Small Molecules
Small Molecules
Small molecule drugs are organic compounds developed for a wide range of applications, constituting a major therapeutic modality for drug discovery and development. They can be designed to have specific chemical properties that allow them to interact with targets in the body, such as proteins, enzymes, receptors and ion channels. As such, they may be effective for treating a wide range of diseases, including cancer, infectious diseases, cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders.
One of the advantages of small molecule drugs is their ability to be taken orally or administered topically. Additionally, their small size (typically below 900 Daltons) allows them to penetrate cell membranes and reach targets quickly, which can result in rapid onset of therapeutic action.
Small molecules also play a crucial role in the development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), an active area of research aimed at enhancing the specificity and efficacy of targeted cancer therapies. ADCs combine the specificity of an antibody with the cytotoxic effects of a small molecule drug. Due to the toxic nature of the small molecule cargo, which can damage healthy cells, it is linked to an antibody that specifically targets cancer cells.
Designing small molecules for use in ADCs necessitates additional considerations, including potency, selectivity and solubility. Additionally, small molecules must be conjugated to the antibody in a manner that maintains potency and stability while allowing for the efficient release of the cytotoxic payload within the cancer cell.
The life sciences companies of Danaher provide a wide range of automation, analytical, digital and fit-for-purpose technologies to accelerate small molecule drug screening and ADC development and manufacturing.
Small Molecule Solutions
To learn more about small molecule solutions from the Life Sciences companies of Danaher Corporation visit:
Organoid Development
The drug discovery process is undergoing a dynamic shift towards the development and application of clinically relevant human cell-based models. This shift is spurred by historical trends of evaluating drug safety and efficacy with current in vivo models.View Solution
Screening
The need for new drugs to address complex disease phenotypes and emergent infectious disease is greater than ever before. The drug discovery process is trending towards generating and screening large volumes of candidate small molecules and biologics. View Solution
Human-Relevant Models and Spatial Profiling
Human-relevant models and spatial profiling are transforming drug discovery by providing more predictive, human-like data compared to traditional animal models and 2D cultures. Human-relevant models, such as organoids and 3D cell cultures, better mimic human biology, improving disease modeling, drug screening, and precision medicine. View Solution