We refine selected hits to design potent and selective analogs. To reduce the attrition rate, we use a combination of comprehensive drug discovery capabilities (structure-based drug design, chemoinformatics, biology and biophysical platforms) focusing on physicochemical properties to design druggable compounds.
For active compounds, we study in vitro ADME data (e.g. solubility, permeability, stability) and pharmacokinetic parameters. Front-loading enables preliminary structure-activity relationship to be built in order to identify the best candidates for lead optimization.