Screening
Why It Matters
Small Molecules 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. This shift is enabled by advances in technology that facilitates automated, high-throughput screening workflows. Drug screening typically starts with millions of candidates, quickly narrowing the candidate pool through an iterative assay process.
As screening workflows progress, assays for analyzing candidates increase in complexity. Binary readouts evolve to dose-response curves requiring more in-depth statistical analyses. The use of analytical instruments and screening software can help to deliver insights and identify the best candidates for further development and clinical trials.
The Life Sciences companies of Danaher Corporation support biopharma and clinical researchers in their endeavor to increase screening efficacy and throughput with its comprehensive platform of best-in-class science and technology companies. We recognize the necessity for solutions that eliminate bottlenecks faster and aim to address this with our extensive instrument, software and services portfolio.
The Process
One lab, three paths to faster screening outcomes
Product Spotlight
SCIEX Echo® MS System
A pioneering combination of acoustic droplet ejection (ADE) and the open port interface (OPI), along with the quantitative power of the SCIEX Triple Quad 6500+ mass spectrometer, this ultra-high sample throughput system delivers speed, scale and reproducibility with unyielding data quality.
FAQs
What are small molecule screening techniques?
Small molecule screening techniques involve methods used to identify and evaluate potential drug candidates from vast libraries of compounds. These techniques typically utilize automated, high-throughput screening workflows that can handle large volumes of compounds.
The screening process involves several stages. Initially, compounds are prepared for screening by creating stock solutions using automation tools such as the Beckman Coulter Life Sciences Biomek i-Series Automated Liquid Handler or the Beckman Coulter Life Sciences Echo Acoustic Liquid Handler. These solutions are stored under controlled conditions to prevent degradation. Compound libraries require ongoing maintenance to track integrity over time, which is managed through the IDBS Polar Biopharma Lifecycle Management Software.
Working stock solutions are dispensed onto reagent plates to facilitate screening protocols, minimizing the need to return to concentrated stocks and thus preventing degradation. Tools like the Beckman Coulter Life Sciences Echo Acoustic Liquid Handler are used for precise dispensing. Assay plates are either created in-house using automated liquid handlers or acquired from assay development labs, with all assay data documented using the IDBS Polar Biopharma Lifecycle Management Software.
During initial assays, compounds are incubated with reagents or cells, with automation provided by the Beckman Coulter Life Sciences Biomek i-Series Automated Liquid Handler. Various detection methods, such as plate readers, imagers, or flow cytometers, are used to measure responses like fluorescence or cell viability. Data analysis for initial screening involves interpreting large datasets using specialized software like GeneData Screener Software for statistical analysis.
Primary screening involves more complex assays, assessing parameters like dose-response and gene expression. Data from these screens, including mass spectrometry and NGS data, are interpreted and managed using GeneData Screener Software and IDBS Polar Biopharma Lifecycle Management Software.
Secondary screening for ADME and toxicity utilizes instruments like the Leica Microsystems Stellaris Confocal Microscope for detailed analysis. Data from these screens are also analyzed using GeneData Screener Software and managed through IDBS Polar Biopharma Lifecycle Management Software.
What is a dose-response curve and why is it important in screening?
Dose-response curves illustrate the relationship between the concentration of a drug or compound and its biological effect. These curves are crucial in drug screening because they provide quantitative data on how a candidate compound affects the target or disease phenotype at different concentrations. By analyzing the dose-response curve, researchers can determine the potency, efficacy and potential toxicity of small molecule candidates. This information is essential for selecting promising candidates to advance to further stages of drug development and clinical trials.
How is small molecule screening applied to address complex disease phenotypes?
Small molecule screening is applied to address complex disease phenotypes by systematically testing large libraries of compounds against disease-specific targets or pathways. This approach allows researchers to identify potential drug candidates that modulate the underlying mechanisms of complex diseases. Researchers can prioritize leads for further optimization and development by screening for compounds that show desired biological activity in relevant assays.
How long does it take to develop a small-molecule drug?
Developing a small-molecule drug typically takes several years, generally ranging from 10 to 15 years on average. However, technological advancements, such as automated, high-throughput screening workflows, are shortening this timeline. The Life Sciences companies of Danaher Corporation assist biopharma and clinical researchers in enhancing the efficiency and speed of compound screening. They offer a wide range of cutting-edge technologies and solutions aimed at overcoming obstacles quickly in small molecule and biologics screening, emphasizing their commitment to addressing these challenges comprehensively with their extensive portfolio of instruments, software and services, such as:
- Beckman Coulter Life Sciences Biomek i-Series Automated Liquid Handler
- Beckman Coulter Life Sciences Echo Acoustic Liquid Handler
- Molecular Devices ImageXPress HT.ai High Content Imaging System
- Molecular Devices FLIPR Penta High Throughput Cellular Screening System
- Beckman Coulter Life Sciences Vi-CELL BLU Cell Viability Analyzer
- Beckman Coulter Life Sciences CytoFLEX Flow Cytometer
- Molecular Devices SpectraMax iD5 Plate Reader
- Leica Microsystems Stellaris Confocal Microscope, etc.