Get your head out of your assay!

Introducing a new web series from Peapod Bio! In this series, CEO Zachary Gurard-Levin, PhD talks about the nuances of developing robust assays for small molecule drug discovery. He speaks with other assay experts about critical factors to consider that often extend beyond the assay well and protocol. Stay tuned every two weeks for new episodes!

Episode 7: Hey Jonathan Wingfield, Get Your Head Out of Your Assay! This episode talks about why it's important to get your head out of your assay and talk to your colleagues from different divisions, departments, and teams. Jon tells the origin story of the acoustic mist mass spectrometry technology, which includes photography, challenges in compound management, and of course, coffee.  

Episode 6: Hey Emilio Cordova, Get Your Head Out of Your Assay! This episode discusses assay development beyond the bench. We talk with Emilio Cordova, PhD, MBA, Executive Vice President at Altasciences about his journey from bench scientist to business development expert. Emilio shares important lessons he's learned about communicating science to different stakeholders, a critical lesson for scientists looking to expand their skillset and open new career avenues. 

Episode 5: Hey Phil Gribbon, Get Your Head Out of Your Assay! This episode tackles a question everyone is talking about…the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) in early drug discovery. We talk with Dr. Phil Gribbon of the Fraunhofer Institute and Director General of EU Openscreen about the relationship between predictive models and experimental assays and data. Phil shares his expert insight on this critical topic, stating the importance of contextualized (metadata-rich) experimental data to train and validate predictive models and the need to ensure assays are designed and controlled properly.

Episode 4 – Hey Betty Chan, Get Your Head Out of Your Assay! In this episode, we discuss a challenge in early drug discovery when pursuing novel targets. How do you validate an assay with no tool compounds available? Betty Chan (Founder of Biomolix Solutions) shares insight about how a detailed understanding of enzyme kinetics and transition states proved to be a powerful way to design a tool compound, validate their assay, and progress their program forward!

Episode 3 – Hey Joe Franklin, Get Your Head Out of Your Assay! In this episode, we talk with fellow Boston-native Joe Franklin, President and Co-Founder of Method Discovery Services, who shares insights from over two decades of hands-on experience building, designing, executing, and analyzing DNA-encoded library (DEL) screens for small molecule drug discovery. He discusses how key aspects to consider during assay design and data interpretation, and what separates high-quality screens from noisy ones. The conversation also highlights how artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) tools are integrated in data analysis workflows to highlight promising hits for further development.