DEL Technology
Vast chemical space,
precise hits
DNA Encoded Library (DEL) technology allows the simultaneous screening of billions of compounds against a protein target, dramatically expanding the accessible chemical space in a single experiment. Our DEL capabilities, developed in partnership with HitGen, provide access to diverse, drug-like chemical space to identify novel hits for the most challenging targets.
Billions of compounds, one experiment
Our DEL technology combines large, diverse encoded libraries with robust screening and hit validation workflows to deliver high-quality hits against a wide range of targets.
DEL Screening
High-throughput DNA Encoded Library screening against diverse target classes, with established protocols for standard and challenging protein targets.
- DEL and OpenDELTM screening against a wide range of protein targets
- Competitive and comparative screen strategies for site-selective hit identification
- Peptide, partner protein or mutant blocking strategies for site-specific screening
Library Design
DEL libraries are designed using split-and-pool combinatorial synthesis to maximise chemical diversity and coverage of drug-like space.
- Split-and-pool combinatorial synthesis with unique DNA barcodes per compound
- Multiple linker lengths to explore binding site depth and steric access
- Diverse groups covering broad drug-like chemical space
Hit Analysis
Next-generation sequencing and data analysis pipelines rapidly convert sequencing output into a prioritised, high-confidence hit list.
- Proprietary Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) data decoding pipeline
- Robust statistical analysis to distinguish genuine enrichment from noise
- Integration with computational tools for rapid hit prioritisation
Hit Validation
DEL hits are validated off-DNA using orthogonal biophysical techniques to confirm binding and generate early SAR for chemistry follow-up.
- Off-DNA synthesis and validation by SPR, ligand-observed NMR and X-ray crystallography
- Binding site confirmation and early SAR from linker vector exploration
- Rapid hit elaboration from validated DEL starting points
Integrated Drug Discovery
Turning discovery potential into clinical promise
Our DEL platform — developed in partnership with HitGen — screens billions of DNA-encoded compounds in a single experiment, delivering novel chemical matter for even the most challenging targets.
Biology Foundations
Structure & Hit ID
DEL Services
Chemistry & Data
Preclinical Readiness
Why work with us
Accessing chemical space beyond conventional screening
Our DEL technology — built in collaboration with HitGen, a world-leader in encoded chemistry — gives every programme access to chemical space that is simply inaccessible by conventional screening. Billions of compounds, screened in a single experiment, with rigorous hit validation and direct linkage to structural information.
Meet the DEL team:
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Andy Massey PhD
Head of Oncology and Cell Biology
Andy Massey PhD
Head of Oncology and Cell Biology
Dr Andy Massey is currently Head of Oncology and Cell Biology having joined Vernalis in 2002 after completing his PhD and post-doc with Cancer Research UK. His group focuses on the development and application of cellular assays to support and progress compounds from target validation to hit ID, and then through lead optimisation and into early pre-clinical development. He also has responsibility for managing the DEL screening activities at the Cambridge site. Additionally, he has co-led several drug discovery programs both internally (Hsp90 and Chk1) and for external collaborators leading to several clinical and preclinical candidates. He has authored over forty peer reviewed scientific publications.
Explore billions of compounds in one screen
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