Explore our drug discovery





Microscopy









Impactful imaging with cutting-edge Microscopy

Innovative microscopy techniques are transforming drug discovery. Technology advances are enabling the quantitative analysis of dynamic biological processes down to the nanoscale to evaluate single-molecule interactions.

High content microscopy can enable the analysis of complex multicellular structures and tissues in higher throughput than previously possible. Our range of imaging platforms enables you to explore complex biological processes, measure drug responses, and generate high-quality, decision-making data.

Visualising single cells and sub-cellular compartments supports medicines discovery by providing a non-destructive mechanistic assessment of your sample.

We have expertise in advanced fluorescence microscopy, disease specific cell biology and our scientists can draw on a diverse toolkit to characterise relationships between cell behaviour and underlying molecular processes.

Whether you are tracking drug-target engagement, investigating the mechanism of action, or validating biomarkers in cells or tissue, we offer tailored microscopy solutions that connect cellular observations to translational outcomes.



























Specialist areas

We utilise a range of advanced microscopy technologies. For therapeutic analysis, we perform different studies according to the scientific challenge:

Target validation and mechanism of action
Visualise drug-target interactions and downstream signalling using live-cell or fixed-sample assays.

Characterisation of novel therapeutics
Track binding, uptake, trafficking and release of novel drug modalities, including RNA-based therapies and novel delivery devices.

Live-cell imaging
Track biology in real-time at high resolution using live-confocal imaging.

Automated screening
Assess relevant cells in phenotypic assays at scale to support therapeutic development and screening.

Cell and tissue Biomarker analysis
Use immunofluorescence (IF), immunocytochemistry (ICC) and multiplexed imaging to analyse tissue samples, quantify expression and stratify responses.

Data analysis
Enable data interpretation using custom analysis pipelines for robust quantitative analysis of imaging data.




Our technologies

We have an established fluorescence microscopy platform capable of answering diverse experimental questions. This is supported by a dedicated group of imaging experts and a bioinformatics image analysis team.

Confocal microscopy
Our Zeiss LSM880 with Airyscan enables high-speed, high-resolution 4D imaging of inter- and intra-cellular events while minimising the damaging effects of laser exposure. The system is equipped with an incubator for live-cell work, assorted light sources for multiplexed imaging and an Airyscan fast mode for high-temporal resolution acquisition.

The multiphoton upgrade allows for thick samples, for example, up to 0.5 mm tissue sections, to be imaged via a specialist excitation mode.

 

Super-resolution microscopy
At the heart of our platform is super-resolution microscopy, powered by the Zeiss Elyra 7 system. Using single-molecule localisation microscopy (SMLM), we can image structures as small as 20 nm, well beyond the limits of conventional light microscopy.

This ultra-high-resolution approach is particularly valuable for target engagement studies where we can visualise protein-protein interactions, mechanism of action investigation and single-molecule detection in fixed cells or tissues, as well as multiplexed imaging of complex biological features.

High-content analysis
Our Opera Phenix Plus platform allows rapid, automated imaging for medium to high-throughput phenotypic analysis. With integrated liquid handling and live-cell incubation, it is ideal for therapeutic screening, functional response tracking and assay response evaluation at scale.







“We leverage our expertise and imaging platforms to image cells on their terms, allowing us to provide partners with straightforward conclusions that inform their medicines discovery journey. Come and speak to us and see how we can help.”

Dr Phil Auckland, Lead Scientist













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





We are ISO 45001 certified 

The world’s first international standard for occupational health and safety. The accreditation has been certified by Interface NRM, a UKAS and ASI–accredited certification body.














Collaborate with us on your next drug discovery project

Collaborate with our experts to enhance your drug discovery project. We will help you to design the right microscopy approach to 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.







Explore more