BioFocus DPI today introduces new FieldFocus and SoftFocus libraries that were created with advanced modeling tools. The libraries consist of novel drug-like compounds specifically targeted towards kinases and voltage-dependent ion channels. These targets represent two of the most important and commonly studied protein classes for drug discovery.

Two new lead-like ThemePair Fragment libraries from BioFocus DPI are also being released. Following the success of the FieldFocus ion channel libraries, BioFocus DPI is introducing its first FieldFocus kinase (FFK) libraries. The FFK01 and FFK02 libraries have been designed using a new in silico, fragment-based approach to tackle kinase library design from a ligand perspective, complementing the highly successful SoftFocus kinase libraries.

BioFocus DPI is also releasing its latest SoftFocus ion channel (SFI) library. SFI08 contains approximately 500 compounds designed to target voltage-dependent ion channels. These libraries were created using BioFocus DPI’s proprietary chemogenomic tool Helical Domain Recognition Analysis, which has been proven to generate potent and selective hit series.

Two new ThemePair Fragment (TPF) libraries are also now available from BioFocus DPI. The TPF10 library contains lead-like compounds substituted with a single heavy atom and are designed for use in X-ray crystallographic screening. The TPF11 library is based on nine bicyclic scaffolds suitable for both conventional bioassays as well as high-throughput affinity screening. “We are constantly evolving the design tools used in the production of our focused libraries and the latest FieldFocus kinase libraries are an exciting new addition to our portfolio,” said Richard Hill, Director Discovery Products, BioFocus DPI.

More about FieldFocus kinase (FFK) libraries

FieldFocus is a ligand centered approach to library design based around molecular fields. The FFK libraries have been designed using a new in silico, fragment-based approach. Using virtual fragment screening and Cresset Biomolecular’s FieldAlign technology, this approach has been applied to find suitable matches between a series of fragments and the bioactive conformation of a potent kinase inhibitor, thereby tackling kinase library design from a ligand perspective.

More about SoftFocus ion channel (SFI) libraries

SFI libraries are created using BioFocus DPI’s proprietary Helical Domain Recognition Analysis (HDRA) chemogenomic tool. HDRA links X-ray data, sequence alignment and SAR data and is used to rationalize scaffold binding in the pore region of ion channels and to guide monomer selection. This design method has proved remarkably successful with the first generation of SoftFocus ion channel libraries (SFI01-07) delivering potent and selective compound series against a variety of ion channel drug targets.

More about ThemePair Fragment (TPF) libraries

TPF libraries primarily target kinases, but are applicable to other protein targets such as proteases. These lead-like compounds have a lower molecular weight and cLogP than the SoftFocus libraries. With their enhanced predicted solubility these compounds are suitable for conventional bioassay or affinity-based screening.