X-Chem, a privately held biotechnology company applying its innovative drug discovery platform to the generation of novel small molecule therapeutics, announced a drug discovery partnership with Gilead Sciences. Under the terms of the agreement, X-Chem will screen its proprietary DEXTM libraries, which contain >120 billion individually DNA-encoded small molecules, toward the discovery of novel, high-value therapeutic leads against targets in antiviral and additional therapeutic areas. Gilead has the option to license drug leads discovered under the collaboration, and will be responsible for further development and commercialization of the resulting programs.

“Gilead is a world leader in antiviral therapeutics,” said Rick Wagner, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of X-Chem. “We are eager to deploy X-Chem’s industry-leading DEXTM drug discovery platform against life-threatening diseases and identify new chemical entities toward which Gilead can apply its R&D expertise.”

Under the terms of the agreement, X-Chem will receive an upfront payment, potential licensing fees, and additional payments for the achievement of pre-defined research, development, and regulatory milestones.