Biophysical assays to support your drug discovery programs
Biophysics plays a crucial role in the early stages of drug discovery by identifying and characterizing small molecules and biologics for specific targets (proteins and RNA). ZoBio, an associated company of Oncodesign Services, leverages their expertise in this field to provide custom biophysical assays, supporting your drug discovery programs from hit identification to lead optimization.
Biophysical assay services for Drug Discovery
Biophysics is a branch of science that combines principles of physics and biology to understand biological systems at the molecular and cellular levels. It focuses on studying the physical properties and phenomena that govern biological processes, such as the structure and dynamics of molecules, interactions between molecules and how these interactions influence biological functions. Biophysical methodologies enable detailed study of binding interactions, stability, and aggregation, which are critical for assessing drug-target relationships.
Indeed, biophysics can play a crucial role in across many stages of drug discovery by providing essential information about molecular targets, facilitating potential drug candidates identification and guiding the optimization of drug properties for improved therapeutic outcomes.
Your partner providing a broad range of biophysics expertise
ZoBio, a boutique CRO based in Leiden (the Netherland) and acquired by Oncodesign Services in 2024, has built a reputation for scientific excellence and innovation in the field of biophysics-based drug discovery. Their gene-to-lead capabilities include:
- biophysical and functional assays
- protein production
- structural biology (crystallography, NMR & cryo-EM)
- fragment focused medicinal chemistry
With a deep understanding of biophysical methodologies, the scientific team not only offers precise data interpretation but also customized guidance on a biophysics cascade strategy and complementary approaches.
The biophysics expertise and innovation supports companies all along the drug discovery process, from hit finding, hit identification to lead optimization enabling a wide variety of modes-of-action (inhibitor, activator, molecular glue etc).
Biophysical Platform
ZoBio provides state-of-the-art instrumentation in the field of biophysics:
- Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) for real-time binding kinetics and quantitative data on the affinity of a ligand to its target (kon, koff, KD). It can be run in “forward” or in “inverse” mode.
- Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and proprietary Target Immobilized NMR Screening (TINS) to detect weakly binding small molecule interacting with the target.
- A variety of label-free capabilities to determine:
- thermal stability of purified proteins in buffer or in the presence of ligands
- aggregation and complex formation
Orthogonal validation
Independent confirmation of hits derived from any screening effort is an essential part of a successful small molecule campaign. The use of SPR and NMR to characterize the binding of hits from HTS and DEL screen helps to discriminate between mechanistically relevant binding and artificial interactions.
An integrated offer from Hit to IND
Oncodesign Services and ZoBio have together built a team of drug discovery experts to provide innovative solutions and accelerate your discovery process to deliver small molecule drug candidates. They work in an integrated, cross-disciplinary way to generate high quality hits and anticipate preclinical development issues.
Please contact us if you would like to discuss your drug discovery project!
