HitGen, Takeda enter DNA-encoded library based drug discovery research collaboration

According to the agreement, HitGen will apply its advanced technology platform, based on DNA-encoded library design, synthesis and screening, to discover novel leads which will be licensed exclusively to Takeda.

Under the terms of the agreement, HitGen will receive upfront compensation, and be eligible for milestone payments from Takeda. Specific financial details were not disclosed.

“We are very pleased to enter this collaboration with Takeda, Japan’s largest pharmaceutical company. This world-wide collaboration further underscores the growing recognition and impact of DNA-encoded libraries for innovative drug discovery research. It also confirms the role of HitGen in this rapidly developing field.

“We will work closely with Takeda scientists to generate new lead compounds for their research programmes to address unmet medical needs.” said Dr. Jin Li, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of HitGen.

HitGen is a biotech company with headquarters and main research facilities based in Chengdu, China and with laboratory in USA.

HitGen has established a unique platform for drug discovery research centred around DNA encoded chemical libraries (DELs) . HitGen’s DELs contain more than 90 billion novel, diverse, drug-like small molecule and macrocycle compounds.

These compounds are members of DELs synthesised from many hundreds of distinct chemical scaffolds, designed with tractable chemistry and proven results for finding drug leads against biological targets from known and novel classes.

HitGen is working with multiple pharmaceutical, biotech companies and research institutes to discover and develop novel therapeutics of the future.