ExSELence · Pioneering Self-Encoded Library Strategies for DNA/RNA Binding Proteins

The ExSELence project aims to validate and commercialize an innovative drug discovery platform that addresses key limitations in current screening technologies. Traditional approaches to identifying drug candidates, such as DNA-encoded libraries, face significant constraints when screening certain protein targets, particularly those involved in DNA and RNA processing. Our platform eliminates these constraints through a novel barcode-free approach that combines advanced synthesis methods with sophisticated computational analysis. ExSELence will validate the platform's capabilities through a focused study targeting EXO1, a promising therapeutic target in cancer. The project encompasses both technical validation of the platform and development of a comprehensive commercialization strategy. Technical activities will demonstrate the platform's ability to screen large compound libraries efficiently while identifying selective inhibitors. Commercial activities will explore various exploitation paths, from licensing opportunities to spin-off creation. The platform has shown promising initial results, including the successful screening of libraries containing up to one million compounds. The technology is protected by a recently filed patent application and builds on established expertise in combinatorial chemistry, mass spectrometry, and computational analysis. Success in this project would significantly impact drug discovery by making high-throughput screening more accessible to academic laboratories and smaller research institutions. The platform's unique capabilities could accelerate the development of therapeutics for previously challenging targets, particularly in cancer and genetic diseases where DNA- and RNA-binding proteins play crucial roles. The project's outcomes will include validated screening protocols, initial hit compounds for EXO1, and a clear commercialization strategy.