WuXi AppTec acquires Crelux to improve structure-based drug discovery capabilities

The addition of Crelux provides augmented scientific depth and complements existing capabilities within the WuXi structure-based drug discovery platform.

Crelux was founded in 2005 and has its laboratories at the Innovation Center for Biotechnology (IZB) in Martinsried. As a global leader in structure-based drug discovery, Crelux has been providing the drug discovery industry with highly individualized and efficient solutions to inform and accelerate their programmes for more than a decade. Crelux provides a number of customized services to support hit-finding, conformational analysis and lead optimisation, including protein production, biophysical assays, fragment screening, and X-ray crystallography.

The acquisition represents a further step in the growing European presence of WuXi AppTec and reaffirms WuXi’s strong commitment to better serving and interacting with European customers. It provides a solid foundation for WuXi to expand its integrated drug discovery services within Europe.

WuXi AppTec executive vice president and COO Steve Yang said: "The addition of Crelux will enable existing and prospective clients of both WuXi and Crelux to access enhanced hit finding, hit-to-lead, and lead optimization services with greater efficiency and scientific leadership.

"Crelux reflects our commitment to our European clients and adds strength to our existing comprehensive drug discovery capabilities within the WuXi Research Service Division."

Crelux co-founder, Business and Strategy Executive Director Michael Schaeffer said: "Adding Crelux’s expertise and technologies onto more comprehensive, integrated discovery services has always been a main strategic goal for us; with WuXi AppTec we have found the perfect match. Our combination will allow the European and global drug discovery and development industry to profit from the highest standards of service excellence and high-throughput, industrialized, processes".