leadXpro and Axxam Enter Collaboration on a GPCR Lead Discovery Project

VILLIGEN, Switzerland, November 1, 2017 (Newswire.com) - Axxam SpA and leadXpro AG announce today a collaboration for the discovery of novel small molecule lead compounds for a newly discovered GPCR involved in inflammatory processes.

In the collaboration, Axxam and leadXpro will combine their expertise in assay development, high throughput screening, membrane protein generation, structure determination and application of biophysical methods to investigate the interaction of small molecule ligands with challenging membrane protein drug targets to facilitate the discovery and optimization of novel lead molecules.

We're excited to complement our capabilities on structure-based drug discovery with the strength of Axxam in assay development and screening. The funding support from Eurostars significantly facilitates this collaboration between the companies.

Michael Hennig , CEO

Michael Hennig (CEO, leadXpro) said: “We’re excited to complement our capabilities on structure-based drug discovery with the strength of Axxam in assay development and screening. The funding support from Eurostars significantly facilitates this collaboration between the companies.”

Chiara Liberati (Director, Discovery Research, Axxam) said: “This recently discovered GPCR needs joint efforts in order to identify bioactive small molecules able to modulate it. The complementary skill sets of both companies in the GPCR field are necessary to fully explore the therapeutic potential of this fascinating target.”

Financial terms of the partnership were not disclosed.

Chem2Bio is a project co-funded by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation and the European Union.

About Axxam SpA

Axxam is an innovative Partner Research Organization (iPRO). We are a leading provider of integrated discovery services across Life Sciences industries including: pharmaceuticals, crop protection, animal health, cosmetics, fragrances, food and beverages. We have consolidated expertise across a broad range of discovery disciplines and innovative technologies including: assay development, high-throughput screening of both the Axxam high-quality compound collections (synthetic and natural) or those provided by our clients, compound management, hit identification and hit validation. Our performance-driven approach has been recognized by our clients as key to the success for their discovery programs. Axxam is also engaged in alliance-based research towards innovative small molecule therapies for diseases with a high unmet medical need. Axxam's business terms are flexible, ranging from fee-for-service to risk-sharing deal structures. For more information, please visit www.axxam.com.

About leadXpro AG

leadXpro is a lead discovery company focusing on membrane protein drug targets. We are committed to the application of biophysical and structure-based methods for the discovery and optimization of next-generation lead compounds. leadXpro’s technology platform enables structural determination of membrane proteins where classical crystallographic techniques fail, unlocking structure-based drug discovery for challenging targets. We capitalize on the knowledge regarding membrane protein structural biology and facilities of the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) with premium access to the synchrotron Swiss Light Source (SLS) and the Free Electron Laser (SwissFEL). Core expertise beyond X-ray include single particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and electron diffraction (ED). For more information, please visit www.leadxpro.com.

leadXpro is a registered trademark in the EU, Switzerland, US and Canada.

Source: leadXpro