ICIQ’s expertise and adaptability facilitate the effective identification and selection of small molecule candidates

Do you need an expert team to develop a new small molecule candidate for a particular therapeutic target? Do you face challenges in any phase of your drug discovery process and need specialists to resolve them?

The Drug Discovery phase is the initial stage were a large number of molecules are screened and tested as potential solutions to cure or treat specific human diseases. It marks the beginning of the drug development process, and the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ-CERCA) is the perfect partner for success on it.

The drug discovery process starts with the Hit Finding phase, which involves discovering of any compound with biological activity against the therapeutic target. This phase often involves a large number of compounds. The next stage is the Lead Compound phase, involving small molecules with pharmacological or biological activity that require modification to fine tune of the properties. Herein MedChem experts select certain modifications to reduce the number of molecules tested. In the third place, during the Lead Optimisation phase, the biological activity of the small molecules is modified further to improve their properties and tested to find the optimal compound. Finally, following these phases, the team synthetise the Candidate, the molecule selected for its target selectivity and favourable medicine properties for further drug development.

From the very first beginning of the process with Hit Discovery, and continuing through Candidate selection, ICIQ’s team of experts focuses on state-of-the-art experiments, procedures, methodologies, catalysts and computational chemistry to find the optimal molecule and develop it to the next level. In this context, ICIQ collaborates closely with pharmaceutical companies, maintaining a very close communication to create a more efficient drug discovery process. With the goal of being an indispensable contributor to public health, the institute develops molecules through cutting-edge research and innovative methodologies to successfully complete the drug discovery process.

The team also possesses the ability to adapt the company’s process and requirements. Furthermore, ICIQ’s Core Facilities and cutting-edge analytical techniques are available to conduct all necessary experiments to identify the optimal candidate. Ultimately, this approach enhances the efficiency of the process by providing expertise, adaptability, collaboration, and accessibility to pharmaceutical companies.

MedChem acknowledges the support of the State Research Agency / Ministry of Science and Innovation under the “Severo Ochoa” Centres of Excellence Program (CEX2019-000925-S, MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033, 2020-2024)