Pharmagene Discovery Services is a specialist contract research organisation dedicated to advancing drug discovery through the power of human tissue–based science. With nearly three decades of experience and a heritage rooted in translational research, We partner with global life science organisations, including biopharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, and patient foundations, to deliver customised discovery and preclinical research services.
Our expert scientific team combines deep biological insight with cutting-edge technologies to generate meaningful, human-relevant data that supports target validation, biomarker discovery, and progression of novel therapeutic programmes.
Our services
From complex, bespoke assay development to advanced spatial biology and multiplex tissue analysis, we provide flexible, consultative support across the discovery pipeline. We are proud to be recognised for our expertise in designing and implementing innovative in vitro models and tissue-based platforms that help clients de-risk research and reduce reliance on animal testing. By integrating emerging technologies with decades of practical experience, we enable researchers to better understand disease biology and make confident, data-driven decisions at every stage of development.
Unlock insights into human tissue, revealing where cells, genes, and proteins interact within their native microenvironment
Supporting the progression of novel biologics by evaluating toxicity and off-target effects in human-relevant systems
Providing deep insights into cell function, behaviour, and response within human tissue systems
Validated platforms to enable the measurement of individual or multiplexed analytes in human biosamples, delivering quantitative data from a comprehensive range of assay endpoints
An extensive inventory of ethically sourced human tissues for research and a range of commercial biostorage solutions, supported by expert human sample management
GCLP-compliant clinical sample processing and the development and qualification of clinical-ready assays, supporting research designed with the end goal in mind
HTA licensed since 2007
Human tissue biorepository for research containing approximately 80,000 samples
All samples collected with informed consent for research use
GLP-compliant facility since 2010
Our laboratory
Our 10,000sft BSL-2 laboratory in Royston features state of the art instrumentation to support our full suite of service capabilities, including:
Spatial biology
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Leica, Ventana and Dako IHC autostainers
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Aperio and PhenoImager HT digital slide scanners
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HALO image analysis software
Cellular biology and bioassay
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Fully equipped tissue culture facility
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Nexelom cellometers
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Cytation5 multimode plate reader with cellular imaging
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QuantStudio6 Flex
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Jess Simple Western
Human tissue and clinical
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Monitored temperature-controlled storage
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Sample management database
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Fully automated histopathology suite
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HTA licensed since 2007
-
Human tissue biorepository for research containing approximately 80,000 samples
-
All samples collected with informed consent for research use
-
GLP-compliant facility since 2010