Pioneering Analysis for Rapid Development of Tomorrow´s Drug Molecules

Important results from the project

The project delivered significant progress toward its objectives, advancing the technology from proof of concept to a more robust and scalable offering. Improved protein embedding and atom probe tomography sample preparation enhanced data quality and throughput. Market insights refined the commercial strategy and identified contract research organizations as a key segment. Further validation in biologically relevant systems will continue through collaborative pilot projects

Expected long term effects

In the long term, the project supports Vitroprobe’s development of a service-based business model for commercial protein structure characterization using atom probe tomography. The technology is expected to establish a new analytical platform within structural biology and pharmaceutical R&D. By providing atomic scale structural and compositional insights, it can reduce uncertainty in early drug development, shorten development cycles, and strengthen competitiveness in the life science sector.

Approach and implementation

The project followed a stepwise development process from method validation to experimental demonstration and early application development. The work was organized into work packages including sample preparation, optimization, analytical validation and industrial relevance. Reproducible protocols for biomolecule embedding were established, followed by systematic optimization and validation in collaboration with stakeholders like CROs (Contract Research Organizations) and pharmaceutical companies.