Ep150: Jeff Jonker on the Small Molecule Drug Discovery Renaissance
Dec 13, 2023
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Jeff Jonker, CEO of Belharra Therapeutics, discusses the renaissance in small molecule drug discovery. Topics include their accidental entry into biotech, the significance of building relationships in the industry, the appeal of sustainable platform companies, chemo proteomics, small molecule binders and covalent bonds in drug discovery, and covalent and non-covalent binding in small molecule drug discovery.
Belharra Therapeutics is utilizing a unique approach to small molecule drug discovery by combining scientific work from Scripps Research with a new method of discovering protein targets
Belharra Therapeutics leverages both covalent and non-covalent binding in their drug discovery efforts, expanding the range of targets they can explore and developing therapeutics with better safety profiles
Belharra Therapeutics has partnered with Genentech to tackle challenging targets in drug discovery, leveraging their expertise and resources to drive innovation and make breakthroughs in the pharmaceutical industry
Deep dives
Belharah Therapeutics: A Startup Revolutionizing Small Molecule Drug Discovery
Belharah Therapeutics, a San Diego-based startup, is utilizing a unique approach to traditional small molecule drug discovery. By combining scientific work from Scripps Research with a new method of discovering protein targets that small molecules can hit, Belharah is poised to make a significant impact in the pharmaceutical industry. While scientists often focus on newer treatment paradigms, small molecules that can bind with disease proteins and be administered orally provide a compelling solution. Advances in small molecule chemistry are opening up new possibilities in targeting previously undrugable proteins like K-RAS found in various cancers. With CEO Jeff Yonker leading the way, Belharah is bringing innovation and expertise to the field of drug discovery.
The Benefits of Covalent and Non-Covalent Binding in Drug Discovery
Belharah Therapeutics is leveraging covalent and non-covalent binding in their drug discovery efforts. Covalent binding offers a permanent and irreversible interaction between a small molecule and its target protein, making it ideal for certain disease areas like oncology. Non-covalent binding, on the other hand, allows for more nuanced modulation of protein function, making it suitable for diseases where a sledgehammer approach is not needed. By using a combination of both binding mechanisms, Belharah is able to expand the range of targets they can explore and develop therapeutics with better safety profiles.
Partnership with Genentech and the Potential Impact
Belharah Therapeutics has partnered with Genentech, a leading biotech company, to tackle challenging targets in drug discovery. Leveraging Genentech's expertise and resources, Belharah is working with world-renowned researchers on projects that have the potential to be game-changers in the field. These targets, while undisclosed, are known to be significant in serious diseases and addressing them could have a profound impact on patient outcomes. With the support and collaboration of Genentech, Belharah is well-positioned to drive innovation and make breakthroughs in the pharmaceutical industry.
Building a Sustainable Platform Company
The speaker discusses the importance of building a sustainable platform company, where new ideas and therapeutic entities can be continuously discovered and developed. By creating a platform that allows for independent bets and the ability to take shots at various targets, the company can maintain longevity and potential. This approach ensures that even if there are misfires, the engine of innovation remains undamaged, allowing for progress to continue.
Chemo Proteomics and Exploring New Targets
The podcast touches upon chemo proteomics, the study of chemical-protein interactions. The guest talks about the importance of understanding how chemicals and proteins interact using mass spectrometry, as it provides a unique and accurate way to characterize these interactions. This method allows for the discovery of new targets, particularly in areas where traditional approaches might not yield results. The speaker emphasizes that with a vast number of proteins and validated target candidates, there is ample opportunity for creating game-changing small molecule drugs that have a pronounced benefit for patients.
