Target Assessment

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Target assessment is thorough to advance your program with confidence.

We advise clients in making confident, data-driven decisions by rigorously evaluating therapeutic targets:

  • Target selection guidance. Prioritize targets based on biological relevance, tractability, and alignment with therapeutic objectives to ensure resources are focused on the most promising opportunities.

  • Mechanistic hypothesis refinement. Sharpen the underlying biological rationale and guide informative experiments to strengthen the case for target engagement and downstream effects.

  • Druggability assessment. Evaluate functional and structural characteristics to assess druggability and desired modality.

  • Competitive landscape analysis. Deliver a current overview of competitor activities to identify differentiation and strategic opportunities that resonate with partners and investors.

Comprehensive target validation packages are designed to de-risk programs and support strategic advancement.

Hit Finding

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Hit finding process is robust to advance the best chemotypes forward.

We assist clients to identify high-quality hits with scientific rigor:

  • Assay design and screening. Develop robust biochemical, biophysical, and cell-based assays to generate reliable and reproducible data.

  • Hit validation. Characterized hits and demonstrate on-target engagement to strengthen confidence in selected hits and reduce false positives.

  • Mechanism of action (MoA). Establish MoA to prioritize the most promising chemotypes.

  • Screening cascade development. Design a rational multi-tiered screening cascade to support SAR studies and facilitate informed decision-making.

Hits are validated and thoughtfully positioned to advance into lead candidates.

Lead Optimization

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Lead optimization is strategically focused to develop IND readiness.

We help clients to advance hits into leads with a clear and data-driven path:

  • Structure-based drug discovery (SBDD) enablement. Generate tools and robust models to leverage structural insights for targeted optimization.

  • SAR-driven optimization. Design rational assay cascades and establish critical benchmarks for improving potency, selectivity, and drug-like properties.

  • In vivo studies design. Coordinate PK/PD, efficacy, and safety studies to validate and progress lead compounds towards IND-enabling studies.

  • Clinical biomarker strategy. Develop pharmacodynamic and translational biomarker strategies to demonstrate clinical POC.

Leads are optimized molecules and positioned for IND-enabling studies and further development.

Scientific Oversight

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Scientific oversight keeps program on track to reach key milestones.

We serve as an extension of your team:

  • Vendor selection and management. Identify, evaluate, and manage specialized vendors to ensure technical alignment and deliver optimal project outcomes.

  • Study design and data review.  Design studies that generate decision-driving data and critically review results to guide informed next steps.

  • CRO oversight. Act as scientific liaison to uphold quality standards, facilitate communication, and ensure timelines are met.

  • Interim/fractional scientific support. Offer adaptable leadership and cross-functional coordination to scale support to match evolving needs.

Rigorous management and flexible leadership to ensure program stays focused and achieves its milestones.