Celebrating SRIMC: A Decade of Innovation in Chemistry

In a remarkable recognition of scientific excellence, the Hungarian Academy of Science has awarded the prestigious Center of Excellence prize to the Servier Research Institute of Medicinal Chemistry (SRIMC). This recognition is a testament to over a decade of relentless innovation in the field of medicinal chemistry, particularly in oncology, for patients with high unmet medical needs.

Launched in 2007 in Budapest, SRIMC started with a team of over 20 colleagues dedicated to the chemical support of original drug discovery. Fast forward to today, SRIMC has grown to a robust team of over 50 highly qualified researchers, mainly chemists, chemical engineers or pharmacists, making it a leading player in our discovery chemistry research.

The institute’s activities are diverse and comprehensive, covering everything from validating chemistry starting points to developing lead molecules into drug candidates. SRIMC is also an innovation driver in emerging areas such as biocatalysis and targeted protein degradation. Its Process Chemistry division facilitates transition to CMC (Chemistry and Manufacturing Controls), while the Analytical division plays a crucial role in ensuring quality control throughout the research and development chain.

The institute’s expertise since its inception can be seen in a number of figures:

“The achievements and success of SRIMC are a recognition of the continuous level of innovation of each colleague. But these achievements could not have been achieved alone, they are the result of close collaboration with our colleagues from the other teams of our R&D in France and Boston, and with our partners. These collaborations create a dynamic environment where innovation and process-driven activities fuel each other and drive the continuous cycle of discovery and application at SRIMC.”

Andras Kotschy, SRIMC Director

But SRIMC is not just about research, it’s also about fostering the next generation of scientists. With 10 to 15 students and doctoral candidates, the SRIMC plays an important role in training the next generation of professionals. Over the past decade, many students have had the opportunity to learn about drug discovery in the institute’s laboratories, which are internationally renowned for their facilities.

The award from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences is a fitting recognition of SRIMC’s decade-long journey of excellence. It celebrates not only the Institute’s unwavering dedication to medicinal chemistry, but also its ongoing commitment to therapeutic innovation for the benefit of patients.