What is a Molecular Glue Degrader?

Many diseases stem from abnormal protein function. Traditional small molecule inhibitor drugs fall short, leaving approximately 85% of proteins undruggable.
Enter Molecular Glue Degraders (MGDs). We rationally design MGDs which take us beyond these limitations, reprogramming the cell’s natural protein degradation system to selectively degrade and eliminate hard to target proteins.

MGDs:

Are clinically validated

Have favorable drug-like properties

Can achieve unprecedented target selectivity

Can access differentiated, novel target space

MDGs function by binding to an E3 ligase, such as cereblon, creating a neosurface.

The MGD E3-ligase neosurface engages structural features on the surface of the target protein.

The E3 ligase marks the target protein for degradation by attaching a molecular tag known as ubiquitin. The MGD-E3 ligase can then tag more target proteins for degradation.

Proteasomes then degrade the ubiquinated the target protein, permanently eliminating it.

Quantitative and Engineered Elimination of Neosubstrates (QuEEN™)

The QuEEN™ discovery engine, powered by AI/ML, works at the interface of technology (machine learning, chemistry, biology, and automation) and life sciences to rewrite drug discovery. Using QuEEN, we've made exquisitely selective, long duration, catalytic MGDs that deeply modulate disease pathways.

Proprietary MGD library

Library of novel, diverse MGDs with drug-like properties enabling a broad exploration of target space
high throughput screening

High throughput screening of our proprietary library identifies active MGDs
Proteomics Engine

An integrated engine that detects novel targets and ensures MGD selectivity through proprietary proteomic assays
STRUCTURE-BASED DESIGN

Expanding repository of cryo-EM and crystal structures that enable rational MGD optimization

Anchored by data, powered by AI

Using geometric deep learning to identify targets, protein surfaces to match targets to ligases, and virtual screening to design MGDs, our integrated data moat and AI algorithms guide our drug discovery.

Pipeline

Our QuEEN discovery engine has delivered oral MGDs that selectively degrade high-potential, hard-to-drug proteins, offering new treatment possibilities for cancer, autoimmune, inflammatory, and other diseases.

View Pipeline