ZoBio, a specialized contract research organization (CRO), has launched a comprehensive DNA-Encoded Library (DEL) hit discovery service aimed at helping biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies identify and validate promising drug candidates against novel and challenging biological targets.

The new platform integrates multiple drug discovery technologies into a single workflow, including structure-grade protein production, quantitative biophysics, DEL screening, off-DNA hit validation, and X-ray crystallography. 

The approach is designed to move beyond conventional hit identification by providing clients with structurally characterized and biologically validated starting points for drug development programs.

According to ZoBio, the service addresses a growing need within the pharmaceutical industry as researchers increasingly focus on highly validated but technically challenging targets. 

These include protein-protein interactions (PPIs) and targets with poorly defined binding pockets, where traditional screening methods often struggle to generate viable lead compounds.

Gregg Siegal, Chief Executive Officer of ZoBio, said the company's approach combines DNA-Encoded Library technology with expertise in structural biology, biophysics, and assay development to generate high-confidence hits that can be advanced into drug discovery programs. 

A key differentiator of the platform is its library-agnostic design, allowing clients to utilize either commercially available DEL collections or proprietary libraries within ZoBio's workflow.