TeraDiscoveries to Use its Inverse Design Software Running on Windows Azure to Advance Its Computational Drug Discovery Process
April 23, 2012
TeraDiscoveries, Inc., announced today a strategic relationship with Microsoft Corp. that will help it extend the reach of its drug discovery process. Microsoft is providing support and cloud computing time on Windows Azure that TeraDiscoveries will apply to identify inhibitors of 25 biological targets.
TeraDiscoveries will use its Inverse Design software that runs computational models to quickly scan virtual chemical libraries to find the strongest inhibitors of a specific biological target. The process identifies novel drug candidates that feature good clinical trial properties and demonstrate low probability of toxic side effects.
"Designing new drugs that bind to a specified protein target requires finding the best molecule in a vast chemical space. Our approach searches this space much more efficiently and cost-effectively than traditional methods," says Ed Addison, CEO of TeraDiscoveries. "Our strategic relationship with Microsoft enables us to partner with smaller pharmaceutical or medical research companies in the pursuit of these molecules."…
"Windows Azure is an open and flexible cloud platform that has the scale and reliability to enable the type of computing power needed by software like Inverse Design," says Doug Hauger, General Manager, Windows Azure Business Development, Microsoft. "We’re pleased to be able to support the work done by TeraDiscoveries to help advance its drug discovery process."
Companies can license Inverse Design and run it on Windows Azure to design, discover, or optimize new small molecule or peptide drugs for their targets. TeraDiscoveries also provides drug discovery services for companies seeking outside assistance.
TeraDiscoveries will be presenting Inverse Design in booth MP-10 at the Bio-IT World Conference & Expo taking place April 24 to 26, 2012, in Boston.