Our technology is revolutionizing GPCR drug discovery

Our proprietary platform technology opens new avenues to tackle this rich field of therapeutics.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are pivotal in regulating a multitude of physiological processes. Remarkably, over one third of all approved medicines exert their therapeutic effects through 100+ different GPCRs. Out of this extensive superfamily, comprised of over 800 receptors, the majority remain untapped as targets for novel therapies, despite many of them being implicated in severe diseases.

For decades, some of these receptors have eluded scientific advancement. With the advent of Confo’s technology, the landscape is transforming. We are now at the forefront of identifying and developing novel small molecules and antibodies for certain GPCRs once deemed intractable.

This breakthrough heralds a new era in drug discovery, promising to unlock the full potential of GPCR-targeted therapies. We focus our clinically-validated approach on accelerating novel medicines for metabolic & endocrine diseases.

Platform highlights

Unparalleled GPCR targeting

Our patent-protected platform excels in its ability to modulate specific GPCR forms, offering a competitive advantage particularly on receptors traditionally viewed as challenging.

Multiple modalities

Whether small molecules or biologics, our platform has a proven track record of identifying molecules targeting class A & B GPCRs, including orphan receptors.

Broad discovery opportunities

We have the ability to identify a range of modulator types, including agonists, antagonists, inverse agonists, and allosteric modulators.

A trusted leader in the field

We are supported by top tier investors and have earned credibility over the years through multiple collaborations with top-tier pharmaceutical companies and the out-licensing of a clinical asset.

Technology overview

What makes our platform unique?

ConfoBody®

Our ConfoBody® technology is based on highly specific VHH domains that stabilize GPCRs in pharmacological states of interest by binding to their intracellular surface (or G-protein), thereby modulating ligand binding.


ConfoChimer®

Our ConfoChimer® technology enables ConfoBodies® to be used universally across the GPCR superfamily to expedite the discovery process. A ConfoChimer® is a chimeric GPCR in which the natural ligand binding pocket of interest is preserved. Part of each chimera is from one of our donor GPCRs which has an existing, stabilizing ConfoBody®.

Application to drug discovery

These two technological elements are applied in several formats to the discovery of GPCR-directed molecules, including:

ConfoGen™ for antibody discovery

Without the need for protein purification, we are able to create highly immunogenic antigens that reveal the pharmacologically relevant GPCR epitope during immunization of animals. This enables the identification of a range of modulator types, particularly antibody agonists, but also antagonists, inverse agonists, and allosteric modulators.

ConfoSensor® for screening

Exquisitely sensitive cell-based GPCR assay technology suitable for screening a variety of small molecule libraries including fragment-based libraries, as well as larger high throughput collections. The cell-based ConfoSensor® system can detect low affinity, low molecular weight fragment hits from our diverse GPCR fragment library which is not possible with traditional screening methodologies.

ConfoStructure® for hi-res structures

Our revolutionary and proprietary approach to cryo-electron microscopy to generate atomic-resolution structures of GPCR-ligand complexes even with low affinity hit molecules. The approach is particularly useful for small molecule lead optimization, in conjunction with ConfoSensor®.

Confo holds the exclusive rights to its technology platform

The Confo® technology platform is protected by a broad patent portfolio, comprising more than 150 patent applications and granted patents in more than 10 patent families worldwide.

Explore our IP

Featured posters & publications

2024

Fontaine et al. Structure elucidation of a human melanocortin-4 receptor specific orthosteric nanobody agonist.
 Nature Communications, 2024.

2022

Laeremans et al. Accelerating GPCR drug discovery with conformation-stabilizing VHHs. Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences, 2022.

2018

Stoeber et al. A genetically encoded biosensor reveals location bias of opioid drug action. Neuron, 2018.

Pardon et al. Nanobody-enabled reverse pharmacology on GPCRs. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2018.

2017

Sungkaworn et al. Single-molecule imaging reveals receptor–G protein interactions at cell surface hot spots. Nature, 2017.

Liang et al. Phase-plate cryo-EM structure of a class B GPCR–G-protein complex. Nature, 2017.

Zhang et al. Cryo-EM structure of the activated GLP-1 receptor in complex with a G protein. Nature, 2017.

2016

Manglik et al. Nanobodies to study G protein-coupled receptor structure and function. Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 2017.

2015

Marta Filizola. G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Drug Discovery: Methods and Protocols, Methods in Molecular Biology 1335.

2014

Pardon et al. A general protocol for the generation of nanobodies for structural biology. Nature Protocols, 2014.

2013

Irannejad et al. Conformational biosensors reveal GPCR signaling from endosomes. Nature, 2013.

2011

Rasmussen et al. Crystal structure of the β2 adrenergic receptor–Gs protein complex. Nature, 2011.

Westfield et al. Structural flexibility of the Gαs α-helical domain in the β2-adrenoceptor Gs complex. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2011.

Rasmussen et al. Structure of a nanobody-stabilized active state of the β2 adrenoceptor. Nature, 2011.

Let’s work together

Whether you are looking to partner, invest, or build your career with us, Confo offers unique opportunities for you to transform the lives of patients