In drug discovery, innovative ideas emerge every day: scientists uncover novel mechanisms for disease treatment, previously “undruggable targets” begin to come within reach, and new modalities show potential in addressing complex diseases. However, there is often still a gulf between promising science and real-life therapies.

For more than two decades, WuXi AppTec has enabled innovators of different sizes to traverse this void. By integrating research, development, and manufacturing capabilities into one end-to-end CRDMO platform, WuXi AppTec works with partners to break down barriers in scientific translation, improve the likelihood of turning innovation into therapies, and deliver them to patients in need.

The Molecule No One Had Seen Before: Targeted Protein Degradation

More than a decade ago, a small biotechnology company approached WuXi AppTec with a molecule that did not fit into established categories. Although it was later recognized as a type of targeted protein degradation molecule, at the time that field was largely unknown, and few platforms had experience working with such compounds.

“It was the first time we had ever seen molecules so big, with such unusual structures,” the team recalled. “None of us had handled this kind of chemistry before. But instead of hesitating, everyone leaned in. The challenge itself became the motivation.”

That decision led to a long-term collaboration between WuXi AppTec and the founder of the biotech company.

Over time, the science behind targeted protein degradation matured. The once unfamiliar field also grew. Researchers gained a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms, and the molecules were further optimized across chemistry, biology, and pharmacology. After demonstrating promise in early studies, the biotech company reached multiple milestones in clinical development, regulatory progress, and partnerships.

Later, the founder started to develop a new type of molecule, using a similar design but a different strategy. Rather than degrading disease-causing proteins, it disrupts the function of key proteins that cancer cells depend on.

Again, WuXi AppTec worked alongside the scientists from early stages through clinical development. 

The company was later acquired by a large pharmaceutical company, and the promising therapy is continuing to advance through development.

Programs like this share a consistent principle: novel scientific ideas often emerge before the industry fully recognizes their potential, and before the necessary infrastructure is in place. WuXi AppTec continues to support these innovators by providing both technical capability and a willingness to engage with uncertainty. Over time, as more promising science translates into therapies, patients around the world can gain new hope.

Reaching the “Undruggable”: The KRAS Story

In the history of drug development, the KRAS protein was widely described as an “undruggable” target. KRAS mutations are common oncogenic drivers, but the protein’s structure lacks clear binding sites for intervention, and in the past, many attempts to conquer this target had fallen short. It became one of the most symbolic examples of the limits of small-molecule drug discovery.

More recently, this perception began to change as advances in structural biology revealed a previously unrecognized binding pocket. Around the same time, a small biotech company initiated a program to explore whether this insight could be translated into a viable drug.

The work was challenging. First, the company needed to identify a compound that could not only inhibit KRAS but also demonstrate appropriate pharmacokinetics. Second, early candidates had to show promise in mouse models before progressing further. Translating those results into humans took years of refinement.

At one stage, the team decided to introduce the strategy of covalent inhibition to the molecule. At the time, this feature had rarely been used in clinical-stage compounds, creating significant uncertainty around safety and efficacy.

WuXi AppTec supported these efforts across multiple disciplines, including chemistry, DMPK (Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics), toxicology, cancer biology, and structural biology. As the program progressed, the collaboration continued to expand. “The WuXi AppTec team has been a constant, productive, and effective partner,” said the SVP of drug discovery at the biotech company.

In clinical trials, what was once considered a theoretical concept became a therapeutic reality. The drug was later approved, signaling new hope for patients with certain cancers.

The broader impact extends beyond a single therapy. The success of KRAS inhibitors reshaped how the industry approaches so-called “undruggable” targets. It also demonstrated how collaboration with CRDMO platforms can help move complex programs forward.

Building for What Comes Next: Peptides and Oligonucleotides

In 2017, the field of oligonucleotides and peptides was on the verge of rapid growth. The potential of these two modalities had been validated, but the industry lacked sufficient development and manufacturing capabilities and capacity. For many companies, the main constraint lay in access to the required technology platforms and infrastructure.

To better serve its clients, WuXi AppTec decided to build a platform dedicated to these new modalities.

Soon after, the company established an integrated team focused on oligonucleotides and peptides. By bringing together discovery, process development, and manufacturing within a single platform, it assembled new capabilities and novel technologies under one roof.

Over time, this effort evolved into WuXi TIDES, an integrated CRDMO platform supporting oligonucleotide and peptide therapeutics. Today, the platform enables programs to move efficiently from early discovery to IND submission, often several months faster than traditional models. This pace has earned a name: “WuXi Speed.”

This acceleration has meaningful impact in multiple disease areas, including rare diseases. For example, a biotech company developing a therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy once faced challenges in scaling its lead candidate. After engaging with WuXi TIDES, teams coordinated efforts across peptide synthesis, conjugation, analytical development, and drug product formulation in parallel, and anticipate downstream steps early in the process.

As a result, the program advanced to IND in less than a year, enabling the company to secure additional funding and continue development.

Beyond individual projects, the platform has also contributed to building a more stable ecosystem for these modalities. By developing internal capabilities for key materials and working closely with external partners, WuXi TIDES has helped expand capacity, reduce bottlenecks, and improve reliability across the field.

As new oligonucleotide and peptide therapies continue to emerge, the same infrastructure supports a growing range of R&D programs from global partners.

From Discovery to Reality

Scientific progress often begins with uncertainty. Whether ideas can be translated into medicines depends on the ability to navigate what comes next.

WuXi AppTec’s role sits within that transition. By connecting research, development, and manufacturing, the company helps break practical barriers that can prevent promising science from advancing.

Across targeted protein degradation, KRAS inhibition, and emerging modalities such as peptides and oligonucleotides, a consistent pattern emerges: when the path is unclear, progress depends on those willing to build alongside innovators and share the risks.

Today, somewhere, another breakthrough idea is taking shape. With the right support, it may become something more.

Key Takeaways

• WuXi AppTec’s CRDMO platform accelerates scientific translation: WuXi AppTec integrates drug discovery, development, and manufacturing to help convert breakthrough science into clinical therapies. 

• WuXi AppTec supports emerging drug modalities: WuXi AppTec enables programs in targeted protein degradation, covalent inhibitors, peptide therapeutics, and oligonucleotide drugs through multidisciplinary capabilities.

• WuXi AppTec’s integrated capabilities reduce drug development barriers: Chemistry, biology, DMPK, toxicology, and manufacturing expertise are connected within one CRDMO model to improve efficiency and program success. 

• WuXi AppTec’s dedicated platforms accelerate new modalities: WuXi TIDES provides integrated discovery, development, and manufacturing services for peptide and oligonucleotide therapeutics. 

• Global collaboration advances innovative drug development: By partnering with biotech startups and pharmaceutical companies, WuXi AppTec helps advance science toward real medicines for patients worldwide.