BioSeek

About BioSeek

BioSeek, Inc. operates as a drug discovery services company, providing critical insights to the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. Founded in 2000 by Ellen Berg, the San Francisco-based firm carved a niche in applying human primary cell assays and predictive disease models to accelerate the development of therapeutics and safer chemicals.

The company's core offering was the proprietary BioMAP® platform, a sophisticated system designed to model human biological responses at the preclinical stage. This platform consists of three main components: BioMAP Systems, which are controlled sets of human primary cell co-cultures; a comprehensive BioMAP Database containing profiles of over 3,000 reference compounds; and Predictive Analytics to interpret the data. By comparing a test compound's activity profile to this extensive database, BioSeek could provide actionable data on the compound's mechanism of action, potential toxicity, and efficacy, significantly enhancing the success rate of drug discovery programs.

BioSeek's business model revolved around providing these specialized testing services through tailored B2B service agreements and strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients. This approach generated revenue by offering crucial support at various stages of drug development, from lead selection and optimization to nominating candidates for preclinical trials. A notable milestone for the company was a significant five-year contract awarded in 2012 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) ToxCast program, valued at $46 million, to screen thousands of environmental chemicals. Throughout its history, BioSeek raised a total of $19 million in funding, including a Series C round of $10 million in 2007 with investors like Bay City Capital and Amylin. The company's journey culminated in its acquisition by DiscoverX on October 30, 2012, which integrated BioSeek's phenotypic screening technology into its own portfolio.