Biochemical assays measure how compounds bind to or modulate the activity of targets, such as enzymes, receptors, or proteins. They are used in drug discovery to identify compounds that interact with the target, known as hits, which may show potential as therapeutic drugs.
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What is a biochemical assay & how is it used in drug discovery?
Biochemical assays are typically the first screening step in hit identification. They can be used in a large variety of high-throughput screening (HTS) formats to rapidly test thousands of compounds, measuring the binding of the compound to the targeted molecule or the modulation of target activity.
Why choose Evotec as your CRO for Biochemical Assay Services?
Working with Evotec means collaborating with our team of expert scientists, access to advanced technology platforms, and a project tailored to your needs (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Key differentiators of using Evotec's biochemical assay platform
Automated Platforms
Evotec has developed one of the most advanced technology platforms in the world, with over €12 million invested in the last 5 years to build 10 fully automated HTS platforms, supporting the biochemical assay development and detection methods tailored to each target.
HTS Expertise
With over 25 years of experience in high-throughput screening, we've built deep expertise across enzyme classes, receptor types, and difficult-to-assay targets. We have developed over 1,500 tailored assays across 750+ screening campaigns, building expertise in assay optimization.
Compound Library
Our >850,000 compound library is carefully curated for chemical tractability and drug-likeness, differentiating it for its quality, diversity, and novelty.
Project Flexibility
Biochemical assays open the door to hit identification, and the right partnership can determine the success of a project. Our scientist-to-scientist collaboration means strategic guidance throughout your project.
We also offer flexible partnership options. Choose standalone biochemical screening or fully integrated drug discovery programs. We adapt our approach to your project needs and timelines.
Evotec’s Proven Biochemical Assay Development Process
At Evotec, we understand the importance of robust biochemical assay development to reliably determine the binding site of a compound, and/or activity in vitro. To ensure robust assay development, parameters such as accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility, and interference are assessed.
How do we guarantee robust biochemical assay development?
Target-Specific Optimization
Each biochemical assay is built around your target’s biology. For example, enzyme assays require optimized substrate concentrations, incubation times, and enzyme levels for sensitive activity measurements.
Pilot Studies
Before large-scale screening, pilot studies validate assay performance by measuring accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility, and interference of an assay. Focusing on these reduces the risk of false positives and negatives and ensures the assay produces robust data.
Tailored Detection Methods for Biochemical Screening
Detection methods for biochemical assays also vary depending on the target. At Evotec, we will work with you to choose and implement the method that fits the target biology. Our methods include catalytic, enzymatic, binding, covalent binding, and optical methods (Table 1).
Collaborate with Evotec’s Biochemical Assay Experts
Robust biochemical assay development fast-tracks the discovery of tractable hits. The right detection method, properly validated assays, and target-specific optimization determine whether your screening campaign succeeds.
Ready to start your project? Our assay development team will discuss the optimal approach for your target.
