Discovery Research
We have extensive expertise and experience modifying
gene function in vitro and in vivo as
a result of our work on model organisms for the discovery
of novel targets and pathways relevant to human disease.
Our target discovery platform integrates high-throughput
gene knockdown capabilities with cutting-edge cell
biology, bioinformatics and protein biochemistry
to identify and prioritize targets amenable to small
molecule drug discovery. Our current research efforts
are focused in the areas of cancer and metabolic
diseases; however the platform can be leveraged to
identify targets and compounds with applications
in other therapeutic areas such as inflammation.
For key disease targets that are best addressed by
therapeutic antibodies, Exelixis has utilized strategic
alliances, combining our biology and screening expertise
with antibody discovery and development capabilities
of professional antibody companies. This approach
enables us to efficiently and comprehensively evaluate
the therapeutic potential of biotherapeutics directed
to an entire family of receptors and ligands.
We have made significant investments in our discovery
operations that support extensive preclinical analyses
and optimization, to enhance our potential for success
in the clinic. Our discovery operation has the infrastructure
and expertise to screen and optimize large numbers of
compounds very rapidly while retaining stringent selection
criteria. Our ability to optimize lead compounds in a
parallel fashion creates a pool of extensively qualified
candidates from which we can select the few that meet
our high standards for pre-clinical safety, bioavailability,
potency, specificity and efficacy. This is achieved by
integrating highly automated empirical approaches (high-throughput
screening and high-speed chemistry) and data-intensive,
structure-assisted design paradigms with extensive pharmacological
characterization. We believe the process we created is
a new paradigm for consistently discovering novel therapeutic
compounds.
