Ultra High Throughput Screening

VENENUM Biodesign conducts assay development and UHTS against its own novel drug discovery targets. Our proprietary ECLiPS compound collection is a proven diverse and drug-like screening deck. We continually invest in adding new chemistries to the collection. Our capabilities include:

• Rapid and efficient UHTS with data in six months.

• UHTS in 1536-well format

• UHTS-ready compound plates

• De novo assay development or validation of your assay in 1536-well “screen-ready” format.

• In vitro compound profiling including ADMET assay of confirmed hits.

• Professional staff with strong expertise and track-record for delivering high-quality results.

UHTS and beyond

The high-throughput screening team at VENENUM Biodesign is composed of biologists and chemists with years of experience collaborating with large pharmaceutical companies, as well as with small pharma and biotechnology companies. We have a track record of high-quality collaborations from early to preclinical drug discovery. We have established a suite of assays to determine microsomal stability, protein binding, solubility, CYP450 interactions, cytotoxicity, PK/PD and tox. All of these assay capabilities are located in our facilities in Hamilton NJ. 

Compound and data management

ECLiPS compound libraries are arrayed into microplates for UHTS using state-of-the-art technology. VENENUM Biodesign’s compound management laboratory is equipped with a variety of plate-to-plate reformatting liquid handlers, allowing the transfer of test compounds from 96-well or 384-well source plates to higher-density microplates. In addition, we use our ATS-100 (Biosero) for acoustic transfer of compound solutions in the 1-1000 nL range. Compound and biological data are maintained in our secure and confidential database.

Assay development

The UHTS department develops biological assays that are suitable for compound screening in 1536-well format. This includes both cell-based and biochemical assays designed to measure ligand binding, enzymatic activity, and cell function. Ideal UHTS format assay technologies include, but are not limited to, fluorescence, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), time-resolved fluorescence (TRF), homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence, absorbance, luminescence, and AlphaScreen®. Screening assays can be configured with either kinetic or endpoint detection. We work collaboratively to develop a strategy for UHTS.

UHTS

VENENUM Biodesign optimizes screening assays for high reproducibility and sensitivity. We establish CVs, z-factors, and work with reference compounds to ensure assay quality. Because of the large size of the screening deck (over 5.5 million small molecules), assays are adapted to 1536-well format in <10 microliter assay volume. Results of the assay validation phase are evaluated with collaborating scientific teams prior to initiation of the screening campaign.

Hit-to-lead and Lead-to-Preclinical Compound

Pending joint assessment of the chemical and biological properties of the screening hits, our biology and chemistry teams can progress promising compound series through hit-to-lead and lead-to-preclinical drug candidate studies.