NexMR aims to significantly improve the drug discovery process

NexMR, a standout participant of the headbits Product Camp, approached us for software development and interface design expertise. Although they had already perfected their benchtop technology, they sought our expertise to help bring their software visions to life.

Discovering a new drug is a lengthy and costly endeavor. On average, the process takes at least a decade and incurs expenses in the billions. Pharmaceutical companies often terminate projects early to curb unnecessary expenditures when they perceive limited potential. However, this approach has historically overlooked many viable opportunities, primarily because identifying the right molecule to kickstart development is immensely challenging.

NexMR rises to the challenge, aiming to accelerate the drug discovery process and drastically reduce the material requirements by enhancing the screening phase. Their focus is on elevating NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) technology, a critical tool in this endeavor. Using the photo-hyperpolarized (CIDNP) technique allows NexMR and its clients to conduct NMR experiments in solution and at room temperature. This approach could revolutionize drug discovery by speeding up NMR experiments manifold while reducing the amount of material required by a factor of 30-50.

Source: ETH Zurich

While large-scale NMR instruments, typically used by major pharmaceutical companies, can cost over a million USD, their smaller siblings, the benchtop models, are more affordable at around 100,000 USD. NexMR's goal is to significantly enhance the throughput capacity of benchtop NMRs, enabling them to surpass the performance of standard NMR solutions. By intensifying fragment screening, NexMR aims to transform the pace and efficiency of drug discovery, making significant strides toward more rapid and cost-effective solutions in pharmaceutical research.

We refined their software concept with Felix and Matthias and ensured it resonated with scientists and lab technicians. We focused on crafting a product that was both intuitive and visually striking. A significant part of our effort was to enhance the user journey by creating an easy way for users to track the status of their projects, see who is collaborating on them, and identify potential molecule hits quickly. By the end of our Product Camp, NexMR had a robust foundation for their software product, allowing them to kickstart the development process and check off another milestone in their go-to-market plan. We’re excited to follow NexMR’s journey closely and continue this collaboration.

nexmr.com