Vlcsnap 2025 04 24 15h17m49s432 Drug discovery phases
Our Capabilities

Drug Discovery Phases

Excellerate offers expertise in molecular and cellular pharmacology techniques throughout the preclinical drug discovery process.

With a proven track record of success, we provide scientific support across diverse therapeutic areas, working collaboratively to drive your research forward.

At Excellerate, we develop comprehensive packages to assess the biological relevance and druggability of novel targets.

Our expertise spans multiple target classes and therapeutic areas, leveraging our technologies to provide data-driven insights for drug discovery programs. By integrating molecular, cellular, and functional assays, we support target ID and validation from early discovery through preclinical development.

  • Expression Profiling: mRNA and protein-level analysis using qPCR, flow cytometry, Western blot, and immunofluorescence imaging

  • Functional Phenotypic Assays: Assessment of target activity in primary cells and disease-relevant models

  • Compound Library Screening: Profiling against known pathway modulators and approved drugs

  • Recombinant Target Generation: Production of engineered cell lines and recombinant proteins for validation studies

  • siRNA/Nucleofection Studies: Gene knockdown approaches for target validation in relevant cell lines

  • Biomarker ID & Validation: Characterization of predictive and pharmacodynamic biomarkers

  • Binding Assays: High-throughput target engagement studies e.g. HTRF, TR-FRET, and BRET platforms

Excellerate provides the expertise and support needed for efficient hit-to-lead projects, ensuring timely progression to a lead series.

Our assay development spans diverse targets and screening formats, integrating orthogonal validation and mechanism of action studies to refine compound selection.

  • High-Throughput & Focused Screening: MTS/HTS library screening for rapid identification of hits

  • Orthogonal Assays: Elimination of false positives through secondary confirmation and counter-screening

  • Mechanism of Action & SAR Studies – Detailed structure-activity relationship (SAR) profiling and target engagement validation

  • Compound Library Management: Proficiency in handling third-party and custom libraries for streamlined screening cascades and data management (e.g. Dotmatics)

  • Comprehensive Profiling: Screening cascades ranging from large-scale HTS (100k+ compounds) down to single-molecule mechanistic studies

  • Phenotypic Screening: Single-molecule and synergistic studies, selectivity panels, and cytotoxicity assays

  • Functional & Kinetic Analysis: Cellular and biochemical assays measuring binding kinetics, association/dissociation rates

Excellerate provides expert lead optimization support, refining lead molecules into preclinical candidates.

Through close collaboration with our clients, our senior scientific team develops tailored screening strategies, selecting assays suited to the drug class, target, and therapeutic indication.

  • Comprehensive Compound Profiling: Robust assay validation to refine lead series and optimize potency, selectivity, and pharmacological properties

  • Automated Workflows: Use of liquid handling systems and robotics to improve efficiency and assay reproducibility

  • Iterative Screening & Reporting: Rapid data turnaround to minimize iterative screening cycle time

  • Data Integration & Management: Seamless alignment with client data platforms for informed decision-making

  • Compound Management: Coordination with third-party providers for compound handling and logistics

  • Strategic Project Support: Active participation in project meetings, providing expert guidance on in vitro pharmacology to support client milestones

Excellerate specialize in detailed mechanistic characterization of drug candidates, enabling data-driven decision making in late preclinical candidate studies.

Utilizing a tailored approach to our clients requirements, we perform phenotypic screening, matrix studies, and advanced cell-based assays to provide insights into candidate efficacy and mechanism of action, to support in regulatory submissions and publications.

  • Mechanism of Action Studies: Detailed biochemical and cellular approaches, including binding kinetics, cell pathway modulation, and specific target engagement studies

  • Competitor Compound Comparison: Direct side-by-side analysis to differentiate candidates and highlight unique pharmacological attributes

  • Toxicology/Cytotoxicity Assays: Comprehensive cell health assessments, including apoptosis, necrosis, and metabolic viability measurements

  • Phenotypic Screening Strategies: High-content imaging and functional assays to assess compound effects on cellular morphology, viability, and signaling pathways

  • Scientific Data Packages: Development of robust data packages to support scientific publications and regulatory submissions

Get in touch with the Excellerate team today to speak to one of our of expert scientists

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Location
Excellerate Biosciences Ltd
21 The Triangle
NG2 Business Park
Nottingham
NG2 1AE

Company Number: 10228159

VAT Number: GB 248960957

UK BioIndustry Association
UK BioIndustry Association
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