Daiichi Sankyo Partners with Depixus to Accelerate RNA-Targeted Drug Discovery

France-based Depixus, a life science technology company specializing in magnetic force spectroscopy-based technology, has formed a collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo under which Depixus will use its MAGNA technology to accelerate an RNA-targeted drug discovery program.

According to a Dec. 12, 2023 company press release, MAGNA enables high-throughput analysis of dynamic biomolecular interactions in real time with single-molecule resolution. Used on RNA, this analysis can reveal how small molecules and proteins bind to three-dimensional RNA structures. The technology can furthermore provide valuable information about binding kinetics and mode of action.

Under the collaboration, Daiichi Sankyo’s team will use MAGNA to explore the interactions of lead molecules with a number of undisclosed RNA targets. The data from these studies will inform hit-to-lead selection and lead optimization. Daiichi Sankyo anticipates that the technology will accelerate and de-risk its RNA-targeted therapeutics pipeline as candidates in that pipeline move towards the clinic.

In comparison with other analytical techniques that provide static snapshots, averaged bulk data, or indirect measurements of molecular interactions, MAGNA generates direct readouts of dynamic binding and conformational changes from thousands of individual molecules, according to Depixus. The technology can be used to study a wide range of molecular interactions, such as interactions between DNA, RNA, proteins, and small-molecule therapeutics. It can also have applications in areas such as RNA-targeted drug discovery, protein–protein interactions, proteolysis targeting chimeras, and molecular glues, the company stated in its press release.

“The world of RNA-targeted therapeutics has huge potential, yet is largely unexplored. We are excited to partner with Daiichi Sankyo to put MAGNA to work in pursuit of our shared vision of creating novel medicines to treat diseases with high unmet need,” said Gordon Hamilton, CEO of Depixus, in the press release.

Source: Depixus