ZoBio Launches Integrated DNA-Encoded Library Hit Discovery Service for Challenging Drug Targets
核心洞察
ZoBio (搜索) has launched a comprehensive DNA-Encoded Library (DEL) hit discovery service combining protein production, biophysics, DEL screening, off-DNA validation, and X-ray crystallography into a single workflow.
The integrated platform is designed to deliver validated, structurally characterized, and progressible hits rather than simple hit identification, particularly for challenging targets like protein-protein interactions.
The service is library-agnostic, allowing clients to use commercially available DEL collections or proprietary client-owned libraries, with collaborative decision-making built into the workflow.
ZoBio (搜索), a specialized contract research organization focused on early gene-to-lead discovery, has announced the launch of its comprehensive DNA-Encoded Library (DEL) hit discovery service, designed to help biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies generate validated, progressible hits against novel and challenging drug targets.
The new integrated offering combines structure-grade protein production, quantitative biophysics, DEL screening, off-DNA hit validation, and X-ray crystallography into a single, streamlined workflow. According to the company, this enables clients to move beyond mere hit identification toward high-confidence starting points for drug discovery programs.
Addressing the Limitations of Traditional DEL Screening
Unlike transactional DEL screening approaches that focus primarily on hit generation, ZoBio (搜索)'s platform is engineered to deliver biologically relevant, structurally characterized hit matter with clear potential for further development. The service is particularly suited to exploratory and difficult-to-drug targets, including protein-protein interactions (PPIs) and targets with poorly defined binding pockets, where conventional screening approaches often fall short.
"Drug discovery teams today are increasingly focused on highly validated but technically challenging targets, where traditional screening approaches can struggle to deliver meaningful starting points," said Gregg Siegal, Chief Executive Officer at ZoBio (搜索). "Our approach combines DNA-Encoded Library technology with the structural biology, biophysics and assay expertise needed to generate hits that clients can confidently progress."
Siegal further emphasized the distinction: "We are not simply delivering hit matter, we are delivering validated, progressible starting points backed by mechanistic understanding."
A Library-Agnostic, Collaborative Platform
ZoBio (搜索)'s DEL service is library-agnostic, enabling clients to access commercially available DEL collections or apply ZoBio's workflow to proprietary client-owned libraries. The integrated platform encompasses structure-grade protein production and characterization, quantitative biophysical assay development using techniques such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR), biophysically informed DEL selection design, interactive DEL data analysis and hit prioritization, off-DNA hit resynthesis and orthogonal validation, structural characterization through X-ray crystallography, and mechanistic insight to support downstream optimization.
The workflow is designed to support collaborative decision-making throughout the discovery process, helping clients rapidly establish whether difficult or exploratory targets are viable for further development.
Building on Two Decades of Expertise
ZoBio (搜索)'s approach builds on more than two decades of expertise in structural biology and hit identification for complex targets. The company's broader hit discovery platform integrates DEL screening alongside fragment-based drug discovery and covalent compound screening, enabling tailored strategies based on target biology and desired mechanism of action.
"Many organizations can run a DNA-Encoded Library screen, but far fewer can provide the scientific integration needed to rapidly build confidence in the resulting hits," added Siegal. "By combining quantitative assay design, structural validation, and collaborative scientific problem-solving, we help clients reduce risk earlier in discovery and make better-informed go/no-go decisions."
The launch coincides with ZoBio (搜索)'s attendance at the BIO International Convention in San Diego and the EFMC International Symposium on Medicinal Chemistry, where the team will showcase the service to prospective partners.