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PhysChem

Understanding drug properties

Physicochemical characterisation (PhysChem) is crucial for optimising drug candidates during discovery. Key properties like lipophilicity, solubility and stability provide insights into DMPK parameters such as permeability and bioavailability. These measurements are foundational for ADMET characterisation and are tailored to fit both the “rule of five” and beyond. In collaboration with our Digital Life Sciences unit, we help refine your compounds for successful development.

A rack of samples for HPLC analysis

Physicochemical characteriation (PhysChem)

Our advanced platforms offer a comprehensive range of services:

  • Lipophilicity assessment
    • High-throughput logD determination using HPLC-based systems.
  • Solubility screening
    • Rapid kinetic solubility assays (DMSO-based).
    • Thermodynamic solubility in biorelevant media (FaSSIF, FeSSIF, FaSSGF).
  • Stability studies
    • Degradation analysis in varying pH, heat, oxidative and gastric juice conditions.
    • Reactivity assessments for covalent binders (glutathione, cysteine).
  • Specialised characterisation
    • Crystallinity (XRPD) and polar surface area (EPSA)
    • Tailored packages for PROTAC®s, peptides and macrocycles.
These services ensure your drug candidates are optimised for in vivo studies and beyond.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

  • What is the difference between kinetic and thermodynamic solubility?
    Kinetic solubility is the apparent solubility measured shortly after a compound, often in a DMSO stock solution, is mixed with the test medium before equilibrium is reached. Nuvisan offers a high-throughput dual assay that measures kinetic solubility and chromatographic logD at the same time, making it well suited to large compound sets in early drug discovery.

    Thermodynamic solubility is the equilibrium solubility measured after the compound has fully equilibrated from solid material. It is generally more reproducible and can be more predictive for developability.
     
  • What media do you offer for solubility assays?
    We offer a flexible range of media for solubility assays. This includes classical aqueous buffers across a relevant pH range, as well as biorelevant media such as FaSSIF, FeSSIF and FaSSGF. We can also test formulation and cosolvent systems commonly used in advanced PK/PD studies, including PEGs, surfactants and other vehicle components. Media selection can be tailored to compound properties and the specific in vitro–in vivo question.
  • What stability assays do you offer?
    Nuvisan offers a range of stability assays, including hydrolytic stability across relevant pH values, stability in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, thermal stability and oxidative stability. We also provide thiol reactivity and stability testing to identify potential covalent or reactive groups and other liabilities. Assay conditions, such as pH, temperature, time points and concentrations, can be adapted to suit the compound and project requirements.
  • What is your experience with modalities beyond small molecules?
    Our scientists bring hands-on experience with modalities beyond traditional small molecules, including macrocycles, PROTACs, ADCs and peptides. Nuvisan has expanded its PhysChem capabilities to address the challenges associated with emerging modalities. To support beyond-rule-of-5 programs, we have implemented EPSA measurements and can integrate them into complementary PhysChem data packages.
  • What is EPSA and when is it useful in drug discovery?
    EPSA (Experimental Polar Surface Area) is an SFC-based measurement that provides an experimental estimate of a compound’s effective polarity. It is useful for guiding the optimisation of permeability and oral absorption within a compound series, especially for beyond-rule-of-5 chemotypes where calculated PSA may not reflect observed behaviour. Nuvisan has established a high-throughput EPSA method with MS detection to support rapid, data-driven decisions.

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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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