Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8) plays an essential role in human antiviral immunity by recognizing ssRNA of viruses. Upon activation by specific ligands, TLR8 can trigger potent antiviral responses. Development of an in vivo preclinical model has the potential to greatly accelerate research focused on new anti-HBV agents.  However, rodent TLR8 is unresponsive to human TLR8 …Read More >

Unlike conventional protein-targeted therapies, nucleic acid therapeutics have the potential for long-lasting effects and greater target specificity. WuXi AppTec provides a comprehensive platform to support the discovery of mRNA drugs.  Our services include mRNA design and production, assessment of mRNA delivery systems, in vitro evaluation, and determination of in vivo efficacy and biodistribution. At AACR …Read More >

In addition to identifying chemical starting points for early drug discovery processes, DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology has now expanded to new applications, including the discovery of bifunctional affinity ligands historically considered difficult to develop. At the 2024 Gordon Research Conference, WuXi AppTec presented a poster describing how DEL can enable the rapid discovery of novel …Read More >

The efficacy of CAR-T therapy is substantially influenced by the tumor microenvironment. This is particularly evident when PD-L1 is activated through CAR-T, leading to the inhibition of CAR-T cell activity via the PD-1 pathway. At the 2024 Recent Insights into Immuno-Oncology Conference, WuXi AppTec presented a poster describing an engineered CAR-T therapy that targets mesothelin …Read More >

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common cause of respiratory tract infections in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. HMPV is in the Pneumoviridae family along with the more commonly known respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).  Currently, there is no specific antiviral therapy to treat HMPV and no vaccine to prevent HMPV. At …Read More >

RNA interference using small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules has emerged as a promising therapeutic modality.  To accelerate the discovery of novel siRNAs, WuXi AppTec has established an integrated platform encompassing siRNA sequence design, chemical synthesis/modification, delivery ligand exploration, and activity/off-target assessment. At the TIDES USA 2024 Conference, our scientists presented a poster showcasing the effectiveness …Read More >

Despite the resurgence of interest in peptide therapeutics for historically “undruggable” targets, de novo discovery of peptide ligands remains a challenge.  Unlike traditional technologies, DNA-encoded libraries (DELs) predominantly employ unnatural amino acids, and the resulting cyclic peptide-like molecules which are generated display a wider range of chemical space and smaller ring sizes with improved physicochemical …Read More >

Despite the availability of modern screening technologies, identification and optimization of hits against poorly druggable targets remains a significant challenge for drug discovery teams.  Generating hit matter and reference compounds with one screening technology and then screening with a second technology has the potential to be a powerful tool for researchers. At this year’s Oxford …Read More >

GLUT1 serves as the conduit for transporting glucose from the extracellular milieu into the cell, thereby fueling cellular physiological activities via glucose metabolism. Its overexpression has been documented in various tumor cells, establishing GLUT1 as a promising therapeutic target. During an ASMS screening of GLUT1, a counter screen was introduced to effectively mitigate false positives …Read More >