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Bioactive small molecules

Schematic demonstrating a bioactive small molecule (stick diagram) binding to protein complex (pink and cyan molecules), effecting biological function.

Our catalog of more than 4,000 bioactive small molecules unlocks new possibilities for exploring biology and enabling early drug discovery. Designed to help researchers investigate protein targets, signaling pathways and disease mechanisms, our diverse portfolio makes it easier to find the right compounds for your next experiment. Our portfolio includes small molecule inhibitors, such as selective kinase and cell signaling inhibitors, agonists, and toxins. These compounds are useful tools for biochemical, biophysical, and cell-based assays.

Furthermore, our partnership with the Structural Genomics Consortium provides highly characterized, novel chemical probes that guide early small molecule drug discovery from hit identification to target validation. Explore our collection of these highly adaptable research tools to discover the compounds that can accelerate your drug discovery.

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Need help finding a bioactive small molecule?

Use our bioactive small molecule explorer to find your fit-for-purpose probe. 

Bioactive small molecules for research applications

With more than 4,000 bioactive small molecules, our portfolio supports the investigation of biological mechanisms across drug discovery, cell biology, and disease research. Browse our articles to find the right molecule for your research question and help lead you to your next big breakthrough.

Drug discovery and gene regulation

From early compound characterization and ADME/Tox research to the study of transcriptional control and gene regulation, these research tools help assess compound activity, cellular responses, and mechanisms relevant to early drug discovery.

 Cell signaling and cell fate

Investigate the pathways that control cellular communication and response through kinase and phosphatase biology, lipid signaling, nitric oxide and cell stress, apoptosis, and cyclic nucleotide signaling. These compounds enable the modulation and analysis of signaling cascades, stress responses, and pathways involved in cell survival and death.

Cellular, immune, and neuroscience research

Study cell proliferation and cell-cycle regulation using our bioactive small molecules for target identification and validation in cell cycle research. Investigate immune pathways and cellular responses using agonists, antagonists, modulators, and other compounds to better understand the immune system in immunology research. Examine neuronal signaling and mechanisms relevant to the nervous system by reliably targeting components in neurotransmission with bioactive small molecules selected for neuroscience research. Together, these application areas support research into cellular function, disease mechanisms, and potential therapeutic targets.

Related categories

A laboratory technician in a white lab coat and green gloves is using a pipette to transfer bioactive small molecule inhibitors into a black microplate. Various laboratory supplies, including bottles of reagents and a pink rack for test tubes, are visible on the table, alongside a document with printed instructions. In the background, laboratory equipment is partially visible.
Bioactive Small Molecule Inhibitors

Discover our portfolio of bioactive small molecule inhibitors for dissecting biological systems, validating drug targets, & advancing cancer therapy.

Scientist looking at a vial in her hand. There is a collection of vials of bioactive small molecules in front of her. In the background another scientist walks towards her.
Bioactive Small Molecule Agonists

Discover our collection of bioactive small molecule agonists for signaling pathways, drug discovery, and cancer and cardiovascular disease research.

A scientist sits at the lab bench wearing lab goggles, a lab coat, and gloves. She is pipetting bioactive small molecules. Behind her another scientist wearing a lab coat and goggles is using a multichannel pipettor. There are instruments and pipette tips on the right of the image.
Bioactive Small Molecule Toxins

Explore our collection of bioactive small molecule toxins for toxicology, signal transduction, neuroscience, and cardiovascular biology research.

Female scientist in a white laboratory coat, wearing blue gloves and face mask at a microscope holding an Eppendorf tube working on target validation using SGC chemical probes. Two other scientists are in the background also working at the bench.
Structural Genomics Consortium

Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC) chemical probes for target validation and numerous additional research applications and workflow needs.