In recent years, targeted drug discovery has become increasingly challenging, making it essential to explore optimal modalities beyond traditional small molecules to develop new drugs successfully. To apply optimal modalities for drug candidate generation, rapid integration of emerging technologies enabling new chemical modalities is needed. However, building and assembling the necessary technologies for all modalities remains a significant challenge. In this situation, we continue to refine our extensive drug discovery technologies and experience, apply them to new chemical modalities, and collaborate with technology companies.

In this seminar, we will introduce how we are tackling the challenge to create candidate compounds for new chemical modalities.

Key takeaways

• Axcelead’s comprehensive drug discovery platform from traditional small molecules to new chemical modalities including targeted protein degrader, peptide, oligonucleotide and drug conjugate across modality.
• Approach to new chemical modalities utilizing platforms and proprietary technologies of Axcelead and its partners: Improving success rates of candidate compound generation
• Systems to accelerate the creation of candidate compounds through hit identification, lead generation and optimization - from small molecules to emerging chemical modalities

Speaker:

Yoshito Terao, Ph.D.
Head of Chemistry Business Unit
Axcelead Drug Discovery Partners, Inc

In April, the FDA announced that New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) will be encouraged to include in IND applications, while reducing the animal testing requirements. This webinar will provide three key technologies relevant to NAMs. These technologies can be introduced prior to IND or clinical studies.

1. To accelerate drug development, Axcelead collaborates with hospitals to build evaluation systems using fresh human cancer tissues. Alongside human brain organoids and immune-humanized mouse models, these tools improve drug assessment and support advances in neurological diseases, immuno-oncology and personalized medicine.
2. A major challenge in translational research is linking complex molecular data to actionable insights for drug development. The second speaker introduces Axcelead’s multilayer Omics platform—including non-targeted metabolomics, clinical proteomics, and single-cell transcriptomics—to accelerate MoA elucidation and biomarker development.
3. VitroVo founders are leaders in microelectrode array (MEA)-based in vitro compound evaluation, contributing to consortia like HESI. Using iPSC-derived models and advanced analytics with its decades of experience, VitroVo does not only support toxicity risk detection but also disease modeling and phenotypic screening to better predict in vivo outcomes.

• Learn how cutting-edge evaluation systems using fresh human cancer tissues, human organoids, and immune-humanized mouse models are accelerating translational research
• Explore how Axcelead’s advanced omics technologies can help you unravel complex biological mechanisms
• Discover how VitroVo’s state-of-the-art MEA-based assays enable early and accurate detection of drug-induced toxicity

Speakers

Masayuki Goto
Head of Pharmacology Business Unit
Axcelead Drug Discovery Partners, Inc.

Yoshinori Satomi, Ph.D.
Director, Omics & Bioinformatics Group, DMPK Business Unit
Axcelead Drug Discovery Partners, Inc.

Jason Hamlin, Ph.D.
Consultant
VitroVo, Inc.

Translating animal data to human outcomes remains a major challenge in drug development. In our in vivo pharmacology studies, we employ the following strategies to enhance the relevance and predictability of preclinical findings for human clinical settings:

• Drawing on our experience from over 1000 drug discovery projects to select the most suitable disease models and assays
• Selecting disease models and genetically engineered animals that closely replicate human disease conditions
• Utilizing animals with humanized immune systems and target proteins
• Applying clinical-grade devices and parameters in efficacy assessments
• Conducting comprehensive evaluations of mechanisms of action (MOA) and potential side effects alongside efficacy studies to minimize the risk of clinical trial failure

In this webinar, our first speaker will provide an overview of these approaches, followed by a case study on anti-obesity drug development presented by our second speaker.

Key takeaways

• Gain practical strategies to enhance the clinical relevance of in vivo Pharmacology studies, including how to select appropriate disease models, apply humanized models, adopt clinical-grade approaches, and integrate MOA and side effect evaluation
• Learn from real-world experience drawn from over 1,000 drug discovery projects, including a focused case study on anti-obesity drug development

Speakers

Manami Kaneko, Ph.D.
Senior Director of Pharmacology Business Unit
Axcelead Drug Discovery Partners, Inc.

Yasunori Nio, Ph.D.
Director of Pharmacology Business Unit
Axcelead Drug Discovery Partners, Inc.