Fragment-based lead discovery (FBLD), also known as Fragment-based drug design (FBDD) is a method that was developed and first implemented at Abbott laboratories during the mid-1990s. Early approaches included NMR spectroscopy and x-ray crystallography which have worked together successfully to produce multiple clinical candidates. Newer methods include surface plasmon resonance (SPR) which has been used interchangeably with NMR as a pre-screen for fragment binding.

FBLD or FBDD continue to grow in popularity due to its success in identifying clinical candidates with desirable chemical properties such as low molecular weight. Zenobia has adapted FBLD to address specific challenges in CNS disease although the method may be applied in any therapeutic area and our scientists have experience in many of these including oncology and antibacterial research. Zenobia also continues to support the development of new fragment screening methods including nanocalorimetry which is being developed by the Palo Alto Research Center and other x-ray screening methods being developed at the APS.

As these pages grow, they will provide additional resources for fragment-based lead discovery success stories, references, blogs and methodology.

Please check-out our Partnering and Products pages for how we may help you being your own FBLD program or our Programs page to see how we are using FBLD to address CNS disease.