Human tissue specialists Asterand (LON:ATD) has launched its isletOrganDOT system - which it hopes will help in the development of new treatments for diabetes.
The company has secured the exclusive worldwide licencing for the platform from Capsant Neurotechnologies Ltd.
The system offers scientists numerous options for how to test new compounds to treat the global disease.
It will be introduced formally by Asterand scientist Samatha Ho at a conference in Berlin.
Vice president of sales and Marketing at the firm said today: "Following a successful evaluation phase, we are extremely pleased to have secured an exclusive license from Capsant and to be launching the isletOrganDOT system today to add it to our growing suite of PhaseZERO human-based drug discovery services.
"Cell-based models for diabetes research have relied on cell lines or intact rodent and human isolated islets, but both models have limitations.
"Asterand's isletOrganDOT system offers advancements in functionality, throughput and study design, allowing us to provide our clients with relevant human data on the effects of test compounds in a rapid and reproducible manner."
Last month broker Daniel Stewart said that, despite a sector-wide downturn, Asterand's full-year results for 2011 had "significantly exceeded" the broker's forecasts.
In a note called "Onwards and upwards" the broker had added that, with the recent acquisition and a major new contract on its way, the company's revenue base was stronger than ever.
The company posted an operating loss of US$2.1 million, nearly achieving break-even earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA).
Daniel Stewart said that the company's turnover - $21.3million - was 4.4 percent ahead of its forecast while the company reported a slightly higher than expected gross margin. Loss before tax (DSC) at $1.1m, was 21 percent lower than anticipated.