Inflammation is more than a symptom; it is a root cause or exacerbating factor in a significant number of diseases, making it a critical focus of medical research. Customizable inflammatory protein biomarker panels empower targeted research with a set of key analytes of interest, while having the capacity to fill diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive gaps in clinical research. However, their successful implementation relies on rigorous assay validation, high analyte combinability, and consistent data quality.
The Olink Flex platform from proteomics solutions leader Olink overcomes this hurdle by delivering unmatched flexibility and precision for custom biomarker panels. Researchers can mix and match 5–30 assays from a rigorously validated library of about 200 biomarkers into a single panel, creating tailored solutions for inflammation research with 99% assay combinability.
Olink Flex can deliver industry-leading flexibility thanks to Olink’s well-established and widely referenced Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) technology, which combines DNA-based techniques with immunoassay principles to ensure high sensitivity and specificity, delivering robust data in both absolute and relative quantification. All Olink assays undergo a rigorous validation process, with validation data transparently available for download. PEA is compatible with a wide range of sample types beyond plasma and serum (such as organoids, cell culture supernatant, tissue lysates, ocular matrices, and more), and with its minimal, 1 uL sample requirement, presents an ideal solution for studies using precious and limited samples.
On top of flexibility, Olink Flex also delivers a streamlined workflow and robust data analysis capabilities. By eliminating common challenges associated with bead-based immunoassays, such as the need for frequent instrument calibration and multiple washing steps, sample loss and valuable lab labor are reduced. Furthermore, the unique, built-in internal QC system ensures for control over every step of the PEA reaction in every sample and therefore allows for running samples in singlicate.
Overall, Olink Flex addresses the challenges of customizable protein biomarker panels and opens new possibilities for biomarker discovery and therapeutic development. With its combination of flexibility, precision, and reliability, Olink Flex is sure to become an indispensable tool for any lab that needs to detect and quantify biomarkers involved in inflammatory processes.