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Target Identification and Validation









Building confidence early with Target Identification and Validation

Target Identification and Validation are critical early stages in the drug discovery process.

First, a potential biological target, such as a gene, protein, or pathway, is identified and assessed. Then, validation experiments determine whether modulating that target delivers a biological effect consistent with the therapeutic hypothesis.

Early-stage validation strengthens confidence, reduces clinical risk, and increases success rates across the drug discovery pipeline.

Many costly failures in the drug discovery process are linked to insufficient validation at this stage.


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Our approach to Target Identification and Validation

We take a data-driven approach that supports early decision-making and de-risks the drug discovery process. By combining therapeutic expertise with state-of-the-art platforms, we help uncover and validate the right targets with confidence. We support partners through:

  • Target Validation strategies: Decades of experience help us to shape effective, evidence-led strategies.
  • Human tissue analysis: We source and analyse healthy and disease tissue samples to map target expression, localisation, and pathway activation.
  • Advanced imaging: Using microscopy, we measure the localisation of target proteins and interacting partners in tissue and cell models.
  • Functional Validation: We use small molecules, molecular tools (including CRISPR), and multi-modal readouts in complex human cell models to confirm the biological relevance of modulating the target.



How we can support your drug discovery project

We take a comprehensive and flexible approach to target identification and validation. By combining therapeutic insight with an advanced suite of technologies, we help to strengthen early-stage decision-making and reduce risk across the drug discovery pipeline.

Our translational lab platforms, focused on analysis of human tissue and human cell models with advanced analytical technologies, allow us to validate targets and build clear line-of-sight to clinical translation.

 







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








“A high-quality Target Identification and Validation package is the foundation of effective drug discovery, ensuring that every project decision is backed by evidence, helping innovators move forward with clarity, confidence and clinical focus.”

Dr Martin Main, Chief Scientific Officer

a photo of MDC Chief Scientific Officer Dr Martin Main






Need support in identifying and validating your targets?

We can help you to identify and validate your targets to begin your drug discovery process 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.