Akoya Biosciences Founders Publish Seminal Study Applying Highly Multiplexed Biomarker Profiling to Characterize Tissue Architecture and Cellular Neighborhoods Using CODEX™ Technology

MENLO PARK, Calif., August 13, 2018 (Newswire.com) - Akoya Biosciences Inc. congratulates the co-founders and pioneers in multiparametric single-cell analysis, from the lab of Dr. Garry Nolan, Ph.D., on today’s publication detailing the fundamental CODEX™ technology for highly multiplexed tissue imaging. The study, titled “Deep Profiling of Mouse Splenic Architecture with CODEX Multiplexed Imaging,” published in the journal Cell, describes the development and application of CODEX, a novel method enabling spatially resolved, single-cell imaging of healthy and diseased tissues. The powerful multiplexed imaging strategy, developed at Stanford University and commercialized by Akoya Biosciences, provides the first comprehensive sample-to-answer solution for robust, cost-effective analysis of up to 50 biomarkers simultaneously in fresh-frozen and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues.

“This publication represents a transformational shift in characterizing cellular niches, tissue architecture and cell-to-cell dynamics applicable for discoveries in autoimmune disease, immune-oncology and many other research areas where the spatial context is critical for true biological understanding,” said Dr. Yury Goltsev, the lead author of the study. “We are extremely proud of the development of CODEX technology and are excited by the scientific advancement it will provide to a wide range of researchers.”

This publication represents a transformational shift in characterizing cellular niches, tissue architecture and cell-to-cell dynamics applicable for discoveries in autoimmune disease, immune-oncology and many other research areas where the spatial context is critical for true biological understanding.

Dr. Yury Goltsev, Ph.D., Sr. Research Scientist, Stanford

The researchers profiled mouse splenic specimens using a large antibody panel to provide deep understanding of the vast cellular heterogeneity within healthy and lupus (MRL/lpr) murine spleens. High-resolution cell classification data overlaid with image data to provide a quantitative systemic assessment of changes in the tissue organization and cellular interaction through the progression of this autoimmune disease. “We have developed a comprehensive analysis pipeline for automatic image processing through cell segmentation to enable precise spatial analysis,” said Dr. Nikolay Samusik, one of the co-authors of the study. “These results represent a profound improvement in the understanding of cell-to-cell interaction and protein expression within cellular neighborhoods.”

“This publication demonstrates the critical importance of high parameter spatial analysis and Akoya is privileged in our continued work with the Nolan lab to enable these powerful scientific capabilities in a streamlined and economical product,” said Brian McKelligon, CEO of Akoya. “By harnessing the hard work and innovation of the study’s authors, we will empower the next generation of high-dimensional digital pathology solutions.”

As part of the commercial release, Akoya deploys a comprehensive platform comprised of the CODEX fluidics instrument, reagents and a software suite for seamless integration in converting standard four-channel fluorescent microscopes into high-parameter tissue-imaging platforms. The CODEX workflow includes optimized assay reagents combined with validated antibodies labeled with proprietary CODEX Barcodes for use in cyclic image data generation. The CODEX system has already been deployed in a worldwide early-access program and Akoya will begin shipping commercial systems in the latter half of 2018.

Dr. Garry Nolan will be presenting research using the CODEX system in a live Nature Webcast Sept. 11, as part of the CODEX Webinar Series. Register for Dr. Nolan’s presentation and additional upcoming webinars:

• Sept. 11 – “Highly Multiplexed, Spatially-Resolved Tissue Analysis using the CODEX System” 
  • Presenter: Dr. Garry Nolan, Ph.D., Stanford University 
  • Nature Webcast Series - Register for the event
• Aug. 29 – “The Power of Highly Multiplexed Spatial Analysis: Visualization of CODEX Data using Akoya's Analysis Suite”
  • Presenter: Akoya Biosciences’ R&D and Scientific Applications Team
  • CODEX Webinar Series - Register for the event
• Archived: “CODEX: Multiplexed Biomarker Profiling for Spatially Resolved Single-Cell Tissue Analysis”
  • Presenter:  Dr. Julia Kennedy-Darling, Ph.D., Akoya Biosciences
  • CODEX Webinar Series - View Archived Webinar

About Akoya Biosciences

Akoya Biosciences develops innovative technologies for life science researchers to enable spatially resolved, quantitative tissue phenotyping at the cellular and subcellular level. Our CODEX technology is fueling advances in next-generation tissue analysis by providing comprehensive solutions including instrumentation, reagents and software. Akoya is based in Menlo Park, California.

For more information, please visit https://www.akoyabio.com.

Contact: media@akoyabio.com 

Source: Akoya Biosciences