12 December 2018 - - US-based molecular simulations and enterprise software solutions provider Schrödinger and not-for-profit organisation TB Alliance have inked a three-year research collaboration to speed the development of next-generation tuberculosis treatments by leveraging Schrödinger's advanced computational platform for drug discovery, the principals said.

The joint team is focused on the discovery of efficacious inhibitors of PknB, which is essential for the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Schrödinger's computational platform has led the team to highly potent inhibitors with promising pharmacokinetic properties, after only a handful of design and optimisation cycles.

The next phase of the collaboration will involve in vivo efficacy studies and lead optimization to inform selection of a development candidate.

TB Alliance, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the discovery, development, and delivery of new, faster-acting TB drugs, brings a deep expertise in TB biology and drug development to the collaboration. Schrödinger, a privately held company revolutionising drug discovery through advanced molecular simulations, brings its platform and track record in drug discovery across a range of indications.

Schrödinger is a provider of advanced molecular simulations and enterprise software solutions that accelerate and increase the efficiency of drug discovery and materials design. Schrödinger has a growing pipeline of early-stage assets and has co-founded leading biotech companies, including Nimbus Therapeutics and Morphic Therapeutic.

In addition, the company has deep partnerships and collaborations in such fields as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and electronics.

Through significant long-term investments in basic research, Schrödinger has made scientific breakthroughs across many areas of drug discovery and materials science.

Founded in 1990, Schrödinger has nearly 400 employees and operations in the United States, Europe, Japan, and India, as well as business partners in China, Korea, and India.

TB Alliance is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to finding faster-acting and affordable drug regimens to fight tuberculosis.