Streamlining Drug Development Through Strategic, Stage-Specific Bioassays & Functional Assessments

By Dr. Erika Kovacs, Sr. Director of Bioassay

In the ever-evolving landscape of drug development, the ability to accurately evaluate a therapeutic candidate’s biological performance is essential. Bioassays and functional assessments serve as the foundation of this process, providing developers with crucial data that guides informed decision-making from early discovery to commercial manufacturing.

These assays are not merely technical steps but strategic instruments that, when used effectively, can influence the pace, direction, and success of a therapeutic’s journey. From simple, rapid screening tests to complex, mechanism-specific models, the landscape of functional evaluation is diverse, and its potential impact, immense.

As therapies become more advanced and modalities more specialized, the importance of aligning assay design with biological context and development milestones continues to grow. Understanding how, when, and why to apply specific assays is key to maximizing a therapeutic’s promise. The following article explores this interplay, offering insights into how carefully tailored assessments can shape the future of drug development.