Seminars
Diverse Approaches to New Chemical Modalities -Challenging the Undruggable Targets beyond Conventional Small Molecule Drug Discovery-
Webinar Overview :
In recent years, targeted drug discovery has become increasingly challenging, making it essential to explore optimal modalities beyond traditional small molecules to develop new drugs successfully. To apply optimal modalities for drug candidate generation, rapid integration of emerging technologies enabling new chemical modalities is needed. However, building and assembling the necessary technologies for all modalities remains a significant challenge. In this situation, we continue to refine our extensive drug discovery technologies and experience, apply them to new chemical modalities, and collaborate with technology companies.
In this seminar, we will introduce how we are tackling the challenge to create candidate compounds for new chemical modalities:
Key Takeaways
- Axcelead’s comprehensive drug discovery platform from traditional small molecules to new chemical modalities including targeted protein degrader, peptide, oligonucleotide and drug conjugate across modality.
- Approach to new chemical modalities utilizing platforms and proprietary technologies of Axcelead and its partners: Improving success rates of candidate compound generation
- Systems to accelerate the creation of candidate compounds through hit identification, lead generation and optimization – from small molecules to emerging chemical modalities
Speaker

Yoshito Terao, Ph.D.
Chemistry Business Unit Head, Axcelead Drug Discovery Partners, Inc.
- Head of Chemistry Business Unit in Axcelead Drug Discovery Partners Inc. since 2024
- >20 years’ experience in drug discovery area as a medicinal chemist and project leader at Axcelead Drug Discovery Partners, Inc. and Takeda pharmaceutical company Ltd.
- Director, Axcelead Drug Discovery Partners, Inc. (2017-2023): Project leader experience of integrated drug discovery or Pharma and Venture and consultant of pharma project for small molecule, peptide and oligonucleotide
- Principal scientist, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd (2009-2017)
- Ph.D. in Engineering (molecular chemistry), Osaka University, 2003
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science research fellowship (2000-2003)
