X-Chem, a global leader in DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology and data-driven drug discovery, has announced an expanded collaboration with Orion Pharma that extends their partnership from hit identification through to candidate selection. The new Technology Access Agreement, announced on April 30, 2025, will allow Orion to leverage X-Chem's integrated discovery capabilities to drive multiple early-stage programs forward.
The expanded partnership builds upon years of successful collaboration between the two companies, during which X-Chem has provided high-value insights and differentiated chemical matter to Orion's discovery teams. This renewed commitment represents a strategic advancement in small molecule discovery, aimed at achieving greater efficiency and precision in the drug development process.
Comprehensive Technology Integration
Under the new agreement, Orion will gain access to X-Chem's full suite of discovery tools, including DEL screening, AI-driven hit triage, and medicinal chemistry support. This integrated approach is designed to streamline the path from initial hit to viable drug candidate.
"X-Chem's flexible business model is enabling us to evaluate both new targets and revisit existing programs with enhanced tools," said Heikki Käsnänen, Head of Molecular Prospecting and Modeling at Orion Pharma. "We are applying their DEL-based screening technologies, as well as their expertise in AI and computational chemistry, to explore alternative routes for optimization. This approach is further supported by synthetic and medicinal chemistry to expand hit series and advance toward lead optimization."
X-Chem's platform combines advanced DEL capabilities with ArtemisAI, its proprietary artificial intelligence engine trained on the world's largest DEL datasets. This technology integration, coupled with in-house computational and medicinal chemistry expertise, enables partners to make more informed decisions earlier in the discovery process.
Accelerating the Path to Drug Candidates
The collaboration aims to address one of the most challenging aspects of drug development: efficiently progressing from initial hits to viable drug candidates. By combining Orion's therapeutic expertise with X-Chem's discovery platform, the partnership seeks to reduce risk and improve outcomes in early-stage drug discovery.
Karen Lackey, CEO at X-Chem, emphasized the strategic importance of the expanded relationship: "Our goal is to empower innovative companies like Orion to efficiently identify and progress high-quality drug candidates. This expanded partnership reflects a strong foundation of trust and a shared commitment to overcoming complex challenges in early discovery. By aligning our scientific expertise, we can help Orion move from hit to candidate with speed and confidence."
Beyond Traditional Screening
This collaboration reinforces X-Chem's position as a discovery partner with capabilities extending well beyond traditional screening methods. The company offers end-to-end discovery solutions designed to accelerate success in small molecule drug discovery, particularly for complex targets and therapeutic areas.
For Orion Pharma, whose core therapeutic focus areas include oncology and pain management, this expanded partnership provides access to cutting-edge technologies that can potentially advance their pipeline of proprietary products. Orion currently develops treatments for cancer, neurological diseases, and respiratory conditions, among others.
The strategic collaboration represents a significant development in the pharmaceutical R&D landscape, highlighting the growing importance of integrated technology platforms and AI-driven approaches in modern drug discovery. By combining specialized expertise and advanced technologies, X-Chem and Orion aim to overcome traditional bottlenecks in the early drug discovery process and accelerate the development of novel therapeutics.
