Baylor College of Medicine has entered into a multi-year collaboration with Site Tx, Inc. to develop novel small-molecule drugs designed to fine-tune immune responses across multiple diseases. The partnership combines Baylor's extensive drug discovery capabilities with Site Tx's cutting-edge immune modulation platform to identify therapeutic compounds for several protein targets.
The collaboration is spearheaded by Dr. Damian Young, director of the Center for Drug Discovery at Baylor, and Dr. Martin Matzuk, professor and chair of pathology and immunology at Baylor. Their research focuses on small molecule discoveries using DNA-encoded library screening and the synthesis of drug-like compounds.
Leveraging Advanced Drug Discovery Technologies
Baylor's Center for Drug Discovery houses a DNA-encoded library containing over 7 billion unique compounds. This extensive collection, combined with high-throughput methodology, enables rapid screening and identification of highly selective molecules with therapeutic potential, significantly accelerating the pace of early-stage drug discovery.
Site Tx brings complementary expertise in decoding the genetic architecture that governs immune cell function in both health and disease, analyzing down to the single-nucleotide level. The company utilizes technology developed in the Marson Lab at University of California San Francisco Gladstone Institutes to conduct high-throughput functional genomics in human cells, constructing a comprehensive blueprint for precise modulation of immune responses.
Research Progress and Therapeutic Potential
The first phase of the research is currently underway, focusing on screening a protein implicated in immune regulation. This initial work represents the beginning of a broader effort to identify novel therapeutic targets for immune-related diseases.
"The scale and diversity of our libraries gives us an unparalleled ability to identify novel small molecule drug candidates," said a representative from the collaboration. "Working together with Site Tx allows us to apply this capability to a cutting-edge platform focused on immune modulation, with the potential to unlock transformative therapies."
Industry Support and Future Outlook
Dr. Brad Kairdolf, director of technology management & commercialization at Baylor College of Medicine Ventures, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership's potential impact. "We are excited to work with Site Tx to explore new frontiers in immune-targeted drug discovery," Kairdolf said. "This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to advancing innovative science with real-world impact."
The collaboration is supported by Site Tx's funding from The Column Group, a life sciences venture capital firm, providing the financial backing necessary for the multi-year research initiative. The partnership represents a strategic alignment of complementary technologies aimed at addressing unmet medical needs in immune-related therapeutic areas.
