Part I: Introduction — Membrane Proteins: The “Deep Water” of Drug Discovery

In modern drug discovery, membrane proteins account for more than 50% of all drug targets, particularly GPCRs (G Protein-Coupled Receptors), ion channels, and the SLC transporter family. However, their hydrophobic nature, low expression levels, and conformational instability have made them some of the most challenging targets in pharmaceutical research.

With years of deep expertise in membrane protein science, Viva Biotech has built a comprehensive membrane protein technology platform that is helping overcome these challenges. We not only provide high-quality proteins and protein complexes, but also support customers in resolving atomic-resolution 3D structures and offer a fully integrated workflow spanning high-throughput screening, hit validation, and lead optimization. 

Part II: A Practical Playbook for 120+ GPCR Targets

More than 15 years ago, Viva Biotech established a GPCR-focused membrane protein platform in collaboration with the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica and the iHuman Institute at Shanghai Tech University.

Quick-To-Supply (QTS) Membrane Protein Library

· GPCR Family: 120+ targets spanning Class A/B/C receptors, including serotonin receptors, dopamine receptors, chemokine receptors, obesity/weight-loss related receptors, and more.

· SLC Transporters: 50+ targets, including GLUT, SERT, VMAT, and others.

· Ion Channels: Including ASIC, hERG, GIRK, and more.

All proteins undergo rigorous quality control, reducing project initiation timelines from months to just weeks.

From 0 to 1: Solving Previously Uncharacterized Targets

· Viva Biotech case studies demonstrate transitions from conformational design to structure determination in as little as 3 months.

Precision Engineering

· By integrating AlphaFold 3 structural prediction with advanced construct engineering, we optimize protein stability through key site mutations, loop truncation, specialized tags, and other rational modifications.

Workflow of a Novel GPCR Complex Structure

High-Efficiency Screening and Production

· Leveraging multiple proprietary expression systems, we rapidly progress from parallel screening of over 100 constructs to process scale-up at the 100 L scale level.

Diverse Product Formats

· We provide detergent-solubilized membrane protein samples, MSP Nanodisc assemblies, Synthetic Nanodisc assemblies, and customized formats.

QC analysis of SLC-1 in different nanoDisc

Part III:  A Powerful X-ray Crystallography and Cryo-EM Platform

We are not content with simply “seeing” proteins—we strive to resolve every atomic detail of ligand binding with true clarity. Using X-ray crystallography and Cryo-EM technologies, we have supported leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies in resolving multiple high-resolution 3D structures (2.0 Å – 3.5 Å) across GPCRs, ion channels, and transporters. For highly dynamic membrane proteins, we apply stabilization strategies involving scFv fragments, Fab fragments, and nanobodies.

Supported by integrated crystallization platforms, synchrotron beamtime access, Cryo-EM instruments, and HPC computational infrastructure, we can deliver high-resolution structures within as little as two weeks.

Viva Crystal MP Structure Gallery

Viva Cryo-EM MP Structure Gallery

Part IV: from Structural Determination to Drug Discovery, an Integrated Discovery Platform

Structure determination is only the starting point; the real goal is to translate it into tangible value for drug discovery. Leveraging our strong recombinant protein production capabilities, we have built a multidimensional screening and validation matrix:

High-Throughput Screening: Our ASMS (Affinity Selection Mass Spectrometry) and DEL (DNA-Encoded Library) platforms enable identification of potential ligands from libraries containing hundreds of millions of compounds.

Kinetic Validation: Our SPR (Surface Plasmon Resonance) platform provides accurate KD measurements and kinetic parameter analysis.

ASMS Application for Membrane Protein

AI-Driven Discovery: Our AIDD/CADD platform accelerates lead optimization through virtual screening, scaffold hopping, and structure-guided optimization.

Antibody Discovery: We provide end-to-end support for therapeutic antibody discovery against membrane proteins, from antigen preparation to functional screening.

Navigating the complexities of membrane protein R&D requires profound technical heritage and comprehensive platform support. Securing a partner with synergistic expertise in structural biology, protein chemistry, and drug design is paramount. Viva Biotech specializes in accelerating complex membrane protein programs from foundational research to prosecutable drug discovery assets. Across both target validation and lead optimization phases, we consistently mitigate risks, transforming intricate biological challenges into predictable, high-value outcomes.