What We Do

Powering transformative, first-in-class and best-in-class medicines

At PIRC, our work is guided by our deep scientific understanding of the disease mechanism, the drug discovery process, driven by data, and fueled by our passion to make life changing treatments possible. Inside our state-of-the-art research center, we advance cutting-edge modalities and drive progress across diverse indications, starting with hematology, oncology, and immunology.

We follow the science

The science is what guides us and keeps us focused—whether it’s discovered in our own labs or in-licensed from our industry partners. Looking ahead, we will expand our efforts in oncology and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) to other indications where patient need is greatest and where we have the strongest scientific rationale to make an impact. In the future, our extensive knowledge in immuno-oncology could be applied to autoimmune diseases.

We stay nimble

We’re ambitious at PIRC, and strive for high rates of success in bringing forth cutting-edge therapies. That means using the latest technologies to expedite and enhance our scientific discoveries, partnering with external organizations when needed. We use AI and machine learning to establish strong databases, so we can select novel targets and patients more wisely and screen more molecules faster. Using computational AI, we can more efficiently design proteins that bind to our targets with precision and accuracy.

We use state-of-the art facilities

In our new research center with the latest technology, we are capable of conducting the full range of preclinical discovery and testing to identify drug candidates with the highest chance of success. Our full range of preclinical testing can be done in house, in one location—from identifying molecules to performing animal studies that will allow us to advance to clinical trials. Our scientists can also quickly adapt our resources to investigate new targets of interest. This means we can test new ideas more efficiently, without spending the time and money required to conduct experiments via external organizations.

Our areas of drug discovery

PIRC is initially focused in three main areas of drug discovery. In the future, we plan to expand our efforts to other areas where we have the unique ability to create best-in-class therapies.

Next Generation PEGylated cytokines

We advance our PEGylation expertise and fuel the PharmaEssentia pipeline with first- and best-in-class PEGylated cytokines across indications, starting with hematology, oncology, and immunology.

PharmaEssentia has extensive knowledge in PEGylated cytokines, which led to the successful launch of BESREMi, the best-in-class interferon-ɑ and the only FDA-approved treatment indicated for the most common MPN, polycythemia vera (PV), which targets mutant stem cells that drive the disease. Our proprietary PEG platform is based on site-specific PEGylation technology and in-house designed linkers to develop next- generation cytokines to improve efficacy and tolerability.

Looking ahead, we will expand our efforts in oncology and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) to other indications where the patient need is greatest and where we have the strongest scientific rationale to make an impact. One key area where our extensive knowledge in immuno-oncology could be applied further is autoimmune diseases.

Novel immune checkpoint modulators

At PIRC, we investigate new modalities that are backed by strong data and align with the broader goals of PharmaEssentia’s R&D. Particular areas of interest include antibody generation and other modalities targeting novel checkpoint receptors that regulate the immune responses relevant to oncology and immunology diseases.
To create standout candidates that target checkpoint receptors, our data science team uses our extensive database and employs AI and ML to select the right target. Our strong antibody and biologics platform serves as the foundation to generate the best molecules to effectively reach the checkpoint receptor target.

Antibody drug conjugates (ADCs)

We will continue to leverage the knowledge of our broader PharmaEssentia team and apply our skills to new modalities, including antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), which, like PEGylated cytokines, require specific expertise in both antibody discovery and small molecule chemistry to be successful.

Our team has an in-depth understanding of ADC biology antibodies and firsthand experience in their discovery. With our in-house expertise in antibody discovery and protein conjugation technology, we are uniquely positioned to discover novel, innovative ADCs for cancer treatment.

When creating ADCs, we utilize tools (e.g., AI, databases) that help us identify and select the right target and match that target to the best molecule, and pair this with our deep knowledge of disease-driving mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment.

Careers at PIRC

PIRC is growing fast. We are actively seeking scientists, associates, and other professionals with drug discovery experience who are excited about doing cutting-edge science that provides doctors with new tools for treating rare cancers and autoimmune conditions.

Learn More

PharmaEssentia Innovation Research Center

Bedford, MA
781-691-3930

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