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Small Molecules









Small Molecules, Big Impact

Small molecules remain a cornerstone of the drug discovery process, delivering therapeutic impact across nearly every disease area.

From enzyme inhibitors to receptor modulators, small molecules continue to enable life-changing medicines and expand our understanding of disease biology through use as chemical probes.

While newer modalities like biologics and RNA therapeutics have broadened the drug discovery toolbox, small molecules remain uniquely versatile. They can be delivered orally or through other routes and manufactured at scale in a cost-effective manner.

They are capable of subtly modulating target function and penetrating cells, making them ideal for targeting intracellular proteins and signalling pathways.


A scientist using a drug discovery machine in a laboratory.

























Our approach to Small Molecules

We offer comprehensive support to the small molecule drug discovery value chain. From Lead Generation, through Lead Optimisation, to Candidate Nomination and IND-enabling studies, our integrated capabilities are designed to reduce risk, improve quality, and accelerate progression into the clinic.

We work collaboratively with partners to evaluate their hit, lead and candidate molecules in a suite of translatable biological assays using state-of-the art technology platforms and industry-standard workflows.

Our Translational Medicine team can develop and implement a biomarker strategy to support progression through the clinic, and our R&D Consultancy team has the expertise required to shape the most efficient path for your small molecule programme.




Specialist areas we use to accelerate small molecules

We bring the right skills, expertise and discovery platforms to support your small molecule drug discovery project through the following phases:










See how we have helped innovators


CPSA is an ingenious extension of the target engagement toolbox. It is easier to upscale and control in high throughput screening applications than currently available methods. With exemplary support from MDC we have smoothly incorporated it into our Drug Discovery pipeline.

Selvita

MDC’s R&D consulting has been transformative, refining our HT8457S strategy with scientific rigour, identifying and mitigating risks, and strengthening our business model, significantly enhancing Haiku’s credibility.

Haiku Therapeutics

The partnership with MDC has allowed us to secure multiple Innovate UK grants and utilise capabilities such as state-of-the-art PET, which aren’t available elsewhere.

Alchemab Therapeutics

For the first time, we have been able to generate a map of lung fibrosis in 3D at the tissue scale. Collaborating with MDC has been key to its success. Their expertise has supported the successful integration of state-of-the-art technologies, establishing a valuable new resource for the lung fibrosis community.

University of Southampton

Working with MDC allowed us to visualise drug distribution in the brain with a level of clarity we hadn’t achieved before. Their expertise in DESI-MS and willingness to design a project that met our demands provided powerful insights into diffusion patterns, giving us confidence in our compound’s delivery.

TargTex

We worked with the Mass Spectrometry team at MDC to help set up and run a complex biochemical assay. The project was technically demanding, but the deep expertise, knowledge and collaborative approach allowed the team to troubleshoot the many challenges and successfully deliver a viable approach.

Oppilotech

The team at MDC shares our passion for bringing forward innovative medicines, pioneering new technologies, and operating with data-driven flexibility. They have been integral to our project success and possess unique capabilities to support later-stage candidate selection. A truly valued collaborator and dependable partner.

Artbio

Elasmogen was impressed by the quality and rapid delivery timelines for our radiopharmaceutical dosimetry data. There was good interactivity in this project, and we are happy to recommend this service.

Elasmogen

Our collaboration with Medicines Discovery Catapult will not only enable us to engage with the wider scientific community but will also allow us to unlock the potential of Acoustic Mass Spectrometry within drug discovery.

Innovative Medicines and Early Development (IMED) Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca

It’s been absolutely amazing working with MDC and the team.

LUNAC Therapeutics

MDC supported us in developing a therapeutic for Huntington’s Disease through antibody characterisation, iPSC model development, biodistribution studies, imaging and neurodegenerative expertise.

Alchemab Therapeutics

We worked together with MDC on a very challenging and demanding project. The MDC team’s expertise in MSI, commitment and flexibility were key to a successful collaboration and reaching our objectives.

TargTex

MDC are as involved in our project as the founding team, going above and beyond what I expected. I recommend them to new ventures starting out; even if you don’t know exactly what you need, the team can work with you to achieve some phenomenal results.

KLAS Therapeutics

Working with MDC has provided expertise and intellectual input. It has also enabled access to a wider network of companies providing specialist services.

N4 Pharma

By tapping into MDC’s unique drug development expertise and facilities, we are confident we will accelerate the preclinical development of our drug delivery system and its commercialisation.

Sixfold Bioscience

It has been a pleasure working with MDC as their scientists are pleasant and have a broad range of talents.
Importantly for projects like ours, they openly and professionally exchange ideas with SMi’s scientific team and keep us abreast of their research developments.

SMi Systems

It has been great to access the Artificial Intelligence expertise at Medicines Discovery Catapult.
The team has taken an innovative approach that adds value to our product and will benefit our customers.

BioAscent

As an SME, working with MDC allows us access to scientific know-how and in vivo imaging techniques that would be impossible through any other route. The closeness, timeliness and flexibility of the collaboration significantly accelerated our ability to develop the product.

Xerion Healthcare

We have collaborated with MDC for three years, and it continues to provide valuable and high-quality data on our molecules. MDC’s input has directly impacted operational and strategic decisions for our projects and allowed us to move forward with our clinical studies.

Revolo Biotherapeutics

For early-stage SMEs in this space, I thoroughly recommend engaging with MDC, who have the end-to-end knowledge in complex medicines, can support your in-house team and provide access to key equipment that start-ups may not have.

pHion Therapeutics








The importance of small molecule therapeutics cannot be understated, and drug discovery in this area continues to unlock major breakthroughs in medicine. By combining deep expertise with modern tools, we help innovators design and deliver high-quality chemical entities with the greatest chance of clinical success.”

Dr Martin Main, Chief Scientific Officer

a photo of MDC Chief Scientific Officer Dr Martin Main






Need support in progressing your small molecule drug discovery project?

We can help you to validate, optimise and progress your small molecules, accelerating your discovery process and answering your most important questions.

Fill in the form today and speak to us to see how we can help advance your drug discovery project.

 







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