Ingo Kober, Merck, Darmstadt, Germany
In 2017 Merck further broadened its comprehensive hit identification platform by integrating DNA encoded Library Screening in collaboration with the Copenhagen based CRO Vipergen. DNA-encoded libraries (DELs) are pools of DNA-tagged small molecules that enable facile screening of pools of millions of compounds for binding to a protein target. Other than in classical HTS, parallel full deck screening under several conditions, varying stringency or challenging selectivity comes at little additional effort.
High-affinity hits from such mixtures are identifiable by sequencing the DNA tags associated with each compound. This talk will give a brief overview on the specific technology used by our Partner Vipergen and summarize our experiences made in the first year within the collaboration. Insights into the decision process on the selection of Hit Identification Approaches by Merck will be provided and our expectations on the potential and limits of DEL technology will be shared.