Specificity Screening
In the development of targeted therapies, the difference between a life-changing drug and an ineffective—or even harmful—treatment often comes down to specificity. Specificity screening is the process of evaluating how selectively a candidate drug binds to its intended molecular target compared to other potential targets in the body. By identifying and minimizing off-target effects early in the discovery process, researchers can improve efficacy, reduce adverse events, and increase the likelihood of regulatory approval.
At Atlas Biotech, we are developing cellular platforms that accurately predict adverse events without the need for animal studies. Our goal is to deliver robust specificity data that guides the development of safer and more effective precision medicines.
Why Specificity Matters
Targeted therapies are designed to modulate a single molecular target—such as a kinase, receptor, or transcription factor—that drives disease progression. However, many drug candidates interact with multiple proteins, leading to unintended biological effects.
High specificity offers:
Improved therapeutic index – maximizing clinical benefit while minimizing toxicity.
Predictable mechanism of action – reducing variability in patient response.
Streamlined regulatory pathway – stronger safety and efficacy data for submission.
Our Specificity Screening Approach
Target Panel Design
We create customized screening panels that reflect the biological landscape of your therapeutic area. Panels may include:
Closely related family members (e.g., kinases within the same subfamily)
Known safety-related off-targets
Disease-relevant signaling partners
Assay Platforms
Cell signaling assays – assess direct modulation of relevant proteins and signaling partners in a cellular context.
Cell-based functional assays – directly measure viability and growth rate effects in relevant cell lines.
Applications in Drug Discovery
Our specificity screening services support:
Lead optimization – guide medicinal chemistry toward higher selectivity.
Safety profiling – identify liabilities before clinical trials.
Drug repurposing – reveal secondary targets for new indications.
Regulatory submissions – provide rigorous selectivity data for IND/NDA filings.
Advantages of Our Platform
Customizable panels tailored to your target class and therapeutic goals.
Rapid turnaround times to accelerate decision-making.
Integrated data reporting with actionable insights for medicinal chemistry teams.
Seamless integration with potency, efficacy, and ADME/Tox studies.
Partner with Us
Specificity screening is not just a checkbox in drug discovery—it’s a critical step toward creating targeted therapies that truly deliver on their promise. Whether you are in early-stage lead optimization or preparing for IND-enabling studies, Atlas Biotech can provide the specificity insights you need to advance your program with confidence.
Contact us to discuss your project and learn how our platform can support your targeted therapy pipeline.