Novartis publishes new cancer cell line encyclopaedia

Novartis has announced the launch of a publicly-available cancer cell line encyclopaedia that will help to support cancer research efforts across the world.

Developed in conjunction with the Broad Institute, the encyclopaedia catalogues the genetic and molecular profiles of almost 1,000 human cancer cell lines used in drug research and development.

To compile the catalogue, cell lines spanning common and rare cancer types were acquired from leading commercial vendors in the US, Europe, Japan and Korea.

The data will be made available for free online and can be used by researchers to determine how new or existing cancer drugs can be used most effectively, while aiding the development of personalised therapy options.

Mark Fishman, president of the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, said: "We hope that many in industry and academia will use these data to discover new drug targets, to evaluate current therapies and to facilitate treatment for their patients with cancer."

Last month, Novartis was named one of the most valuable global brands in the world in a report by Brand-Finance.