A Nanodisc™ is a “nano-scale” structure consisting of a phospholipid bilayer “disc” surrounded by a Membrane Scaffold Protein (MSP) “belt”. Nanodiscs are made through a proprietary process of self-assembly (See Figure 1) by combining an MSP with phospholipids. The Company’s technology can be used to manufacture a precise population of these structures which are uniform in size, shape and physical characteristics. By varying the composition of the MSPs, specifically sized Nanodiscs can be produced ranging from 6 nm to 18 nm in diameter. A comprehensive portfolio of composition of matter and method patents has been filed.

Most importantly, when a target membrane protein is included in the MSP/phospholipid mixture, each Nanodisc™ will self-assemble incorporating a single molecule of the target in a configuration which preserves its natural structural and functional characteristics (See Figures 1 and 2.). A very striking characteristic of the Nanodiscs is that they are water-soluble. The technology therefore allows for facile, as well as reliable, manipulation of membrane protein systems. The technology has been successfully applied to a broad range of membrane proteins. Given the “naturalistic presentation” of the target molecules in a soluble form, it should be possible to study and use membrane proteins in whole new ways to facilitate drug discovery. It should also be possible to create novel therapeutics consisting of Nanodiscs which incorporate “difficult to solubilize” macromolecules.