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Mechanism of Action (MoA) studies play a pivotal role in drug discovery by clarifying how a drug exerts its effects at various biological levels. Understanding the MoA not only informs drug design but also helps predict potential side effects and guides clinical development. By investigating how drug molecules interact with specific cellular targets, researchers can provide critical insights into the impact of small molecules on biological systems. This understanding is vital for optimising dosing strategies and minimising harmful side effects, thereby reducing the risk of drug failure during clinical trials.

At o2h, we specialise in studies that broaden the understanding of molecular targets and the downstream signalling pathways responsive to candidate drug molecules. Our comprehensive approach focuses on target-specific inhibition, profiling compounds to minimize off-target activities.

Key components of our MoA studies:

  1. Target Identification and Profiling
    • We identify molecular targets, including membrane receptors, ion channels, enzymes, and transcription factors, and assess the activation of downstream signalling pathways using various assays
  2. Customised Assay Development
    • Our team develops and validates tailored assays employing techniques such as high-content imaging, gene expression analysis, and studies of post-translational modifications (e.g., phosphorylation) through methods like Western blotting and flow cytometry.
  3. Gain-of-Function and Loss-of-Function Studies
    • We utilise gene expression modulation techniques, including RNA interference (siRNA, shRNA), overexpression, and CRISPR methodologies (knock-out, knock-in), and site-directed mutagenesis to investigate protein levels, target activity, and modifications.
  4. Protein and Biomolecule Interaction Bioassays
    • Through assays such as co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), pull-down assays, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), we evaluate the affinity, specificity, kinetics, and stoichiometry of drug-target interactions.

By integrating these methodologies, o2h ensures a comprehensive investigation of drug mechanisms, ultimately contributing to the successful development of effective and safe therapeutic agents.

To know more about our biology services offering or to request our brochure, please reach out to us at discovery@o2h.com.

our team

Sunil

Sunil Shah

CEO - o2h Ventures and Co-Founder - o2h discovery

Sunil's Biography

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Sunil Shah

CEO - o2h Ventures and Co-Founder - o2h discovery

A serial entrepreneur having begun a career in the Life Sciences team at PA Consulting group followed by co-founding two companies in the information technology and life sciences sector. The second of these companies, Oxygen Healthcare Ltd was acquired by Piramal Enterprises Ltd (BSE: PEL). Sunil co-founded o2h ventures which involves discovery services / collaborations, seeding drug discovery, academic in-licensing and biotechnology incubation. Sunil has a degree in Biochemistry and an MBA from Cambridge University


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prashant shah

Prashant Shah

CEO - o2h discovery and Co-Founder - o2h group

Prashant's Biography

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Prashant Shah

CEO - o2h discovery and Co-Founder - o2h group

Prashant is a serial entrepreneur in life sciences and tech in which one of those companies was acquired by a public company. He is currently active in seed investing (a portfolio of ~50 companies), product/IP development, services, and building lab/office infrastructure. The early career was with the Strategy group at Accenture. He has a BEng, an MSc, in which he worked on the Human Genome Program at the Sanger Centre, and an MPhil in Management from the Judge Institute. Prashant is also a General Partner in the o2h SEIS/EIS Human Health Funds.


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Andy Morley

Andy Morley

Chief Scientific Officer

Andy's Biography

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Andy Morley

Chief Scientific Officer

Andy is a highly experienced and accomplished Medicinal Chemist with over 25 years of experience in major pharmaceutical companies such as Sanofi-Aventis and AstraZeneca. He has extensive experience across all phases of drug discovery and has played a key role in the development of five candidates that have reached clinical trials. Andy is a prolific author and inventor, with over 55 publications and patents to his name. Since 2013, he has been working full-time with o2h Limited, where he leads the scientific evaluation of investment opportunities and provides scientific support. He has also served as CSO for two early-stage collaborations within the o2h Ventures portfolio, demonstrating his ability to successfully guide drug discovery projects from concept to clinical development.


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Nilesh Dagia

Nilesh Dagia

Chief Special Projects Officer

Nilesh's Biography

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Nilesh Dagia

Chief Special Projects Officer

Nilesh leads the global operations of o2h group covering a wide range of innovation led investment, life-science and technology businesses. He is also overseeing the development and execution of the new o2h discovery Shirish Research Centre in Ahmedabad, India. Prior to joining o2h group, Nilesh worked with Piramal Group in various capacities including as an Alliance Manager for a risk-share oncology-based collaboration with a US Big Pharma and has also worked as the Head of Biology in Piramal Discovery solutions. Nilesh obtained his Ph.D. from Ohio University and completed a post-doc in Immunology, Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He is the author and inventor of >30 life science patents and publications. He received the Young Scientist of India award from OPPI in 2010.


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o2h group launched revolutionary project management app for drug discovery

o2h group launched revolutionary project management app for drug discovery. The app’s full suite of project management tools is available exclusively to live project collaborators and a lighter version is open for researchers looking for a quote for the synthesis of small molecules.

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