Small-Molecule Lead-Finding Trends Across the Roche and Genentech Research Organizations

The origin of small-molecule leads that were pursued across the independent research organizations Roche and Genentech from 2009 to 2020 is described. The identified chemical series are derived from a variety of lead-finding methods, which include public information, high-throughput screening (both full file and focused), fragment-based design, DNA-encoded library technology, use of legacy internal data, in-licensing, and de novo design (often structure-based). The translation of the lead series into in vivo tool compounds and development candidates is discussed as are the associated biological target classes and corresponding therapeutic areas. These analyses identify important trends regarding the various lead-finding approaches, which will likely impact their future application in the Roche and Genentech research groups. They also highlight commonalities and differences across the two independent research organizations. Several caveats associated with the employed data collection and analysis methodologies are included to enhance the interpretation of the presented information.