What's Happening?
Promega Corporation has introduced a new live-cell target engagement platform, the TarSeer™ BRETSA™ Target Engagement System, designed to bridge the gap between biochemical and cellular assays for proteins
that are challenging to study. This novel system utilizes bioluminescence resonance energy transfer to detect ligand-protein interactions in intact cells, providing early, target-specific insights for drug discovery researchers. The technology aims to validate weak or early chemical matter and expand the range of targets accessible in live-cell drug discovery workflows. The TarSeer™ BRETSA™ system will be showcased at the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) International Conference and Exhibition in Boston from February 7-11, 2026.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of the TarSeer™ BRETSA™ system is significant for the pharmaceutical industry as it addresses a critical challenge in drug discovery: the ability to study intracellular target engagement for proteins that are difficult to interrogate. This technology enhances the sensitivity of detecting compound binding in live cells, even for weak interactions that are often missed in early discovery stages. By providing a method to measure target engagement directly in cells, the system reduces uncertainty and increases confidence in early-stage compound prioritization. This advancement could accelerate the development of small molecule drugs targeting a wide range of disease-relevant proteins, potentially leading to more effective treatments.
What's Next?
Promega plans to present the TarSeer™ BRETSA™ system at the SLAS 2026 conference, where Matt Robers, Associate Director of R&D at Promega, will discuss the platform's capabilities and applications across multiple target classes. The company will also engage with researchers and industry professionals at the conference to demonstrate the system's potential in drug discovery workflows. As the technology gains traction, it may lead to further innovations in the study of difficult proteins, potentially influencing future drug development strategies.
