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One of the huge challenges in leading a successful hit identification (HI) campaign is to obtain a novel molecule with a confirmed structure and reproducible activity in a relevant bioassay. Additionally, target specificity and chemical tractability can pave the way for a strong Hit-to-Lead and further all the way to IND nomination. ARG-IDD’s medicinal chemistry teams have the knowledge and experience to support you with novel hit generation that can progress all the way to becoming an IND candidate.

We employ a multi-pronged approach in generating hits with concomitant data generation. Merging of all this information set against well-established hit evaluation criteria helps generate true hits that can translate into an ongoing lead series. At ARG-IDD, a hit identification campaign can take anywhere from 2 to 6 months to complete.

What is the best hit-finding strategy?

ARG-IDD teams employ multiple hit identification techniques in engaging with our partners as they aim to discovery a novel hit series. 

  • Virtual Screening
  • Fragments Screening
  • Knowledge-based design
  • HTS/MTS
  • Phenotypic Screening 
  • DEL Screening

IDD teams at Aragen typically work with a set of Hit selection criteria agreed with the partner at program initiation. A typical Hit selection criteria set includes setting the cut-offs on the following parameters :

  • Calculated properties such as molecular weight, clogP, tPSA, ligand efficiency etc.
  • Relevant in-vitro primary assays and off-target selectivity assay
  • Chemistry design & synthetic effectiveness for SAR exploration
  • Drug-like chemical “attractiveness” and the absence of problematic functional groups and/or structural motifs
  • Preliminary ADME properties (permeability, microsomal stability, log D etc.) & solubility
  • IP Analysis of the chemical matter in question
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