Engineering Conjugated Linkers for Site-specific Drug Release in the Kidney

Asahi Kasei Pharma, a global pharmaceutical company, is seeking therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing drug delivery to the kidney. Specifically, conjugate linker technologies capable of releasing small molecules—those with a molecular weight under 1000 and terminating in a carboxylic acid group.

Approaches of Interest:

• Linker technologies that allow for carboxylic payload release in drug delivery systems 
• Conjugated compounds should be designed to remain stable during circulation and selectively cleave upon reaching the kidney. Compounds targeting alternative organs will be considered 
• Experimental evidence of carboxylic acid release is required, with particular interest in enzyme- or pH-dependent mechanisms
• All modalities, including sequential methods, are acceptable if the technology can cleave the terminal carboxylic acid 

Out of Scope:

• Submissions based on theories 
• Submissions related to alcohol or amine release 

Development Stages of Interest

Submissions will ideally have in vitro or in vivo evidence and those with experimental evidence of carboxylic acid release are of highest interest. 

Submission Information

Asahi Kasei Pharma invites applications from both academic and biotech organizations, and encourage submissions with experimental evidence of carboxylic acid release. Submissions based on existing technologies or methods are equally encouraged. Applicants should complete the submission form which should contain a brief, non‑confidential overview of your proposal, demonstrating how the requirements are satisfied by your approach. To submit, please visit our website, register, and submit your application form under the appropriate Connect campaign. 

Opportunity for Collaboration

Our client is open to a range of collaboration opportunities, with the most appropriate outcome being decided on a case-by-case basis. Example outcomes include licensing assets, project/PhD funding, and research collaborations.