Translational Research | Thermo Fisher Scientific

In recent decades, advances such as sequencing of the human genome and proteome have helped increase our understanding of many diseases. But our ability to translate these exciting new discoveries into products that can help patients has lagged behind the pace of discovery. That translational gap has come to be known as the "Valley of Death."[1]. The bridge between basic and clinical research that can help us cross that divide is known as translational research: the process of applying ideas, insights, and discoveries generated through basic scientific inquiry to the treatment and prevention of human disease.

Proven technologies and innovative applications to shorten this path to clinic

To understand the multiple factors that may influence health and disease, translational research requires the study of biology at the “omics” level. Omics is a rapidly evolving field that includes genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. By moving from genomics only to a multi-omics approach, we can obtain more comprehensive insights valuable to the advancement of translational research.

Sample-to-report solutions for DNA and RNA analysis

The discovery and analysis of genetic variants and gene expression profiles provide insights into the molecular basis of disease that are paving the way for precision medicine. Our comprehensive range of trusted, state-of-the-art genetic analysis solutions can help your clinical research lab realize its full potential.

Learn more about our genetic analysis technologies:

Protein and metabolite profiling via mass spectrometry

While genes provide the blueprint for cell activity, understanding how genes are expressed at the molecular level and impact the structure of proteins requires a multi-omics approach. Recent advances in mass spectrometry have skyrocketed capabilities in translational proteomics. Our translational proteomics solutions deliver new workflows that can produce quantitative, reproducible, standardized, scalable, and clinically relevant results.

Cell therapy solutions from discovery to clinical research

Our cell therapy solutions are designed to enable a seamless transition from research to the clinic. We provide scalable products manufactured under cGMP conditions with extensive safety testing and unified traceability documentation to facilitate regulatory approval.

New structural biology cryo-electron microscopy technology

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) provides the ability to view, in near-atomic detail, the architecture of a metabolic enzyme bound to a drug that blocks its activity. This advance provides a new path for deciphering molecular structures and may revolutionize drug development. Understanding enzymes in detail can help scientists design new drugs that can either block an enzyme’s function or enhance its activity.