Natural Product Research & Development

A: Standard timelines range from 14–18 weeks for identification-only projects, and 20–22 weeks for full identification-to-production programs. Well-characterized plant extracts with existing bioassay data can be accelerated to 10–14 weeks for dereplication and QC. Novel microbial genome-mining projects requiring BGC identification and heterologous expression typically fall on the longer end (22–26 weeks). We provide Gantt-chart milestones at initiation and bi-weekly progress updates.

A: Our deep learning algorithms auto-match LC-HRMS/MS² and NMR spectra against global natural product databases in Week 1–2, eliminating known compounds before costly preparative isolation begins. This typically reduces dereplication cycles by 60% and prevents wasted FTE hours on redundant scaffolds—critical for seed-stage biotechs managing burn rate.

A: Yes. We deliver structural files (SDF, PDB) and bioactivity briefs compatible with your internal molecular docking and SAR workflows. Natural product hits can be directly funneled into our Hit-to-Lead biophysical characterization or zebrafish efficacy/toxicity models without vendor switching.

A: For complex molecules with low natural abundance, microbial production often achieves 10–100× yield improvements (as demonstrated in the longifolene case), converting milligram-per-liter economics to gram-per-liter viability. Once the strain is fixed, marginal production cost scales with fermentation capacity rather than agricultural land use or seasonal collection labor—providing predictable COGS for clinical manufacturing planning.

A: All novel structures and engineered strains are covered by contractual exclusivity and NDAs. We provide full structural data packages (NMR, HRMS, XRD) suitable for patent filing. For genome-mining projects, we report BGC sequences and chemical structures with clear novelty assessments against public databases. You retain 100% ownership of all data, strains, and pathway IP.

A: We operate from milligram analytical scale to 5L pilot fermentation as standard, with tech-transfer packages to 50L+ CMO partners. Batch consistency is enforced through standardized strain banking (master/working cell banks), defined media protocols, and QC release criteria (purity, potency, enantiomeric excess) aligned with preclinical ADMET standards.

A: Yes. Deliverables include Certificate of Analysis (CoA), full spectroscopic data, strain lineage records, and impurity profiles formatted for regulatory review. We coordinate with our ADMET and safety pharmacology teams to ensure downstream IND package continuity.

A: We build computational contingency strategies into every production proposal. If initial pathway reconstruction underperforms, we pivot without restarting the project clock: flux rebalancing algorithms identify alternative enzyme orthologs; protein engineering MD simulations guide directed evolution; or we evaluate alternative heterologous hosts (yeast vs. E. coli vs. actinomycetes). These pivot options are pre-discussed during strategy design.

A: Yes. We offer fixed-scope natural product projects (FFS) with milestone-based payments—ideal for seed-stage biotechs managing burn rate. We also offer dedicated FTE teams for ongoing natural product pipeline programs—ideal for Series A/B companies or pharma groups building proprietary libraries. Hybrid models (FFS for identification, FTE for production expansion) are available.

A: We operate as your virtual natural product R&D lab. You bring the target hypothesis and crude extract (or source organism); we handle AI dereplication, structural elucidation, and—if needed—engineered strain construction and fermentation scale-up. All deliverables are formatted for immediate handoff to your internal medicinal chemistry team or our Hit-to-Lead group. You get the infrastructure of a fully equipped natural products institute without the CapEx.