Bridging Topic: Small Molecule Drugs
We combine interdisciplinary expertise and advanced technologies to accelerate the development of small molecule drugs for the treatment of infectious diseases.
Alongside preventive strategies such as vaccines, small molecule drugs (SMDs) are an essential pillar in combating infectious diseases. SMDs are chemically defined compounds that interact with specific molecular targets in pathogens or in the human host.
Their continued development is essential to effectively combat emerging and drug-resistant pathogens. This includes innovations such as PROTACs (proteolysis-targeting chimeras that enable targeted protein degradation), drug conjugates (linked therapeutic molecules), and click-to-release systems (chemically triggered drug release). In addition, approaches that target pathogen virulence—rather than directly affecting essential processes in bacteria, viruses, or fungi—are gaining increasing importance.
New technological developments in the field of chemistry, (target) biology and pharmacology, including artificial intelligence (AI) methods, shall help to further accelerate development of SMDs to keep pace with pathogens.
At DZIF, small molecule drug development spans the full pipeline from early discovery to clinical application. One compound targeting multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is currently in clinical development, while two additional candidates are being prepared for clinical trials or are in preclinical stages. A notable success is Bulevirtide, a small molecule drug developed within DZIF and successfully brought to market.
Mission of the Bridging Topic "Small Molecule Drugs"
SMD development is particularly complex in the field of infectious diseases as major pharmaceutical players are not active in these indications. Thus, the Bridging Topic "Small Molecule Drugs", comprising a network reflecting different disciplines, will be a central hub for information exchange and networking of drug developers.
The Bridging Topic aims to provide information and consultancy across all DZIF research areas and partner sites to facilitate connection and dialogue of different disciplines enabling collaboration and successful translation.
Specifically, the Bridging Topic aims to facilitate collaboration, knowledge exchange, and translational progress:
- Facilitate access to compound libraries and screening infrastructures;
- Support development and application of computational and AI-driven methods;
- Connect experts and exchange knowledge in medicinal chemistry and early drug development (hit-to-lead optimization);
- Connect with opportunities for compound profiling;
- Facilitate access to relevant preclinical models.
Additionally, the Bridging Topic "Small Molecule Drugs" will enable to provide learning on typical development pathways and foster to shape development pathways of novel, non-traditional SMD modalities together with relevant stakeholders.
Events
- The first Bridging Topic "Small Molecule Drugs" workshop will take place on July 30 in Frankfurt.
