NEW YORK – Dec. 11, 2018 - Schrödinger and TB Alliance today announced a three-year research collaboration to speed the development of next-generation tuberculosis (TB) treatments by leveraging Schrödinger’s advanced computational platform for drug discovery.
The joint team is focused on the discovery of efficacious inhibitors of PknB, which is essential for the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB). Schrödinger’s computational platform has led the team to highly potent inhibitors with promising pharmacokinetic properties, after only a handful of design and optimization cycles. The next phase of the collaboration will involve in vivo efficacy studies and lead optimization to inform selection of a development candidate.
TB Alliance, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the discovery, development, and delivery of new, faster-acting TB drugs, brings a deep expertise in TB biology and drug development to the collaboration. Schrödinger, a privately held company revolutionizing drug discovery through advanced molecular simulations, brings its industry-leading platform and successful track record in drug discovery across a range of indications.
“Tuberculosis is the leading cause of infectious disease death worldwide, yet it’s long been neglected in drug discovery. We’re proud to team up with a global leader in TB research to accelerate the development of better medicines for millions of patients,” said Ramy Farid, Ph.D., president and CEO of Schrödinger.
“The pipeline for new TB treatments demands continuous innovation,” said Mel Spigelman, president and CEO of TB Alliance. “By expanding our strong partnership with Schrödinger, we will move more quickly to develop new drug compounds that can make an impact on the TB epidemic. People with TB deserve affordable, safe, fast and effective cures. We are determined to deliver.”
About TB Alliance
TB Alliance is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to finding faster-acting and affordable drug regimens to fight tuberculosis (TB). Through innovative science and with partners around the globe, we aim to ensure equitable access to faster, better TB cures that will advance global health and prosperity. TB Alliance operates with support from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research through KfW, Global Health Innovative Technology Fund, Innovative Medicines Initiative, Irish Aid, Indonesia Health Fund, Medical Research Council, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, United Kingdom Department for International Development, United Kingdom Department of Health, United States Agency for International Development, and the United States Food and Drug Administration. For more information, please visit: www.tballiance.org
About Schrödinger
Schrödinger is a leading provider of advanced molecular simulations and enterprise software solutions that accelerate and increase the efficiency of drug discovery and materials design. Schrödinger has a growing pipeline of early-stage assets and has co-founded leading biotech companies, including Nimbus Therapeutics and Morphic Therapeutic. In addition, the company has deep partnerships and collaborations in such fields as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and electronics. Through significant long-term investments in basic research, Schrödinger has made scientific breakthroughs across many areas of drug discovery and materials science. Founded in 1990, Schrödinger has nearly 400 employees and operations in the United States, Europe, Japan, and India, as well as business partners in China, Korea, and India. For more information, please visit www.schrödinger.com.
Media Contacts:
TB Alliance
Thomas Lynch
Thomas.Lynch@tballiance.org
646-616-8639
Schrödinger
Stephanie Simon
Stephanie@tenbridgecommunications.com
617-581-9333