Large Molecule Drug Discovery

Large molecule therapeutics are transforming drug discovery by enabling highly targeted approaches against complex biological pathways. Antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, cell and gene therapies, and RNA therapeutics have expanded opportunities to address diseases that were previously difficult to treat, supporting innovation across oncology, immunology, neuroscience, rare diseases and other therapeutic areas.

However, scientific promise alone is not enough. Success depends on selecting the right targets, understanding disease biology, understanding modality-specific pharmacokinetic, efficacy and safety, and generating data that can support confident development decisions. At IQVIA Laboratories, we bring clinical strategy into discovery to help sponsors focus resources on the candidates most likely to succeed.

>200

successful antibody campaigns from Specifica Bio

75%

of campaigns yield at least one subnanomolar antibody

19pM

lowest affinity antibody to date

>30

unique library platforms delivered

9

of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies are antibody discovery clients

13

bispecific antibody and CAR T-cell therapy IND-submissions supported with human safety NAMs

Integrated Antibody Drug Discovery Capabilities

From target assessment and antibody discovery, through lead optimization and candidate selection, we help sponsors make smarter decisions earlier, reduce development risk and build stronger foundations for downstream success.

Target Assessment and Validation

Antibody Discovery and Lead Selection

Lead Characterization and Optimization

Translational Science, Efficacy and Safety Assessment

Target Assessment and Validation

Successful drug discovery begins with a robust understanding of target biology. Our Protein Sciences team produces high-quality recombinant proteins and critical reagents to support target characterization, biological validation and druggability assessment. Drawing on expertise in molecular biology, protein expression, purification and characterization, we develop fit-for-purpose proteins tailored to the needs of each program, including challenging and difficult-to-express targets.

Using orthogonal analytical approaches to assess identity, purity, structural integrity, stability, aggregation and bioactivity, we provide well-characterized reagents that help strengthen biological insights and support confident progression into lead discovery.

Explore Protein Services

Antibody Discovery and Lead Selection

Our Specifica antibody discovery platform helps generate diverse, highly developable therapeutic antibodies with the affinity, specificity and functionality required for successful development. Through proprietary Generation 3 antibody libraries, advanced screening technologies and AI-enabled sequence analysis, we deliver candidates optimized for downstream progression

We support discovery across multiple formats, including traditional IgG antibodies, VHH antibodies and formats suitable for multispecific therapeutics. Whether sponsors require a complete discovery campaign or exclusive custom antibody libraries for in-house use, our teams help accelerate progression from target to lead candidate

Key advantages include:

More than 200 successful antibody discovery campaigns
Over 30 unique antibody library platforms
Antibodies with sub-nanomolar affinity
Multiple antibody formats supporting diverse therapeutic strategies

Explore Antibody Libraries

Lead Characterization and Optimization

Identifying a promising antibody is only the beginning. Our scientists apply affinity maturation and developability optimization strategies to improve candidate performance while reducing downstream development risk. By prioritizing developability early, we help sponsors advance candidates with stronger translational potential and a clearer path toward development

Optimization programs can address:

Affinity improvement
Developability characteristics
Cross-reactivity requirements
pH modulation
Candidate differentiation

Learn More

Translational Science, Efficacy and Safety Assessment

The strongest candidates are those that combine compelling biology with evidence supporting efficacy, safety and clinical relevance. IQVIA Laboratories integrates translational science throughout discovery, incorporating human-centric biology, advanced disease models, biomarker strategies and predictive approaches to support decision-making. These capabilities help generate clinically relevant evidence that informs candidate progression and supports critical portfolio decisions.

Our translational ecosystem includes:

In vitro efficacy and specificity assays for antibodies and ADCs
Immunogenicity assessments
In vivo efficacy and distribution
Translational biomarker identification and profiling
Human safety NAMs for IND-enabling
AI-assisted data interpretation

Website Featured_JPG-3599_Microscopic illustration of DNA double helix structure

RNA Therapeutics Drug Discovery

RNA therapeutics offer new opportunities to modulate gene expression and address previously undruggable disease pathways. Our integrated RNA therapeutics discovery services help sponsors navigate the scientific and translational complexities of ASO, siRNA and mRNA development to advance candidates with a clearer path toward clinical success.

In vitro CAR T-cell therapy assays

Explore assays to assess on-target efficacy, off-target and off-tumor activity as well as safety risks such as insertional mutagenesis.

In vivo CAR T-cell therapy assays

Demonstrate in vivo efficacy and explore on-target/on-tumor and on-target/off-tumor in our industry-leading range of xenograft, syngeneic and humanized models.

CAR T-Cell Therapy Discovery Services

In large molecule drug discovery and development, the complex nature of CAR T-cell therapies means they require deep modality and disease understanding, specialized assays, and translational models. Our CAR T-cell therapy services help you navigate the complex path to clinical success.

Large Molecule Discovery Guided by Clinical Insight

Traditional drug discovery often separates early research from clinical reality. Programs can demonstrate compelling laboratory results yet encounter significant challenges as they advance toward development and clinical testing. Ultimately, the decisions made during target identification, modality selection, translational planning and candidate optimization can determine whether a promising therapeutic ultimately reaches patients.

Our clinic-first approach is designed to bridge this gap. By integrating translational thinking from the earliest stages of discovery, we help sponsors:

Prioritize targets with stronger clinical rationale
Identify the most appropriate therapeutic strategy
Understand efficacy and safety risks earlier
Improve candidate selection decisions
Reduce development uncertainty
Advance programs with greater confidence toward IND-enabling studies and beyond

Why Choose IQVIA Laboratories for Large Molecule Drug Discovery?

Clinical Insight from the Beginning

We bring clinical strategy into discovery, helping align early research decisions with future development and patient outcomes.

Drug-Hunter Expertise

Our scientists bring decades of experience advancing large molecule programs across therapeutic areas and development stages.

Human-Centric Biology

Advanced translational models and clinically relevant science generate insights designed to better predict therapeutic performance in human disease.

AI-Assisted Discovery Approaches

Data-driven insights help identify patterns, prioritize opportunities and support faster, more informed decisions.

Integrated Discovery Support

We support programs across target validation, antibody discovery, lead optimization, translational science and candidate selection, enabling flexible engagement at any stage of discovery.

3741_Custom Photo_Laboratory professionals

What is large molecule drug discovery?

Large molecule drug discovery focuses on identifying and developing biologic therapeutics, including antibodies and other complex biological modalities that target disease mechanisms with high specificity.

Why is target validation important in biologics discovery?

Target validation helps establish biological relevance and druggability, reducing development risk and strengthening confidence in downstream discovery decisions.

What makes a therapeutic antibody developable?

Developability includes characteristics such as affinity, specificity, manufacturability, stability and safety that support progression through development and commercialization.

How does translational science improve large molecule drug discovery?

Translational science helps connect discovery findings with clinical relevance, improving candidate selection and supporting better development decisions.

Large Molecule Drug Discovery Services