DNA-Encoded Libraries (DELs): Accelerating the Discovery of Next-Generation Medicines
Dr. Ghotas Evindar
Co-Founder and President of DEL Source
September 24, 2026
11:00 a.m.
In-person: C2-361
Abstract: DNA-Encoded Libraries (DELs) have emerged as a powerful technology for exploring vast chemical space and accelerating small-molecule discovery. This seminar will provide an accessible overview of the DEL discovery process—from library design and synthesis to target selection, affinity screening, hit identification, hit confirmation, and medicinal chemistry optimization.
The presentation will highlight how advances in macrocycles, covalent libraries, molecular glues, PROTACs, and AI/ML-guided library design are expanding the capabilities of DEL technology beyond traditional small-molecule screening. Examples will illustrate how DEL platforms can generate actionable chemical starting points for challenging drug targets while reducing the time and resources required for early-stage discovery.
The seminar will also introduce the complementary capabilities of DEL Source and Presude Lifesciences, spanning DEL library design and screening, protein and biology support, sequencing and data analysis, hit resynthesis, medicinal chemistry, and DMPK. The goal is to provide students, researchers, and faculty with a practical understanding of how DEL technology connects chemistry, biology, computation, and translational drug discovery, as well as opportunities for academic–industry collaboration.
Ghotas Evindar, Ph.D. is an accomplished drug discovery scientist, entrepreneur, and Co-Founder and President of DEL Source, with extensive expertise in DNA-Encoded Libraries (DEL), medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, and translational drug discovery. He is recognized as one of the pioneers in developing and applying DNA-Encoded Library technology, contributing to DEL's evolution from an emerging screening technology into a powerful platform for exploring vast chemical space and discovering novel therapeutic molecules.
Dr. Evindar has more than two decades of experience spanning the drug discovery process, from chemical design and synthesis to target-based screening, hit identification, hit validation, medicinal chemistry, and preclinical development. His scientific interests encompass the next generation of DEL technologies, including ultra-large libraries, macrocycles, covalent chemistry, molecular glues, targeted protein degraders, and AI/ML-guided library design, focusing on addressing challenging drug discovery problems.
He is the author or co-author of more than 50 scientific publications and patents, reflecting contributions across medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, and innovative drug discovery technologies. Through DEL Source and Presude Lifesciences, Dr. Evindar is also advancing a globally accessible drug discovery model that integrates DEL screening with protein science, biology, sequencing and data analytics, medicinal chemistry, and DMPK. Their India-based capabilities provide high-quality, cost-efficient drug discovery services, enabling academic laboratories, biotechnology companies, and pharmaceutical organizations to access sophisticated discovery technologies and expertise.
Dr. Evindar is passionate about bridging fundamental science with real-world drug discovery and engaging the next generation of scientists in the rapidly evolving intersection of chemistry, biology, computation, and therapeutics. His seminar will provide students and researchers with an inside look at how billions of molecules can be explored systematically and transformed into validated chemical starting points for new medicines.