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Spectral Shift

Spectral Shift Technology

Accelerate Discovery With the Fastest Biophysical Screening Platform
Modern drug discovery demands speed, sensitivity, and the ability to explore new therapeutic modalities. Our spectral shift–based direct binding technology delivers exactly that — enabling rapid, precise, and scalable screening across targets, modalities, and environments. Whether you’re advancing small molecules, fragments, covalent binders, PPIs,molecular glues, biologics- we provide the data quality and throughput needed to make confident decisions earlier.

Discover how Spectral Shift accelerates early-stage drug discovery — screening up to 1,000,000 compounds in just two weeks:
Spectral Shift | Fully integrated services for uHTS and beyond | CRELUX

Precision and Throughput Combined

Spectral shift is a next-generation fluorescence-based method that detects minute emission spectrum changes upon ligand binding. It is a versatile tool which can characterize intermolecular interactions between proteins (PPI), RNA/DNA-proteins, RNA/DNA-small molecules, protein-small molecules, peptides and many other modalities.

Unlike traditional intensity-based or immobilization assays, it works entirely in solution, providing quantitative affinity data (KD) under near-native conditions — with low sample consumption and excellent reproducibility.



Crelux was among the first CROs worldwide to adopt the technology after its release in 2022, and has partnered with NanoTemper Technologies, the developer, since more than 10 years. Our scientists have since refined every element of assay development — from protein labeling to data analysis — to deliver high-throughput, high-precision results.

Applications


High-Throughput Screening (HTS)

Traditional HTS relies on functional readouts and heavy assay development — and often misses binders essential for emerging modalities like molecular glues and bifunctional degraders.

Our spectral shift direct binding assay detects any interaction with exceptional precision, enabling:

  • Up to 1,000,000 compounds screened in 2 weeks
  • Minimal assay development
  • Direct detection of binders, not just inhibitors
    Expand chemical space, reduce false negatives, and find hits faster.
[See HTS in action]
Fragment-Based Drug Discovery (FBDD)

Fragment campaigns demand sensitivity. Our technology detects even the weakest interactions with high confidence, enabling:

  • Complete fragment library screen in one day
  • Reliable hit identification
  • Rapid progression from fragments to potent leads
    Accelerate your fragment-to-lead workflow with data you can trust.
  • Use your own, WuXi AppTec's 4.6k or our new 50k extended fragment library
[POSTER]
Covalent Drug Discovery

Covalent programs require precise binding/bonding characterization — but MS-based methods are slow, protein-hungry, and costly.

We offer a high-throughput Kinact/Ki platform in 384- and 1536-well formats that enables:

  • Up to 60 compounds profiled per day
  • Dramatically reduced protein consumption
  • Robust, reproducible kinact/ki determination
    Scale your covalent discovery without scaling your costs.
[POSTER] [POSTER]
Protein–Protein Interactions (PPIs)

PPIs are notoriously difficult due to large, flat interfaces. Our spectral shift assays deliver:

  • Rapid, quantitative PPI measurements
  • Efficient screening of modulators
  • High sensitivity in solution
    Unlock tractable PPI discovery.
[See PPI applications]
Molecular Glues & Bifunctional Molecules

TPD discovery hinges on understanding binary and ternary complex formation — and cooperativity.

Our platform provides:

  • 50-100k samples screened per day
  • Fast, cost-effective binding and cooperativity data
  • Direct readouts of complex formation
    Accelerate degrader discovery with biophysics built for TPD.
[POSTER] [PDF]
Membrane Proteins

Membrane proteins are high-value but difficult to assay. Our technology enables binding detection in:

  • Detergent
  • Nanodiscs
  • Liposomes
  • Other native-like environments
[PDF]
Nucleic Acids & Transcription Factors

These dynamic, flexible and important targets require sensitive, solution-based detection. Our assays support:

  • Native-like conditions
  • High sensitivity for weak or transient interactions
  • Confident hit identification
[See nucleic acid applications]
Small Molecules & Peptides

For classic modalities, we offer rapid, high-quality profiling of:

  • Affinity
  • Selectivity
  • Kinact/Ki
  • Displacement
  • Self-Association
    Streamline hit-to-lead progression across diverse target classes.
[Explore profiling]
Cellular Biophysics in Cell Lysates

Work with proteins in their near-native environment. Our platform enables:

  • Direct binding detection in crude or clarified lysates
  • Early target engagement assessment
  • Reduced false positives
    Ideal for unstable, low-yield, or hard-to-purify proteins.
[POSTER]
Cost- & Time-Efficient Ready-to-Go Assays

Skip assay development entirely.

We offer >100 validated drug targets across:

  • Membrane transporters
  • Transcription factors
  • ATPases
  • Helicases
  • Kinases

No protein production. No assay setup. Just immediate screening.

[Ready-to-Go Services]
Fast Data Generation for Machine Learning

ML models thrive on high-quality, high-volume data.

Our platform delivers:

  • 100,000 data points per day
  • Fuel your ML pipelines with our ultra-fast biophysical data engine.

WHY CRELUX

Based in Germany and part of the WuXi Biology network, Crelux has provided integrated early-stage drug discovery services for more than 20 years — from customized protein production and biophysical assays to hit validation and structure-guided optimization.

With deep expertise in biophysics and structural biology, we have developed and validated over 500 assays across a broad range of targets. Our multidisciplinary teams ensure fast turnaround, reproducible data, and smooth integration into downstream chemistry and biology workflows.

Your Partner in Early Stage Drug Discovery:
  • Certified NanoTemper Technologies service provider
  • Proven success with >500 drug targets
  • Integrated workflows from target to lead
  • Trusted CRO partner for pharma and biotech worldwide for more than 20 years

Ready To Start your Project?

Your discovery projects deserve to receive the best possible support – talk to the experts!

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