Charles River Laboratories International, entered a strategic collaboration with X-Chem, a pioneer in DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology and a data-driven drug discovery company, to enhance its hit identification (Hit ID) capabilities and accelerate the discovery of novel therapeutics.

 This partnership enables Charles River clients to access X-Chem’s DEL platform, which features a proprietary library of over 15 billion compounds.

The collaboration combines Charles River’s in-house protein production and downstream assay development, and hit ID expertise, with X-Chem’s DEL platform, creating a seamless workflow from hit identification to Hit-to-Lead optimization. 

Charles River has a broad suite of hit ID services that can deliver high-quality, validated hit compounds for drug discovery projects. With this complete offering, these designs and approaches will deliver the most impactful hits to support biopharma research goals and drug development plans.

X-Chem’s DEL platform supports hundreds of discovery programs across a broad range of target classes. Built on over 15 years of refinement, X-Chem’s libraries comprise billions of high-quality, lead-like compounds designed for meaningful structure–activity exploration. 

The platform integrates advanced selection methodologies with robust data analysis to deliver enriched, interpretable results that accelerate early discovery.

The collaboration demonstrates both companies’ commitment to innovation, flexibility, and client success, providing a scalable solution for biotech and pharmaceutical organizations aiming to accelerate their drug discovery programs.

“X-Chem’s DEL technology is a powerful addition to our Hit ID Toolbox,” said Chris Barnes, Executive Director & Head, Small Molecule Drug Discovery at Charles River. “By combining our deep expertise in early drug discovery and existing hit ID suite of capabilities with X-Chem’s innovative screening platform, we can offer our clients even more flexibility in their hit-finding strategies, shaping this important first-step in their discovery programs.”

“Partnering with Charles River extends the reach of our DEL platform to more research teams worldwide,” said Matt Clark, President & CSO at X-Chem. “Our shared goal is to make data-driven decision-making in early discovery more accessible, helping scientists see clearer paths forward, faster.”