Contract research firm Oxeltis and computational chemistry company Molecular Forecaster Inc (MFI) have formed a strategic partnership to integrate in silico drug design with high-quality chemical synthesis.

The collaboration is aimed at accelerating small molecule discovery programs and improving productivity in early-stage drug development.

Oxeltis, based in Montpellier, France, provides medicinal and fine organic chemistry services for life sciences, including custom synthesis, hit-to-lead optimization, and early scale-up. MFI, headquartered in Montreal, offers predictive computational modeling and computer-aided drug design (CADD) tools through a research-as-a-service model.

The partnership is designed to give clients a single point of access to expertise in both predictive modeling and wet-lab synthesis, helping to reduce design cycles and prioritise better candidates earlier in development.

“This collaboration is an opportunity to integrate critical research activities from companies with complementary expertise and a productive working relationship,” said Jean-Marc Allaire, CEO of Oxeltis.

Josh Pottel, CEO of MFI, added: “The primary benefit of computational drug design is to help humans learn faster so they can make smarter decisions. Partnering with Oxeltis aligns with our values and enhances what we can offer to clients.”

The alliance also offers simplified project management, access to both companies’ expertise, and competitive cost structures without sacrificing quality. The in silico drug discovery market, valued at $3.4 billion in 2024, is projected to grow at 14.5% CAGR to $12.8 billion by 2034—driven by rising preclinical activity, regulatory pressures, and demand for more effective therapies.