Sygnature Discovery Doubles High-Throughput Chemistry Capacity After Investment

Sygnature Discovery, an integrated drug discovery contract research organization (CRO), has completed a major enhancement to its high-throughput chemistry (HTC) capabilities and laboratory infrastructure following a £1 million ($1.3 million) investment.

The expanded HTC platform is now capable of producing double its previous output within the same timeframe. This aims to provide Sygnature’s clients with quicker access to compounds, potentially accelerating drug discovery timelines and decision-making processes.

High-throughput chemistry platforms employ automated systems to efficiently synthesize and purify large quantities of compounds. When integrated with high-throughput screening (HTS) — a method for rapidly evaluating compound libraries against biological targets — these technologies are designed to expedite the identification of potential drug candidates.

A key component of the investment is the integration of supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) into Sygnature’s HTC platform. While SFC is gaining traction in the industry, its use in HTC platforms for purification remains less common. Sygnature will now offer both reverse-phase and SFC purification options, providing what the company describes as increased flexibility in purification methods.

Geraint Jones, Director of Chemistry at Sygnature Discovery, said: “This investment in our capabilities further enhances the value for our customers and reinforces our commitment to delivering cutting-edge services. Our customers want to partner with a CRO that will help them hit their milestones. This expansion proves we are that partner. We have the facilities, flexibility, and scientific excellence to deliver.”

The upgraded facilities are expected to be fully operational from August.