The Italian National Collection of Chemical Compounds is a central repository of organic compounds with an associated high throughput screening hub for the identification of novel lead compounds acting on biological targets of interest.
Compounds originating from public and private sources are collected and screened with the purpose of enabling and accelerating the translation of new basic research discoveries into the development of molecules to study gene function and biological mechanisms, and of novel medicines.
The CNR and IRBM S.p.A. are ideal associates in this project, each contributing both unique and synergistic capabilities and experiences. The CNR is one of the principal centers of excellence in biomedical research in Italy. The CNR will promote the initiative within its own walls and with other research institutions and private companies…..
IRBM S.p.A. has decades of drug discovery experience, including competencies in creating and managing chemical collection containing hundreds of thousands of compounds, and designing and performing high throughput screening assays.
The Project addresses an important need in biomedical research, namely the translation of basic research discoveries into the development and commercialization of new products.
The science of organic chemistry has a long tradition in Italy and tens of thousands of molecules are continuously being invented and synthesized in both public and private research laboratories.
The majority of these molecules are not being tested for potential new applications beyond their original purpose of use, which limits their applicative value. The creation of a large collection of these molecules in a single location offers the possibility to archive, study and distribute thousands of compounds, and constitutes an important strategic resource.
High throughput screening of the compound collection against biological targets of interest will increase the probability of discovering new molecules to be used as biological tools or leads for the development of new medicines.
In addition, such screening campaigns may lead to the discovery of new applications for molecules present in the compound collection, in areas that are distinct from their originally intended use.