Technology

Blacksmith Medicines has developed a purpose-built platform focused on the discovery and development of small molecule inhibitors of metal-dependent enzymes. Over 30% of known enzymes are metalloenzymes, covering all major enzyme classes: oxidoreductases, transferases, hydrolases, lyases, isomerases, and ligases. Metal ions, including magnesium, zinc, iron, manganese and copper are the essential ingredient in these metalloenzymes.

Our proprietary platform includes:

Focused Fragment Library
A focused fragment library of metal-binding pharmacophores (MBPs) screened against metalloenzyme targets to identify selective and diverse inhibitor starting points while also generating instructive SAR through rationally designed MBP sublibraries

Comprehensive Database
A comprehensive database containing a full characterization of the metalloenzyme genome including function, metal cofactors, and links to disease

Metallo-CRISPR Library
First-of-its-kind metallo-CRISPR library of custom single guide RNAs, covering metalloenzyme targets, for efficient CRISPR phenotypic screens to search for new targets and/or validate existing targets

Computational Modelling/Docking
Industry-leading understanding of metals in biology, and insight into how to apply bio-inorganic principles coupled with classic medicinal chemistry to fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD), structure-based drug discovery (SBDD), and computational modelling/docking

Intellectual Property
Our intellectual property estate includes filed patents on our unique chemistry scaffolds, in-licensed technology from University of California, San Diego, and a significant amount of in-house know-how which combines bioinorganic, medicinal, and computational chemistry approaches for metalloenzyme-targeted medicines