How Biotech Startups Use Fragment-Based Drug Discovery

In this episode of Biotech Business, Lucas and Luna explore fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD), a method that starts with tiny molecular fragments instead of huge compound libraries. They break down how the approach works, why it’s gaining traction, and the story of vemurafenib — the melanoma drug that proved FBDD could deliver blockbusters. They also discuss how startups like Relay Therapeutics are combining fragments with computational tools like machine learning and molecular dynamics simulations to target proteins once considered undruggable. Plus, a look at the economics: how the upfront cost of fragment screening has dropped from millions to hundreds of thousands, making it accessible to early-stage biotechs. Finally, Lucas and Luna share a personal note on listener support that keeps the show ad-free. #FragmentBasedDrugDiscovery #FBDD #Biotech #DrugDiscovery #RelayTherapeutics #Vemurafenib #TargetValidation #UndruggableProteins #BiotechStartup #SmallMolecule #StructureBasedDesign #LeadOptimization #KinaseInhibitors #DrugDevelopment #BusinessAndTechnology #PharmaceuticalInnovation #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo