Cryo-EM is accelerating drug discovery and unlocking new therapeutic areas. But how is cryo-EM being integrated in the varying worlds of academia versus industry? What challenges do pharma and biotech companies face when scaling this powerful tool for drug development?
In a recent Clovertex webinar, leading experts from pharma, biotech, and academia addressed these pressing questions, sharing insights on industry adoption, technological advancements, and the future of cryo-EM in drug discovery.
Here are the key takeaways, featuring expert perspectives from Dr. Katie Meze (Sanofi), Dr. Roberto Valverde (Renasant Bio), and Dr. Simone Cavadini (Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research).
Industry vs. Academia: Different Approaches to Cryo-EM
While cryo-EM is widely used in both academia and industry, their priorities and workflows differ significantly.
- Academia: Researchers focus on discovering and publishing novel structures, often customizing their own infrastructure. Flexibility and exploration drive their approach.
- Industry: Cryo-EM must fit within a company’s broader drug discovery pipeline, requiring robust, reproducible workflows aligned with business objectives.
"In academia, we were often chasing the first-in-class structure—just getting a high-quality model was the goal. In industry, the emphasis is on making cryo-EM part of a reproducible workflow. The structure itself isn’t the endpoint; it’s a tool to drive drug discovery. Structural biology in industry must be scalable, reliable, and integrated into the broader R&D pipeline."
The Growing Role of Cloud Computing in Cryo-EM
Cloud computing is changing cryo-EM, providing scalability, cost efficiency, and collaboration opportunities. However, panelists noted challenges remain, such as licensing restrictions and data security concerns.
- Benefits: Faster processing, scalability, and improved collaboration.
- Challenges: Data privacy, cost, and integration into existing IT systems.
"The best approach is a hybrid model—on-premise processing for critical projects and cloud infrastructure for scalability."
Transitioning from Academia to Industry
For researchers considering a move into industry, the transition can feel uncertain. The panelists emphasized that mentorship, networking, and adaptability are key to success.
- Industry values collaboration and efficiency as much as technical expertise.
- Building relationships through conferences and professional networks can provide a competitive edge.
- Unlike academia, where individual projects often take center stage, industry work is team-driven.
"I’d encourage networking at industry conferences. If you’re in academia and thinking of transitioning, attending conferences where industry professionals are present is a great way to build connections and learn about potential opportunities."
The Evolution of Cryo-EM: What’s Next?
Cryo-EM is evolving rapidly, with new innovations shaping its future impact in drug discovery. The panelists highlighted exciting trends to watch, including:
- Tomography in drug discovery: The ability to visualize molecular interactions in their native cellular environment is a promising development.
- AI and automation: Machine learning is streamlining data processing, improving efficiency, and reducing human error.
- Expanding structural targets: Advances in protein design and new imaging techniques are broadening the scope of what Cryo-EM can achieve.
"I’m excited about how AI and automation will help us extract more insights from cryo-EM data. Right now, we focus heavily on solving static structures, but there’s so much potential to better understand molecular dynamics and mechanisms of action. AI-driven processing could help us uncover new biological insights faster."
Final Thoughts
Cryo-EM continues to bridge academia and industry, with evolving technologies and methodologies shaping its future. As AI, cloud computing, and tomography advance, cryo-EM will become an even more powerful tool in drug discovery.
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