ZoBio, a boutique problem-solving Contract Research Organization (CRO) specializing in early gene-to-lead discovery, today announced the launch of its comprehensive DNA-Encoded Library (DEL) hit discovery service, designed to help biotech and pharmaceutical companies generate validated, progressible hits against novel and challenging drug targets.

The new integrated offering combines structure-grade protein production, quantitative biophysics, DEL screening, off-DNA hit validation and X-ray crystallography into a single workflow. It enables clients to move beyond hit identification toward high-confidence starting points for drug discovery programs. 

Unlike transactional DEL screening approaches that focus solely on hit generation, ZoBio’s platform is designed to deliver biologically relevant, structurally characterized hit matter with clear potential for progression. The service is particularly suited to exploratory and difficult-to-drug targets, including protein-protein interactions (PPIs) and targets with poorly defined binding pockets, where conventional screening approaches often fail.

“Drug discovery teams today are increasingly focused on highly validated but technically challenging targets, where traditional screening approaches can struggle to deliver meaningful starting points,” said Gregg Siegal, Chief Executive Officer at ZoBio. “Our approach combines DEL technology with the structural biology, biophysics and assay expertise needed to generate hits that clients can confidently progress. We are not simply delivering hit matter, we are delivering validated, progressible starting points backed by mechanistic understanding.”

ZoBio’s DEL service is library-agnostic, enabling clients to access commercially available DEL collections or apply ZoBio’s workflow to proprietary client-owned libraries. The integrated platform includes:

• Structure-grade protein production and characterization

• Quantitative biophysical assay development using techniques such as SPR

• Biophysically informed DEL selection design

• Interactive DEL data analysis and hit prioritization

• Off-DNA hit resynthesis and orthogonal validation

• Structural characterization through X-ray crystallography

• Mechanistic insight to support downstream optimization

The workflow is designed to support collaborative decision-making throughout the discovery process, helping clients rapidly establish whether difficult or exploratory targets are viable for further development.

ZoBio’s approach builds on more than two decades of expertise in structural biology and hit identification for complex targets. The company’s broader hit discovery platform integrates DEL screening alongside fragment-based drug discovery and covalent compound screening, enabling tailored strategies based on target biology and desired mechanism of action.

“Many organizations can run a DEL screen, but far fewer can provide the scientific integration needed to rapidly build confidence in the resulting hits,” added Siegal. “By combining quantitative assay design, structural validation, and collaborative scientific problem-solving, we help clients reduce risk earlier in discovery and make better-informed go/no-go decisions.”

The launch coincides with ZoBio’s attendance at the BIO International Convention in San Diego and EFMC International Symposium on Medicinal Chemistry, where the team will showcase the service with prospective partners.

Members of the ZoBio team will be available for meetings during BIO International Convention in San Diego and the EFMC International Symposium on Medicinal Chemistry to discuss how integrated hit discovery strategies can accelerate programs targeting difficult biology.