Speed dating for molecules CombinatoRx looks for that special synergy.

Coming up with a novel drug can make a company’s fortunes, but the overall cost of screening for new candidates is sizeable even before clinical trials. Thus, companies search for any possible shortcuts to the process. Boston-based start-up CombinatoRx (www.combinatorx. com) promises faster and cheaper drug discovery by conducting the equivalent of speed dating for molecules. The company screens paired combinations of generic, pharmacologically active compounds in the hope of stumbling upon desirable interactions that can be turned into therapies.