Sam Carford

Vernalis

We develop and apply fragment and structure-based methods to solve problems in drug discovery, and have generated cell active lead compounds and development candidates against targets in oncology, neurodegeneration, anti-infectives and inflammation. Our established group of experienced scientists is based at our fully-equipped research laboratories on Granta Park, Cambridge UK. We integrate fragment-based approaches, structural biology, biophysics, assay technology and molecular modelling with extensive medicinal chemistry expertise to enable drug discovery on both established and novel targets. We have the experience and capabilities for progressing projects from target identification through to clinical candidate. We have generated lead compounds on kinases, ATPases, protein-protein interactions and GPCRs, leading to clinical candidates for Chk1, Hsp90, Bcl-2, Mcl-1, FAAH and A2A. We balance an internal portfolio of drug discovery projects with fully integrated research collaborations on targets with pharmaceutical companies and academic partners. Our shared-risk approach ensures a high level of engagement from our scientists and rewards success. Current disclosed collaborations include those with Servier, Daiichi Sankyo, Lundbeck and Asahi Kasei Pharma, and we seek additional partnerships.