IRBM S.p.A.

IRBM is an institute located in Pomezia, near Rome, Italy, with over thirty years of experience in preclinical drug discovery and development, underpinned by a strong pharmaceutical heritage and a proven record of success in advancing molecules to the market.

IRBM’s capabilities span the entire continuum of preclinical drug discovery, from hit identification through lead optimization and the selection of candidates for IND-enabling studies. The institute provides comprehensive support across all stages of drug discovery and early development for diverse therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, peptides, and antibodies, focusing on viral diseases, oncology and neurodegeneration.

This interdisciplinary teamwork of more than 200 scientists includes experienced drug hunters—who have contributed to the discovery of three marketed therapeutics—and talented early-career researchers. Collectively, the team has advanced over 25 compounds into clinical development.

IRBM offers a single, unified facility spanning chemistry, biology, peptide and antibody sciences, and downstream preclinical translation. This includes translational biology units, high-throughput and high-content screening, extensive small-molecule collections, antibody generation and characterization, and peptide libraries for hit identification, as well as automated medicinal and peptide chemistry laboratories. Additional capabilities include in vitro and in vivo ADME/DMPK, robotic liquid handling and automated cell culture systems, flow cytometry, digital pathology, biophysical instruments, proteomics and metabolomics, mass spectrometry and high-field NMR, AI-driven computational chemistry and biology, and an AAALAC-accredited large animal facility.