Discovery Chemistry & Biology Support

 A suite of in vitro assays using established cell lines and primary cells to evaluate compound activity at the cellular level. We conduct cell viability and cytotoxicity assays (e.g. MTT, SRB) to determine anti-proliferative effects, drug uptake studies using fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry to confirm cellular internalization of compounds, and permeability assays (such as Caco-2 monolayer transport) to model intestinal absorption. Additional cell-based evaluations include cell cycle analysis, apoptosis and autophagy assays, assessment of inflammatory responses in immune cells, and wound-healing (cell migration) assays. These in vitro studies help characterize the efficacy and mechanism of drug candidates before moving to animal models. 

 Specialized in vitro assays employing stem cells to investigate regenerative medicine therapies or toxicity in progenitor cells. We have expertise in the isolation and culture of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from various sources (e.g., bone marrow, adipose tissue). Using these stem cell models, we can evaluate differentiation effects, cytotoxicity, or therapeutic potential of compounds on stem cell viability and function. We also offer exosome isolation and characterization, supporting research into cell-free regenerative therapies and intercellular signaling. 

Enzyme assays: In vitro cell-free assays to characterize the interaction of compounds with specific enzymes or biochemical pathways. We perform enzyme inhibition assays to determine the potency of drug candidates against target enzymes (for example, measuring IC50 values for enzyme activity). Additionally, antioxidant assays and other biochemical evaluations are available to profile the compound’s effect on oxidative stress or signaling cascades. These assays provide early insight into the molecular mechanism of action of a compound.

Molecular Biology: RNA/DNA extraction, cDNA synthesis.

PCR and qPCR with fold-change analysis.

Gel electrophoresis with densitometry.

miRNA and microbial detection.

Protein assays: Western blotting and

Immunoassays (semi-quantitative and quantitative).

 Expert synthetic chemistry support for the creation of small molecules, intermediates, and analogues. Our medicinal chemists can synthesize novel compounds or chemical libraries tailored to your project’s needs, whether it involves complex multi-step organic synthesis or scaling up lead compounds. We ensure high purity and detailed characterization of all compounds, providing the material needed for screening and development campaigns. 

 We utilize computer-aided drug design tools to inform and streamline the discovery of new hits and the optimization of lead compounds. This includes structure-based design (molecular modeling and docking studies to predict binding modes in the target’s active site) and ligand-based design (pharmacophore modeling and virtual screening). Such in silico approaches help predict a compound’s binding affinity, selectivity, and even pharmacokinetic properties, guiding modifications to improve these features. By iteratively refining compounds in silico, we can focus synthetic efforts on the most promising candidates and reduce trial-and-error in the lab. 

 Comprehensive lead optimization to improve the potency and drug-like properties of candidate molecules. Through iterative analog synthesis and structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, we refine lead compounds to enhance target binding affinity and efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. Key drug properties are systematically optimized — including increasing target selectivity, improving metabolic stability and solubility, and balancing pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) profiles. Medicinal chemistry efforts focus on achieving an optimal blend of potency, selectivity, and favorable ADME characteristics, with the goal of producing a development candidate that has a high likelihood of success in preclinical and clinical testing.