Drug Discovery

The work of the Drug Discovery Division spans from generating the biological hypothesis for pharmaceutical innovation to obtaining the candidate drug. Its mission is to drive radical innovation in pharmaceuticals in Brazil, through sustainable use of biodiversity in synergy with cutting-edge science and advanced technology. It uses a drug discovery platform that incorporates structural biology; bioassays; natural product biotechnology; natural product, medicinal and synthetic chemistry; as well as advanced computing. This integration allows the generation of customized experimental and computational methods for drug discovery and development of new bioactive compounds.

Within this context, the group leads drug discovery projects that accelerate TRLs 2-4, fostering interactions between ICTs, local communities and industry (from startups to large companies) in networks linked to the platform. This also guides the innovation ecosystem towards solving national challenges, such as consolidating the knowledge economy and strengthening pharmaceutical innovation as pillars of ecological transition and One Health in Brazil. Its values include social, regional and technological inclusion, aligning local vocations with national and global health demands.