The collaboration will focus on the identification of new inhibitors of an esterase enzyme (NOTUM) using state-of-the-art computer assisted drug design (CADD) through a combination of advanced quantum mechanics, enzyme simulations and artificial intelligence. Kuano will apply their proprietary CADD technology to design new inhibitors of NOTUM.
Inhibitors of NOTUM have potential utility in the treatment of human disease such as Alzheimer’s disease, bone disorders and cancer.
These inhibitors will be synthesised and then screened in biochemical assays by the ARUK UCL Drug Discovery Institute to establish their suitability as a starting point for a drug discovery programme.
Dr Parminder Ruprah, Head of Chemistry at Kuano, said: “We see this collaboration as a great opportunity to work with the UCL Drug Discovery Institute in combining our unique approach to identifying novel enzyme inhibitors with the DDI’s expertise in evaluating novel NOTUM inhibitors. Our collaboration has the potential to expand the portfolio of chemotypes being explored targeting NOTUM in the treatment of dementia.”
Dr Paul Fish, Head of Chemistry at ARUK UCL DDI said: “We are very pleased to be collaborating with Kuano in order to explore the potential for their in silico approaches to identify novel, differentiated chemical matter targeting Notum, a potentially important target for the treatment of degenerative neurological disorders.”