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Modalities beyond small molecules

From PROTAC®s to peptides

Innovative therapeutic approaches are expanding the horizons of drug discovery, incorporating small molecules into groundbreaking modalities such as PROTAC®s, ADCs and peptide-based structures. Our medicinal chemists bring extensive expertise to these emerging fields, offering tailored chemical solutions to advance your drug development process.

A peptide-like ligand binding to a protein

Design and synthesis of degraders, ADCs and peptide libraries

Nuvisan offers a comprehensive suite of chemistry services across various advanced therapeutic modalities:

 

Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTAC®s)

  • Optimisation of exit vectors, linker length and composition for oral bioavailability.
  • Digital Life Sciences support, including:
    • Binder design for POIs/E3 ligases
    • Structure-based and de novo linker optimisation
    • Ternary complex prediction
  • Proven track record in delivering preclinical PROTAC® compounds efficiently.

 

Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs)

  •  Advanced linker optimisation to reduce systemic exposure and limit toxicity.

 

Peptide-based drug development

  • Parallel peptide synthesis in 48/96-well reactors for sequences up to 20 amino acids
  • Design and incorporation of non-natural amino acids
  • Specialised expertise in:
    • Peptide stapling and cyclic peptide design.
    • 18F-labelling for advanced applications.
    • SAR generation and PK optimisation for peptide-based small molecules.

These capabilities allow Nuvisan to deliver precise and innovative solutions, driving progress in your drug discovery programs.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

  • What makes your PROTAC platform different?
    Nuvisan provides integrated PROTAC discovery services from target protein and E3 ligase production through to binder identification, hit discovery and optimisation. Our design process combines structural biology with digital tools, while our high-speed synthesis platform uses plate-based and pool chemistry with a D2B approach to support faster discovery.

    Our assays provide mechanistic insight, confirm target degradation and assess selectivity and safety. We also support in vitro and in vivo DMPK profiling, followed by degradation and efficacy studies in relevant models, to help progress candidates towards key project milestones. Early involvement of our CMC team supports an efficient transition into development.
  • How do you approach difficult-to-drug targets in PROTAC discovery?
    Nuvisan works on historically challenging targets such as transcription factors, scaffolding proteins and epigenetic regulators. We combine a structurally diverse compound and fragment library with advanced screening technologies, supported by in silico modelling and structure-based design, to identify binders for both the protein of interest (POI) and suitable E3 ligases. This supports targeting of both orthosteric and allosteric sites and provides strong starting points for PROTAC discovery.

    Our experience in hit and lead discovery, together with optimisation in both rule-of-5 (Ro5) and beyond-rule-of-5 (bRo5) chemical space, supports candidate progression towards key project milestones. AI-guided ligand discovery, rational linker design and synthetic optimisation further support cellular and in vivo performance.
  • Can your team address key PROTAC discovery challenges?

    Yes. We address common PROTAC discovery challenges through an iterative, chemistry- and data-led workflow.

    This includes:

    • Suboptimal ternary complex formation through biophysical assays, computational modelling and chemistry-led linker optimisation
    • DMPK challenges through in vitro and in vivo profiling, rational linker design, chemical modification and PK optimisation
    • Off-target degradation through quantitative proteomics and selective ligase engagement.
  • How do you reduce risk and deliver preclinical-ready PROTAC candidates efficiently?
    We support the path from discovery to preclinical development through an integrated workflow that combines target validation, live-cell assays, medicinal chemistry and ADME/PK optimisation. Early CMC involvement supports scalable, cost-efficient synthesis and early assessment of solubility, stability, crystallisation and formulation strategy. This integrated approach helps reduce risks and supports the delivery of preclinical-ready candidates.
  • Why partner with Nuvisan for PROTAC discovery?
    Nuvisan combines scientific expertise in PROTAC discovery with relevant discovery and preclinical technologies and strong project execution. This supports an efficient, integrated approach from early discovery through to preclinical candidate progression.

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Email us

hello@nuvisan.com

Talk to us

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+49 731 9840 0 

Our locations

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Neu-Ulm (headquarters)

Wegenerstrasse 13

89231 Neu-Ulm

Germany

Berlin

Muellerstrasse 178

13353 Berlin

Germany

Sophia Antipolis

2400 route des Colles

06410 Biot

France

Grafing

Am Feld 32

85567 Grafing

Germany

Waltrop

Im Wirrigen 25

45731 Waltrop

Germany

For concerns about pharmaceuticals or adverse drug-related events, contact us at: complaints@nuvisan.com
 
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