CPSA technology licensed for target engagement in drug discovery

Selvita has become the first contract research organisation (CRO) to adopt Medicines Discovery Catapult’s (MDC) patented Chemical Protein Stability Assay (CPSA), under a new licensing agreement that will enhance its screening capabilities for drug development clients.

The CPSA provides rapid, reliable insights into target engagement – a critical factor in determining how well a drug candidate binds to its intended protein target. This data helps researchers confirm mechanism of action early, streamline candidate selection, and reduce the risks associated with later-stage failure.

Designed by MDC to simplify and accelerate this key stage in drug discovery, the assay can be deployed across a range of campaign formats, from hit identification through to hit-to-lead workflows. Its single-plate setup reduces variability, increases throughput, and avoids the complexity of traditional multi-step protocols.

Unlike approaches that require purified proteins, the CPSA uses crude cell lysates to evaluate compound-protein interactions in a more biologically relevant environment. It can be adapted for multiple protein types and readout methods, making it a flexible tool for discovery teams working across diverse therapeutic areas.

Selvita will integrate the assay into its screening cascades, offering clients improved data quality for faster, evidence-led decision-making in early-stage drug programmes.

Dr Francesca Sadler, Chief Commercial Officer at MDC, commented: “Selvita is the first CRO to license our CPSA technology, and we’re thrilled to see it applied in high-throughput commercial settings. This assay offers real advantages for innovators working to unlock difficult targets or de-risk candidate selection. It’s a key step forward in our mission to remove technical barriers and accelerate the delivery of better medicines.”

Dr Paul Overton, Chief Commercial Officer at Selvita, added: “This agreement aligns perfectly with Selvita’s strategy of continually strengthening our discovery platform. The CPSA provides scalable, reliable target engagement data - just what our customers need to move their drug discovery projects forward with confidence.”

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