o2h Discovery, a leading CRO specializing in medicinal chemistry services, delivers high-quality drug discovery solutions through our integrated, multi-modality capabilities and state-of-the-art facilities in Cambridge, UK, and Ahmedabad, India. We work at the critical interface of chemistry and biology, partnering with global biotech and pharma companies to accelerate the development of innovative therapies.
Our medicinal chemistry expertise spans the full spectrum of small molecule design and synthesis, from traditional heterocyclic and carbocyclic chemistry (including carbohydrates and steroids) to complex modern modalities. These include PROTACs, molecular glues, peptides, and oligonucleotides, where our integrated approach helps advance even the most challenging drug discovery programs.
By combining deep scientific knowledge with flexible collaboration models, o2h Discovery enables partners to efficiently scale their research, reduce timelines, and bring breakthrough medicines closer to patients.
Some of the key expertise includes:
- Target Validation (with integrated biology support)
- Hit Identification & Lead Generation
- Lead Validation
- Lead Optimisation
These services can be accessed independently or as part of an integrated drug discovery platform, providing flexibility for both early-stage biotech ventures and established pharma R&D programs.
Comprehensive Medicinal Chemistry Services
Target Validation (Integrated Biology Support)
Alongside medicinal chemistry, we offer target validation services to confirm the biological relevance of selected pathways. Our biology teams develop customised in vivo and in vitro models, ensuring that the chemistry efforts are directed toward validated and translatable targets.
Hit Identification & Lead Generation
At o2h Discovery, our hit identification and lead generation services combine rational ligand design with synthetic chemistry to uncover promising starting points for drug discovery. We generate homologous and diverse series of compounds, design and synthesise structurally related analogues, and apply combinatorial or focused library approaches to expand chemical space. In addition, our chemists conduct surrogate searches for core chemical scaffolds, ensuring robust alternatives are available for progression. This comprehensive approach enables rapid identification of high-quality hits and leads for further optimisation.
Lead Validation
The key focus lies in refining hits into validated leads with improved profiles. This involves establishing structure–activity relationships (SARs), reducing structural and pharmacological liabilities, designing and synthesising focused compound arrays, and supplying sufficient material for ADME and in vitro screening. Together, these activities enable a rapid and efficient progression from initial hits to high-quality leads.
Lead Optimisation
In the lead optimisation phase, our chemists collaborate closely with in-house biologists and ADME tearns to generate compounds that align with the target product profile (TPP), Capabilities include:
- Comprehensive prior art analysis and patentability assessments
- Design of back-up series to mitigate development risk
- Progression of compounds toward in vivo proof-of-concept
- Collaboration with biology teams for PK/PD, toxicology, and pharmacology studies
This multidisciplinary approach ensures that compounds not only demonstrate efficacy but also meet the requirements for safety, developability, and intellectual property positioning.
Medicinal Chemistry Journey at o2h Discovery
Why Partner with o2h Discovery for MedChem?
Operating from world-class state-of-the-art research facilities in Cambridge, UK, and Ahmedabad, India, we combine innovation with executional strength, offering the agility of a biotech and the dependability of an established global partner. Our cross-functional teams in chemistry, biology, and DMPK collaborate seamlessly to ensure scientific excellence, data integrity, and continuity throughout the discovery process.
FAQ on Medicinal Chemistry Services
What are medicinal chemistry services?
Medicinal chemistry services involve the design, synthesis, and optimisation of small molecules andmulti-modality discovery programs to discover new drugs. At o2h Discovery, our medchem team supports partners with hit identification, hit-to-lead optimisation, lead generation, and lead optimisation, helping biotech and pharma companies advance molecules toward clinical development.
What is hit identification in drug discovery?
Hit identification is the process of finding initial chemical compounds (hits) that show activity against a biological target. At o2h Discovery, we use ligand design, focused libraries, and surrogate scaffolds to generate promising hits that serve as the foundation for further drug discovery programs.
What does hit-to-lead optimisation mean?
Hit-to-lead optimisation (also known as hit-to-lead drug discovery) involves validating structure–activity relationships (SAR), improving potency, and eliminating structural or pharmacological liabilities. Our team designs and synthesises focused compound arrays to accelerate decision-making in hit-to-lead drug discovery projects.
Do you offer fee-for-service chemistry or FTE models?
Yes. At o2h Discovery, we offer flexible engagement models to suit the needs of our partners. Clients can work with us on a fee-for-service basis for stand-alone chemistry projects, or choose an FTE (full-time equivalent) model for dedicated scientific support. We also provide integrated drug discovery collaborations, where our chemists and biologists work seamlessly with client teams as an extension of their R&D organisation.
How does lead optimisation work in medicinal chemistry?
Lead optimisation is the stage where hits or leads are refined to become drug-like molecules. This includes improving efficacy, selectivity, safety, and patentability. At o2h Discovery, we combine medicinal chemistry with biology and DMPK studies to optimise compounds for in vivo proof-of-concept and preclinical development.
Do you also provide target validation services?
Yes. In addition to medicinal chemistry, our integrated platform includes target validation and biology services. We help clients confirm that the biological target is relevant for the disease, ensuring the chemistry efforts are focused on the right pathway.
Why outsource medicinal chemistry services to o2h Discovery?
o2h Discovery is a trusted partner for biotech and pharma companies across the globe. With expertise in hit identification, hit-to-lead optimisation, and lead optimisation, we offer: Access to skilled chemists and biologists Flexible collaboration models Proven track record of supporting early-stage drug discovery Strong focus on IP protection
Do you support clients globally or only in specific regions?
At o2h Discovery, we partner with biotech and pharma companies worldwide. Our state-of-the-art laboratories in India, combined with our strong footprint in the Cambridge, UK biotech ecosystem, allow us to deliver world-class medicinal chemistry outsourcing solutions. We also work extensively with biotechs in the USA, making us a trusted CRO partner across major global innovation hubs.
