISAs, cell lysate generation and cell culture for both clinical and preclinical projects. To further her knowledge and skill set, she studied for a biology degree, which she completed last year. Bryony has worked with Pharmagene’s Jess Simple Western system across numerous projects since the company acquired the platform in 2023.