In June 2001, BIOPROJET BIOTECH was created by BIOPROJET’s shareholders to acquire, in September 2001, the Research Center located at Saint-Grégoire, near Rennes (Brittany).

The area is more than 10,000 m2 and the laboratories are located on 4,342 m2 equipped with modern scientific instruments.

The main topics are ligands of heptahelical receptors (histamine, dopamine, edg…) and peptidase inhibitors with potential therapeutic applications in neuropsychiatry, gastroenterology or immunology. There are 3 units and 45 scientists (Ph.Ds, pharmacists, engineers) or technicians.

Molecular Biology/Biochemistry Unit
Scientists select potential therapeutic targets (enzymes, receptors) within the human genome, clone the corresponding genes, express them in mammalian cells and establish screening models for molecules able to interact with the targets. This research uses molecular and cellular biology and modern methodologies e.g medium throughput assays, mRNA quantification, radioactivity, mass spectrometry, etc.

Chemistry Unit
Scientists start from a 3D-model of the protein, derived from the crystal structure of related proteins, to suggest testing of selected classes of compounds from proprietary or commercial libraries. From these initial data, they design and synthesize original molecules in a rational manner i.e. establishing SAR and refining the 3D-model. The activity of this unit represents about 1,000 new molecules synthesized and tested per year.

Pharmacology Unit
Researchers assess the activity of molecules on cells, then on tissues and, finally, on whole animals using techniques such as brain microdialysis, in vivo and in vitro electrophysiology behavioural testing, biochemical assays.

Pharmacokinetics, toxicokinetics and safety pharmacology are developed in the center under Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).

Research and development costs of BIOPROJET represent 55% of its turnover and the number of researchers 61% of its staff.