Lead Discovery Center

Active in the field of pharmaceutical research, LDC transforms promising early-stage projects into leads with initial proof-of-concept in animals. Focusing on small molecules, the LDC conducts drug discovery projects originating primarily from academic groups and sustains a preferred partnership with the Max Planck Society. In close collaboration with high-profile partners from academia and industry, the LDC is building a strong and growing portfolio of small molecule leads with exceptional medical and commercial potential. The LDC team consist of industry-trained experts with solid experience in project management and drug discovery. LDC offers core expertise in Automation & Screening, Cellular Biology, Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry and therapeutic Antibody Discovery. LDC was established in 2008 by the technology transfer organization Max Planck Innovation, as a novel approach to capitalize on the potential of excellent basic research for the discovery of new therapies for diseases with high medical need. LDC has formed alliances with AstraZeneca, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Merck KGaA, Daiichi-Sankyo, Qurient, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, Roche and Sotio as well as leading translational drug discovery centres around the globe.