Explore our drug discovery





Clinical









Accelerating early-phase clinical trials with advanced technologies

We empower early-phase clinical trials by leveraging cutting-edge technologies and biomarker-driven strategies to de-risk drug development and enhance the probability of clinical success.

Drug discovery and development is a long, costly, and high-risk process that takes over 10 years with an average cost of over $1–2 billion for each new drug to be approved for clinical use.

We help mitigate risks by identifying potential failure points early in the process. By integrating multi-omics platforms, imaging, and computational analysis, we provide:

  • State-of-the-art biomarker discovery to validate drug mechanisms and patient responses.
  • Spatial and liquid sample analysis to track drug efficacy and disease progression.
  • Advanced data analytics to support robust decision-making in clinical trials.

A scientist using a computer through a machine in a laboratory.

























Our approach to de-risking clinical trials

We take a flexible, data-driven approach that supports early decision-making and de-risks the drug discovery process. We support partners through:

  • Bespoke assay development for clinical utility – we develop custom assays that are fit-for-purpose and clinically relevant. By sourcing high-quality early access clinical samples, we design robust assays to support clinical trial success.
  • Expert guidance – we work collaboratively to design and execute robust clinical trial biomarker strategies. Maximising data quality and accelerating candidate selection.
  • Access to cutting-edge technologies – from spatial biology to multiplexed immunoassays and liquid biomarker insights, we harness the latest platforms for biomarker discovery, validation and translational insight.
  • Early sample access – leveraging high-quality clinical samples to support the development of a robust assay for clinical utility, improving the translational relevance of your discoveries.
  • GCLP-compliant sample analysis all clinical sample analysis is conducted under Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) framework to ensure data integrity, reproducibility and regulatory confidence.



Specialist areas we use for clinical translation

We provide the scientific evidence needed to support and refine clinical hypotheses, ensuring that your drug development strategy is built on robust, data-driven insights.

By leveraging advanced biomarker technologies and translational research approaches, we help answer critical questions in early-phase clinical trials by:

  • Building bespoke target engagement assays and developing pharmacodynamic biomarkers.
  • Identifying predictive biomarkers for patient stratification.
  • Supporting dose selection through PK/PD modelling and biomarker readouts.
  • Evaluating safety biomarkers to mitigate risks.
  • Understanding drug synergy and resistance mechanisms.









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








Costs and risks can both rise quickly in Clinical development. Our role is to bring clarity and confidence to early-phase trials through robust biomarker strategies, cutting-edge technologies and translational insights that helps to make faster, smarter decisions.”

Dr Martin Main, Chief Scientific Officer

a photo of MDC Chief Scientific Officer Dr Martin Main






Need support in developing your drug for clinical trials?

We can help you to mitigate risks in your drug development strategy and answer your most important questions.

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