Pharmaceutical Molecular Design Research Institute
Rational drug design using proprietary computer simulation software.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | €0.0 | round | |
N/A | Late VC | ||
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
Founded in March 1995 by Dr. Akiko Itai, the Institute of Medicinal Molecular Design (IMMD) is a drug discovery company specializing in rational, computer-based molecular design. Dr. Itai, a former professor at the University of Tokyo's Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, is an internationally recognized figure for her work in developing novel methodologies in this field.
The company's core technology is a proprietary software system for logical drug design based on the 3D structures of target proteins. This Docking Based Drug Discovery (DBDD) method uses computer simulations and an advanced, flexible automatic docking system to predict how compounds will bind to target macromolecules. This allows IMMD to perform virtual screenings of vast compound databases to identify and select promising drug seeds with high accuracy and speed, strategically optimizing them with minimal chemical synthesis.
IMMD's business model operates through three main channels: out-licensing of preclinical and clinical candidates from its in-house research, collaborative drug discovery research with pharmaceutical companies, and providing high-quality drug seeds to clients. Collaborative research programs typically last two to five years and are funded by the partner company. The company also developed and licensed KeyMolnet, a life science information integration platform, though its development and support were later transferred to KM Data Inc. IMMD has a pipeline that includes IKKβ and PAI-1 inhibitors for various diseases, with some candidates having reached Phase I and Phase IIa clinical trials.
Keywords: rational drug design, computational drug discovery, molecular design software, in-silico screening, Docking Based Drug Discovery, small molecule drugs, drug seed identification, virtual screening, protein structure-based design, pharmaceutical research, Akiko Itai, IKKβ inhibitors, PAI-1 inhibitors, collaborative research, out-licensing, preclinical candidates, clinical candidates, computational chemistry, drug development