HitGen, a biotech company with headquarters and main research facilities based in Chengdu, China, and with facilities in the US, has entered into a drug discovery research collaboration with Sanofi to identify novel small molecule leads for targets of interest.

In this collaboration, HitGen will apply its advanced technology platform, based on DNA-encoded library design, synthesis, and screening, to discover novel leads which will be licensed exclusively to Sanofi. Under the terms of the agreement, HitGen will receive upfront payments, and be eligible for milestone payments. Financial details were not disclosed.

HitGen has established a unique platform for drug discovery research centered around DNA encoded chemical libraries (DELs). HitGen's DELs contain more than 150 billion novel, diverse, drug-like small molecule and macrocycle compounds.