GVK Biosciences and Crelux announced that they have set up a highly robust fragment-based drug discovery platform proven to deliver rapidly, viable lead molecules. Crelux's high performance structural biology technologies together with GVK Bio's mature computer-assisted drug design (CADD) tools and other components of its drug discovery & development engine, encompass all steps from challenging targets to novel drug candidates.

Crelux and GVK Bio will provide seamless integration of all aspects of structure-based drug design for the biopharmaceutical industry and furnishes accelerated timelines for moving molecules from concept into the clinic at an optimal cost. Fragment-based Drug Design (FBDD) helps in visualizing binding modes and hence rationalizes an accelerated SAR allowing efficient lead optimization through CADD. Crelux will leverage its capabilities of all aspects of multifaceted structural studies towards X-ray elucidation of fragment or lead target complexes, whereas GVK Bio will perform all discovery chemistry and biology work including in silico, in vitro and in vivo studies as well as activities necessary to ensure pre-clinical candidate nomination.

"Collaborating with a renowned life-sciences service provider like GVK Bio in a fast emerging competitive area like fragment-based drug discovery is a strong appreciation of our high quality services. Together we have generated a truly one-stop-shop from target-to-IND and support our customers with comprehensive drug discovery services," commented Dr Michael Schäffer, CEO of Crelux.

"GVK Bio is committed to further advance the discovery tools and services that are needed to systematically profit from the enhanced understanding of biochemical pathways and important molecular target families," said Sven Wagner, vice president, and discovery business development for GVK BIO.

"With a strong alliance partner like Crelux, GVK Bio is moving in the direction of its vision of being a global leader in life-sciences services," said Manni Kantipudi, president, GVK BIO.

Crelux has used its state-of-the-art structural biology platform to solve more than 320 crystal and co-crystal structures for pharma and biotech companies.