Biophysical characterization of binary and ternary drug-target complexes using the Bruker SPR-32 Pro platform

November 29, 2023

Overview

The pharmaceutical industry is constantly seeking innovative strategies for drug discovery and development. A key aspect of this endeavor is gaining a deeper understanding of the molecular interactions between drug candidates and their target proteins. This knowledge helps researchers not only identify promising leads but also optimize them for cellular and in vivo efficacy.

This on-demand webinar showcases the use of biophysical techniques like SPR (Surface Plasmon Resonance) and X-ray crystallography to characterize drug-target interactions.

  • Gain comprehensive insights into the molecular mode of target modulation
  • Explore how compound properties seamlessly translate into cellular and in vivo efficacy of drug candidates

Drug discovery labs need to characterize the structure activity relationship of their candidate molecules and gain insights in the mechanism of action. The webinar will focus on the in-depth characterization of screening hits' interaction with target proteins, covering aspects such as activity, affinity, binding kinetics, thermodynamics, and their ability to modulate protein conformations and dynamics. This knowledge plays a pivotal role in diversifying early hit matter and optimizing drug candidates in pre-clinical research programs.

This webinar is perfect for drug discovery scientists and researchers, biochemists and biophysicists, and or anyone interested in the latest advancements in drug development.

Watch this free on-demand webinar now and accelerate your drug discovery journey!

Key takeaway:

  • Support of Hit ID and Hit characterization in early drug discovery through biophysical methods
  • Case studies showcasing assay development for binary and ternary complex formation
  • Applications of the Bruker SPR-32 PRO Platform for gaining insights into binding affinities and kinetics for small (NCE) and large (NBE) binders
  • SPR method development to support kinetic characterization of challenging drug targets directly from cellular extracts

Speakers

Daniel Schwarz, Ph.D., Lab Head Molecular Interactions, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Daniel Schwarz earned his Ph.D. from Goethe University Frankfurt/Main, Germany in Biophysical Chemistry for his work on the structural and functional characterization of membrane embedded proteins. In 2010 Daniel joined Merck Healthcare KGaA as a bench scientist in the department of Molecular Interactions and Biophysics. He currently holds a Principal Scientist position within the Discovery & Development Technology unit and leads a team in the department of Discovery Pharmacology.

His actual Drug Discovery research concentrates on the characterization of molecular interactions by various biophysical methods in a cell free environment. It covers a broad range of activities: fragment screening, analysis of binding kinetics of small molecules as well as of biologics/ADCs and species/isoform selectivity of drug-target interactions. Since a few years ternary complex formation assays for the analysis of small molecules, inhibiting DNA or RNA modifying enzymes or triggering protein degradation, as well as various assay formats providing insights into the molecular mode of drug/target binding complement Daniels Discovery research activities.

Pedro Sousa, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, IBET, Lisbon, Portugal

Pedro Sousa holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica (ITQB), NOVA University of Lisbon, for his work on the characterization of prokaryotic aerobic respiratory chain supercomplexes. He currently coordinates the Molecular Interactions Platform at the Structural Biology for Drug Discovery Unit at iBET.

Current interests include the study of molecular interactions using a combination of different cutting edge biophysical methods such as Surface Plasmon Resonance or Differential Scanning Fluorimetry. This research is developed on the scope of the collaboration with Merck Healthcare KGaA and comprehends the analysis of analyte-ligand interactions in early drug discovery.

 

For Research Use Only. Not for use in clinical diagnostic procedures.