At Xcene Research, we believe Africa must play a central role in discovering and developing therapies for diseases that disproportionately affect its people. Drug discovery and development is the engine that transforms scientific insights into safe, effective medicines. As an indigenous African CRO, we provide end-to-end support across the discovery pipeline from early research to clinical development helping sponsors, biotech startups, and academic institutions bring innovative solutions to patients faster and more efficiently.
Our Services
- Target Identification & Validation
Leveraging genomics, bioinformatics, and translational science to identify and validate promising therapeutic targets. - Hit-to-Lead & Lead Optimization
High-throughput screening, computational modeling, and medicinal chemistry to refine molecules for potency, selectivity, and safety. - Preclinical Development
In vitro and in vivo studies to assess efficacy, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and toxicology. - Translational Research
Bridging lab discoveries with clinical application using biomarker validation, patient-centered studies, and disease-relevant models. - Regulatory Support
Preparation of IND/CTA-enabling packages and guidance for NAFDAC, EMA, FDA, and WHO-compliant submissions.
Capabilities Overview
Target Identification & Validation
This is the foundation of drug discovery. At Xcene Research, we help sponsors identify biological targets genes, proteins, or molecular pathways that are central to the onset or progression of diseases. Our scientists use genomics, bioinformatics, and disease-specific models to pinpoint and validate these targets.
How we help:
- We focus on diseases with high relevance to Africa, such as sickle cell disease, malaria, TB, HIV, cancer, and NCDs, ensuring that new drugs are designed to meet the continent’s most urgent health needs.
- Outcome: Validated, high-confidence targets that form a solid foundation for discovery and reduce attrition in later phases
Hit-to-Lead & Lead Optimization
Once potential compounds (or “hits”) are identified, they need to be optimized into promising “leads.” Our team supports high-throughput screening (HTS), computational modeling, and medicinal chemistry to refine these molecules. We optimize for:
- Potency (strong activity against the target)
- Selectivity (minimal off-target effects)
- Safety (acceptable toxicity profiles)
- Drug-like properties (stability, solubility, bioavailability)
How we help:
- By leveraging advanced tools and local partnerships, we shorten the hit-to-lead cycle and improve the quality of leads progressing into preclinical studies.
- Streamlining data flow between chemistry, pharmacology, and bioanalytical teams to accelerate candidate refinement.
- Outcome: A pipeline of well-characterized, high-quality leads ready for pre-clinical development.
Preclinical Services
We understand that safe, reliable, and efficient preclinical evaluation is the foundation of every successful drug development program. As an indigenous African CRO with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa, we provide end-to-end preclinical services designed to bridge early discovery with clinical trials, ensuring compliance with global standards while addressing Africa’s unique disease burden.
Our preclinical platform supports pharmaceutical, biotechnology, academic, and medical device partners by offering flexible, cost-effective, and high-quality services that accelerate the transition of candidate molecules from bench to bedside.
We bridge the gap between discovery and human trials with comprehensive preclinical studies:
- Pharmacology & Efficacy – In vitro and in vivo testing to evaluate therapeutic potential.
- Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) – Understanding how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated.
- Toxicology & Safety Studies – Acute, sub-chronic, and chronic studies to ensure patient safety.
- Bioanalytical Services – Advanced LC/MS-MS and biomarker analysis through Xcene Laboratories.
- Regulatory Support – IND/CTA-enabling packages aligned with NAFDAC, EMA, and FDA standards.
How we help:
With Xcene Research’s Preclinical Services, sponsors gain a trusted partner to generate robust safety and efficacy data, reduce downstream risks, and accelerate the transition from discovery to first-in-human clinical trials.
Outcomes
- Early identification of safe and effective drug candidates.
- Reduced risk of failure in later clinical phases.
- Submission-ready data packages aligned with global standards.
- Faster transition from bench to first-in-human trials.
Translational Research
We recognize that bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and real-world patient outcomes is one of the greatest challenges in healthcare innovation. Translational research is the critical pathway that transforms bench-side discoveries into bedside therapies, ensuring that scientific advances lead to meaningful improvements in patient care.
As an indigenous African CRO, we are uniquely positioned to integrate basic science, preclinical research, and clinical trials into a seamless continuum. Our focus on Sub-Saharan Africa’s disease burden allows us to conduct research that is both globally relevant and regionally impactful.
We specialize in bridging lab discoveries and patient care, ensuring science translates into real-world impact:
- Biomarker Discovery & Validation – Early diagnosis, patient stratification, and precision medicine.
- Genomics & Bioinformatics – Leveraging Africa’s genetic diversity for novel insights.
- Preclinical-to-Clinical Bridging – Converting lab findings into trial-ready protocols.
- Patient-Centered Studies – Working with advocacy groups to design research relevant to African populations.
- Collaborative Networks – Partnering with universities, hospitals, and international research institutions.
How we help:
With Xcene Research’s Translational Research Services, sponsors gain actionable pathways that accelerate the movement of discoveries into clinical trials, strengthen trial designs, and bring innovative, life-saving solutions closer to patients in Africa and beyond.
Outcomes:
- Research that is patient-centered and disease-relevant, especially for Africa’s high-burden diseases.
- Accelerated transition from discovery to clinical trials.
- Stronger clinical trial design informed by validated biomarkers.
- Increased global competitiveness of Africa-driven scientific programs
Why Partner with Xcene Research to Accelerate your Drug Discovery & Development?
- Africa-Centered Innovation: We focus on high-burden diseases such as sickle cell disease, malaria, TB, HIV, cancer, diabetes, Nephrology, and cardiovascular disorders, ensuring therapies meet the continent’s greatest needs.
- Integrated Ecosystem: With access to Xcene Laboratories (molecular, genomics, bioanalytics) and clinical trial management expertise, we provide a seamless bench-to-bedside pathway.
- Global Standards: All studies follow ICH-GxP guidelines and are designed to meet the expectations of global regulators.
- Cost-Effective, Efficient Delivery: Operating from Africa allows us to offer competitive pricing while maintaining world-class quality.
- Partnership & Capacity Building: We collaborate with sponsors, academia, and governments, while training the next generation of African researchers to build a sustainable ecosystem.
With Xcene Research’s Drug Discovery, sponsors gain a trusted partner capable of accelerating programs from basic discovery through clinical translation. By combining local expertise, global compliance, and Africa’s unique patient insights, we help deliver life-saving therapies that matter most to our communities and the world.
