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RPT development: from concept to clinic

 






























Your global accelerator for RPT innovation

Within our Radiopharmaceutical Therapy (RPT) capability, we bring together radiochemistry, preclinical imaging, in vivo biology and translational expertise into a single, commercially-focused unit built for efficiency and reliability. Our industry-experienced team supports biotech and pharma radiopharmaceuticals developers during preclinical discovery and development. 

From target validation and radiochemistry optimisation through biodistribution, dosimetry and efficacy studies in validated models. With industry‑validated platforms, regulatory‑aligned workflows and a specialist team operating within high-capacity licensed facilities, we provide a seamless, end‑to‑end service that reduces complexity, shortens timelines, and strengthens the evidence behind every programme. 

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Precision. Efficiency. Certainty. 

80+

clinical trials supported through our validated preclinical datasets

97%+

radiochemical purity for complex alpha and beta-emitting conjugates

FDA & EMA

regulatory aligned workflows

140+

industry experts driving rapid translational innovation

5

compounds supported to clinic

12

assays supporting clinical development













The power of our platform

We help clients make key decisions to progress by offering end-to-end integration of entire radiopharmaceutical evaluation and development into Phase 0 and Phase 1 studies. 

  • Full-stack capabilities and infrastructure: Integrated radiochemistry, molecular imaging, and vivarium in one secure, licensed location.
  • Precision imaging endpoints: Sub-mm spatial resolution across PET, SPECT, CT, along with precise IVIS and ultrasound modalities.
  • Rapid translation: Dedicated BD and project management to move from MSA to study start with industry-leading efficiency.
  • Strategic ecosystem: Access to multiple isotopes and advanced models through partnerships.
  • Global standards: IAEA-aligned study designs and dosimetry workflows ensuring data is ready for international submission.






The Radiopharmaceutical development pipeline 

Radiopharmaceuticals development pipeline

Objective IND: A linear flow showing the 7 stages of development to IND









Radiolabelling and formulation

Expertise in radiolabelling

With gamma, beta and alpha-emitting radiometals of small molecules (e.g., FAPI, PSMA), peptides, proteins and other biologics containing chelators such as DOTA, DOTAM, Macropa, and DFO/DFO*. Experience in a variety of purification methods (e.g., ultrafiltration, SPE), QC analysis (HPLC, ITLC, gamma spectrometry), and conjugation techniques. 

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In vivo preclinical efficacy

Visualising impact in real-time

Utilising CDX and PDX models to deliver high-resolution longitudinal tumour growth inhibition (TGI) data and PK/PD analysis. 

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Biodistribution and imaging

Mapping the path to the target

Quantitative time-course activity analysis across 15+ organ systems using PET, SPECT and CT imaging, EBRT, US, Gamma counting and PK modelling. 

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Dosimetry

Ensuring safety and maximising therapeutic windows

Precise calculation of absorbed doses (Voxel/MIRD) to provide reliable preclinical-to-clinical dose extrapolation. 

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Theranostic development

The “See it, Treat it” advantage

Strategic pairing of diagnostic/therapeutic isotopes (e.g. 89Zr and 177Lu) to build companion imaging and patient-selection strategies. 

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In vitro RPT screening

Early-stage de-risking

High-throughput screening for affinity, internalisation, and stability to identify lead candidates faster. 

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Ex vivo analysis

Deep-dive tissue validation

Detailed cellular phenotyping through high-resolution autoradiography, gamma counting, and IHC correlation. 

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Clinical (translational) support

We ensure your data transitions seamlessly from the bench to the patient. Through our partnership network and in-house expertise, we provide: 

  • FIH and Phase 0 readiness: IND-aligned study designs and reporting, plus regulatory-ready dosimetry. 
  • Biomarker strategy: Precision imaging biomarker development for patient stratification. 
  • RLT optimisation: Comprehensive efficacy and safety studies for alpha and beta emitters. 

Radioligand Therapy (RLT) 

  • Alpha and beta emitter capability. 
  • Biodistribution, efficacy and safety studies. 
  • Surrogate isotope imaging for human dose prediction. 
  • Translational imaging to support patient stratification. 



























The UK’s leading preclinical radiopharmaceutical partner

Accelerating your path to the clinic with the precision, speed, and reliability required to make key decisions, de-risk your program and secure clinical momentum. 





From labelling to dosimetry, all under one roof.

Eliminate the friction of multiple vendors with our integrated “one-site” approach.

Integrated workflow

Radiochemistry, molecular imaging, and in vivo biology in a single, secure UK hub.

Rapid isotope access

Immediate availability of diagnostic (e.g., 18F, 64Cu, 68Ga, 89Zr, 111In, 203Pb) and therapeutic (e.g., 177Lu, 131I, 67Cu, 161Tb, 212Pb, 225Ac) isotopes.

The bottom line

Reduce hand-offs and shorten your development timelines by weeks.


Data that stands up to global scrutiny.

We combine the speed of a specialist CRO with the rigour of a national innovation powerhouse.

Regulatory readiness

Workflows strictly aligned with FDA/EMA non-clinical guidelines.

Precision standards

Study designs following IAEA-standard dosimetry and rigorous QC protocols.

Commercial momentum

Every study is designed to de-risk your program for investment and IND filing.


Gaining a partner, not just a lab.

Access the scale and strategic resilience of the UK’s leading translational network.

Elite expertise

Tap into a team of 140+ scientists and industry veterans across oncology, immunology, and neuroscience. Access to world-leading clinicians in our network to help you progress to clinic.

Rare isotope security

Strategic partnerships with UKNNL for secure access to rare isotopes like 212Pb.

Advanced models

Direct integration with Crown Biosciences and Champions Oncology for world-class PDX models.











Success stories


Partnering with the MDC has been transformative for Innate Repair. Their world-class expertise and facilities allowed us to conduct complex oncology experiments quickly, cost-effectively, and to the highest scientific standards. MDC is an exceptional partner for any biotech aiming to accelerate innovation.

Innate Repair

Medicines Discovery Catapult R&D consulting provided Apeikon Therapeutics with clear direction and structured guidance, helping us define a robust product development plan. Their expertise streamlined our vision into actionable steps, accelerating progress and ensuring strategic alignment.

Apeikon Therapeutics

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



























World-class minds for high-stakes discovery

In the complex landscape of radiochemistry and translational imaging, the difference lies in the hands behind the science.

Our team comprises industry-leading specialists across preclinical services and radiopharmaceuticals, dedicated to bridging the gap between early discovery and clinical success.

Meet the experts who turn sophisticated data into actionable therapeutic insights.

Explore our scientific expertise



Accelerate your innovation 

Ready to bring momentum to your radiopharmaceutical program?

Our experts are here to support your journey from concept to clinic. Contact our team to discuss a tailored solution. 

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

 
 
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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.











Medicines Discovery Catapult