ZoBio

ZoBio

Is this your company? Claim your profile to update info and connect with investors.
Claim profile

Private Company

Total funding raised: $12.5M

Overview

ZoBio is a private, self-funded drug discovery CRO founded in 2006, headquartered in Leiden, Netherlands. The company has established itself as a pioneer in fragment-based drug discovery over two decades, offering tailored research programs from target validation to lead compound generation. Its core technology platform originated from the proprietary Target Immobilized NMR Screening (TINS) method, which it has expanded into a comprehensive suite of biophysical and biochemical assays. ZoBio operates as a service provider, generating revenue through collaborative R&D projects with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

ProteomicsDrug Discovery

Technology Platform

Integrated fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) platform anchored by proprietary Target Immobilized NMR Screening (TINS). Includes protein science (challenging targets, isotopic labeling), biophysical assays (SPR, MST, thermal shift), structural biology (X-ray, NMR), biochemical assays, and medicinal chemistry for hit-to-lead optimization.

Funding History

2
Total raised:$12.5M
Series A$10M
Seed$2.5M

Opportunities

Growing demand for specialized outsourcing in fragment-based drug discovery, particularly for challenging membrane protein targets.
Expansion of its technology platform, such as advanced isotopic labeling, to address hard-to-express proteins creates new service offerings.
Strategic collaborations with biotech companies can lead to long-term, milestone-driven partnerships.

Risk Factors

Revenue is entirely dependent on client R&D budgets, which are cyclical and subject to macroeconomic pressures.
Competition from larger, full-service CROs and emerging computational/AI-driven discovery platforms poses a threat.
Risk of technological obsolescence if newer screening methods surpass the utility of its core TINS and FBDD approach.

Competitive Landscape

ZoBio competes in the specialized FBDD segment against other boutique CROs (e.g., Vernalis, Fragmenta) and the fragment-based screening divisions of large CROs (e.g., Charles River, Evotec). Its differentiation lies in its proprietary TINS technology, deep expertise in membrane proteins, and an integrated, collaborative service model. It avoids direct competition with AI-first drug discovery companies by focusing on experimental biophysical validation.