We screen against purified tumor markers to ensure direct, specific interaction with your target protein.
The landscape of drug development is changing. Precision is no longer a luxury; it is essential. In this growing field, peptide drug conjugate (PDC) technology emerges as a powerful approach. It combines the effectiveness of cytotoxic payloads with the accuracy of peptide targeting. However, the success of any PDC drug depends entirely on the quality of its guide: the targeting peptide. Creative Biolabs provides a premier service dedicated to PDC peptide discovery. We utilize advanced phage display technology to identify specific, high-affinity peptide ligands. Our goal is to support your efforts in creating the next generation of peptide therapeutics. Our platform also supports broader biologic lead discovery through the Phage Display Platform for Next-Generation Biologic Leads, enabling seamless expansion from peptides to antibodies and other therapeutic modalities.
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have paved the way for targeted delivery. Yet, ADCs have limitations. They are large. They can have trouble penetrating solid tumors. Their production is complex. This is where PDCs shine. PDCs use peptides instead of antibodies. Peptides are smaller. They penetrate tissues more easily. They are generally less immunogenic. Furthermore, peptide synthesis is a well-controlled chemical process. This allows for easier modification and manufacturing compared to biologics.
A successful PDC requires three components:
Our expertise focuses on that crucial third component. We help you develop a targeted peptide delivery system that ensures your payload reaches its intended destination.
Finding a needle in a haystack is difficult. Finding a specific peptide sequence out of billions is harder. Phage display solves this. It is a robust, high-throughput screening technology. It links the genetic code of a peptide to its physical structure on the surface of a bacteriophage (a virus that infects bacteria). We use phage display peptide binder selection to screen massive libraries. These libraries contain billions of random peptide sequences. By exposing these libraries to your target of interest, we can identify the peptides that bind most effectively.
Key Advantages of Our Approach:
Precise targeting is the key to a successful PDC drug. To ensure that we identify a homing peptide that binds to tumor markers with high affinity, we employ a versatile, multi-stage screening approach. We offer four distinct platforms to match the biological complexity of your target:
We screen against purified tumor markers to ensure direct, specific interaction with your target protein.
By screening against living tumor cells, we identify peptides that recognize receptors in their native, physiological conformation.
We utilize fresh tissue explants to perform peptide ligand discovery for PDCs within a realistic tumor microenvironment.
The ultimate validation. We identify peptides that can navigate the bloodstream and selectively accumulate in the tumor, ensuring a robust targeted peptide delivery system.
We believe in a transparent, step-by-step process. Our workflow is designed to minimize risk and maximize the success rate of finding a viable candidate for your peptide targeting strategy.
Fig.1
The workflow of phage display biopanning.1
The foundation of any successful discovery campaign is the quality and suitability of the starting library. We begin by analyzing your target—whether it is a complex membrane protein or a known receptor—to select the optimal library type. We offer a diverse array of Phage Display Peptide Library Construction services to ensure we have the right starting point for your specific needs:
This is the core of phage display peptide binder selection. We conduct multiple rounds of selection (typically 3 to 4 rounds) to identify the top candidates.
After the final round of panning, we isolate individual phage clones. We perform DNA sequencing to determine the amino acid sequence of the peptides. We analyze these sequences to find consensus motifs—patterns that indicate a strong preference for your target.
A sequence on a computer screen is not enough. We validate the candidates in the lab to ensure they perform as expected.
Our peptide-drug conjugate screening services empower a wide range of research applications.
This is the primary field for PDCs. We assist in discovering peptides that target overexpressed receptors on solid tumors. This enables the delivery of cytotoxic agents directly to the cancer, minimizing systemic toxicity.
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a major obstacle for drug delivery. We perform screens to find peptides that can cross the BBB via receptor-mediated transcytosis. This opens doors for treating neurodegenerative disorders.
PDCs can be used to deliver antimicrobials. We can screen for peptides that bind specifically to bacterial cell walls or viral envelope proteins.




The field of peptide ligand discovery for PDCs is competitive. You need a partner with deep technical expertise and a focus on quality. Whether you need a tumor-homing peptide discovery service or a specialized cell-penetrating peptide screening, our team is ready to assist. We combine biological insight with rigorous screening protocols to deliver results you can trust. today to discuss your target and start your discovery project.
Q: Can you perform screening on difficult targets like membrane proteins?
Q: What is the typical timeline for a discovery project?
A: A standard project usually takes 6 to 8 weeks. This includes library selection, multiple rounds of biopanning, and preliminary ELISA validation.
Q: Do you provide the physical peptides after discovery?
A: Yes. We have in-house capabilities for peptide synthesis. We can synthesize your lead candidates with high purity. We can also modify them with specific linkers or fluorescent tags for your internal testing.
Q: How do you ensure the peptides are specific to the tumor?
A: We use subtractive panning. Before exposing the library to your tumor target, we expose it to normal, healthy cells. Phages that bind to common markers on healthy cells are removed. This leaves a pool of phages that are highly specific to the tumor, improving the success of your targeted peptide delivery system.
Q: Is this service suitable for clinical trials?
A: No. Our services and the materials we provide are for research purposes only. They are intended for laboratory use and preclinical studies (such as animal models), but not for use in humans for diagnosis or treatment.
Reference
Please kindly note that our services can only be used to support research purposes (Not for clinical use).
Creative Biolabs is a globally recognized phage company. Creative Biolabs is committed to providing researchers with the most reliable service and the most competitive price.