Discovery engine

By combining our robust internal discovery capabilities with our ability to identify and establish effective collaborations, we’ve created a powerful discovery engine to build an expanded pipeline of biotherapeutics, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and innovative small molecules.

Data-driven and science-first

As we seek to improve the treatment of patients with cancer, Exelixis is addressing a broad array of targets selected based on rigorous scientific and clinical evidence with the goal of developing a diverse pipeline with clinically meaningful potential. We are building discovery and development capabilities that allow us to advance multiple therapeutic modalities, including both biologics and small molecules, to pursue an optimal approach for each individual target.

Our approach to discovery research begins by mining the latest advances in our understanding of tumor biology — the processes by which tumors grow, disrupt the function of normal tissues and become resistant to treatment. Through a careful process of optimization, we aim to identify drug candidates that appropriately interact with these targets and ultimately inhibit the growth of tumors.

Developing a novel pipeline of cancer therapies

Our rational approach to drug development begins by matching the features of our drug candidates with the specific characteristics of patients’ tumors to increase the chances of success. In some cases, this involves the testing of specific drug combinations to target multiple mechanisms of tumor growth. To date, Exelixis’ discovery and collaboration efforts have yielded multiple drug candidates with broad potential for the treatment of patients with cancer.

Three oncology scientists working together in a lab on a screen

Small molecule drug discovery: Past success inspires future potential

Our small molecule legacy began with the discovery of our franchise molecule, cabozantinib, which has been successfully commercialized in multiple cancer indications and countries. We augment our small molecule discovery activities through research collaborations and in-licensing arrangements with other companies engaged in small molecule discovery.

Cabozantinib | Zanzalintinib | XL309 | XL495

Biotherapeutics: A new dimension of our pipeline

Much of our drug discovery activities focuses on discovering and advancing various biotherapeutics that have the potential to become anti-cancer therapies, such as bispecific antibodies, ADCs and other innovative treatments. Several biotherapeutic product candidates have progressed into clinical trials.

ADU-1805* | XB010 | XB628 | XB371 | XB064 | XB033

^{* Sairopa B.V. (Sairopa) and Exelixis have an exclusive clinical development and option agreement providing Exelixis the right to acquire ADU-1805}