# Discovery Studio Simulation

Comprehensive drug discovery software combining generative AI and physics-based modeling

(BIOVIA Disovery Studio Simulation - Rich Text)Designed for the Real Drug Discovery Challenges

In the race to deliver life-saving therapeutics, researchers need to make faster, more confident decisions about candidate selection. **BIOVIA Discovery Studio Simulation** brings together **cutting-edge AI models,** including OpenFold/AlphaFold, RFdiffusion and ProteinMPNN, with **validated physics-based modeling methods** for drug discovery in a single environment.

As a **Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)** application on the [**3D**EXPERIENCE platform](/products/biovia/3dexperience-biovia "3DEXPERIENCE BIOVIA"), it provides a flexible, scalable, and collaborative workspace that accommodates both large and small organizations for the design and optimization of small-molecule and biotherapeutic candidates.

(BIOVIA Discovery Studio Simulation)Why Discovery Studio Simulation?

**Move from AI-generated prediction to validation** by combining deep learning with molecular modeling and simulation. Guided, integrated workflows and a user-friendly interface make it easy for non-experts to apply complex computational methods within real research scenarios.

Discovery Studio Simulation is integrated with the other solutions on the **3D**EXPERIENCE cloud platform, enabling drug discovery teams to maintain continuity from discovery through development and manufacturing.

[Discovery Studio Simulation Generative AI RFDiffusion](/media/24506)

Multimodal Drug Design

Today’s most successful organizations recognize that small molecule therapeutics and biotherapeutics are not competing strategies, but complementary approaches to treat the most complex diseases. Discovery Studio Simulation supports a multi-modality strategy, with both the chemist and the biologist in mind.

(Discovery Studio Simulation tab)Biology

(Discovery Studio Simulation tab)Biotherapeutics Discovery

Computational and structural biologists can design and optimize higher-quality biotherapeutics, in a single workflow from sequence to developability.

- Predict protein structures with homology modeling or AI models such as OpenFold/AlphaFold
- Model protein-ligand complexes using OpenFold3
- Refine modeled structures and study interactions with molecular dynamics simulations
- Design novel protein binders with generative AI
- Predict and optimize binding by protein-protein docking and affinity maturation
- Model, refine and optimize antibody and immune structures
- Improve developability and formulation properties
- Reduce immunogenicity with humanization

[BIOVIA DSS Biologics highlight](/media/25194)

[Learn More about Biotherapeutics Design and Optimization](/products/biovia/biotherapeutics-design-and-optimization)

(Discovery Studio Simulation tab)Chemistry

(Discovery Studio Simulation Chemistry tab)Small Molecule Discovery

Computational chemists can accelerate hit-to-lead optimization with reduced attrition

- Predict target protein structures using homology modeling or AI models such as OpenFold/AlphaFold
- Model protein–ligand complexes with OpenFold3, including co-folding with ligands, peptides, and nucleic acids
- Refine chemical structures and analyze binding interactions using molecular dynamics simulations
- Identify high-quality hits through virtual screening and molecular docking
- Design novel compounds using scaffold hopping and fragment-based design
- Optimize potency and selectivity with rigorous free energy calculations
- Generate ligand- and structure-based pharmacophores for screening and profiling
- Design, enumerate and analyze focused or diverse compound libraries
- De-risk candidates early with ADMET prediction

[BIOVIA DSS chemistry tab video](/media/25193)

[Learn More about Small Molecule Therapeutics Design](/products/biovia/small-molecule-therapeutics-design)

(BIOVIA Discovery Studio Simulation)AI Meets Physics-based Modeling

Combine speed with scientific rigor.

- Generate novel candidates using generative AI
- Predict structures directly from sequence data
- Refine and validate AI-generated designs using simulation
- Optimize candidates using physics-based workflows

This hybrid approach helps teams explore more possibilities while maintaining confidence in results.

[BIOVIA Discovery Studio Simulation](/media/24321)

(BIOVIA Discovery Studio Simulation)A Unified Platform for Modern Drug Discovery Teams

(BIOVIA Discovery Studio Simulation icon)Innovate faster in the cloud

 ![](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/2026-06/icon-252-3dx-biovia.png)

(BIOVIA Discovery Studio Simulation icon)Connect virtual and experimental workflows

 ![](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/2026-06/icon-670-v-plus-r-biovia.png)

(BIOVIA Discovery Studio Simulation icon)Enable multidisciplinary collaboration

 ![](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/2026-06/icon-318-disciplines-biovia.png)

[   See our end-to-end solutions for Life Sciences     ](/products/biovia/life-sciences)

## (BIOVIA Discovery Studio Simulation Roles)Choose Your Role

Discovery Studio Simulation is included in the following Roles on the **3D**EXPERIENCE platform.

(BIOVIA Discovery Studio Simulation)Transform Your R&amp;D Pipeline Today

Move faster and make better decisions with AI-powered physics-based modeling.

Shorten discovery process timelines, lower R&amp;D costs, and improve candidate success with BIOVIA Discovery Studio Simulation.

[Book a quick chat](/brick/77979)

## (BIOVIA Discovery Studio Simulation)Learn More

The world of drug discovery is changing. Discover how to stay a step ahead with BIOVIA Discovery Studio Simulation.

FAQs about Drug Discovery Software

 What makes Discovery Studio Simulation one of the best drug discovery software solutions?

Discovery Studio Simulation brings **generative AI and physics-based modeling together into one unified environment**. While many tools focus on either AI-driven design or simulation, Discovery Studio Simulation combines both, allowing chemists and biologists to generate novel candidates quickly with AI, and then rigorously validate them using proven physics-based methods, such as molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and many others. This combination helps teams move faster with confidence in their designs, and for organizations to save time and costs associated with the drug discovery process.

 How does Discovery Studio Simulation support both chemists and biologists?

Discovery Studio Simulation is a multimodal solution that supports both small-molecule and biotherapeutic workflows.

- Computational chemists can perform virtual screening, docking, free energy calculations, and ADMET prediction to accelerate hit-to-lead optimization.
- Computational biologists can design and optimize proteins, antibodies, and other biotherapeutics, from amino acid sequence to developability with integrated workflows.

Discovery Studio Simulation eliminates the need to switch between multiple software tools or command-line executables, manual work, supporting seamless end-to-end discovery workflows.

How is AI used within Discovery Studio Simulation?

Discovery Studio Simulation offers easy access to AI models through built-in protocols to accelerate candidate design:

- Structure prediction from sequence (e.g., AlphaFold/OpenFold-based methods)
- Rapid exploration of chemical and biological space
- Generative design of protein binders (RFdiffusion, ProteinMPNN)

These AI-generated designs are then refined and validated using physics-based molecular modeling and simulation methods.

 Why combine AI with physics-based molecular modeling?

AI excels at speed and novelty, while physics-based methods provide accuracy and scientific validation. Discovery Studio Simulation offers built-in protocols, allowing scientists who are not experts at computational science or AI to benefit from these advanced technologies. By combining both, scientists can:

- Explore more design options faster
- Identify and eliminate poor candidates earlier
- Prioritize high-quality compounds and biologics
- Make better-informed decisions before synthesis or experiments

This approach helps lower attrition and improve candidate quality, shortening discovery cycles, lowering costs, and increasing success rates in clinical development.

As a **SaaS solution** with built-in protocols, Discovery Studio Simulation allows scientists who are not experts at computational science or AI to benefit from these advanced technologies. **Guided, integrated workflows** and its **user-friendly interface** make it easy for non-experts to apply complex computational methods within real research scenarios.

 How does the cloud (SaaS) model benefit my team?

As a SaaS application on the **3D**EXPERIENCE platform, Discovery Studio Simulation is a platform for drug discovery that offers:

- Scalability on demand (including GPU-powered tasks)
- No infrastructure, IT or hardware management
- Automatic updates throughout the year with the latest scientific methods
- Secure, centralized access from anywhere

This allows discovery teams to focus on science.

Users also have access to:

- BIOVIA community and knowledge resources
- Documentation and guided workflows
- Regular updates, multiple times a year, with new features and scientific advancements

This ensures teams can quickly adopt and continuously expand their capabilities.

 Can teams collaborate easily while using Discovery Studio Simulation?

Yes, absolutely. Discovery Studio Simulation on the **3D**EXPERIENCE platform enables real-time collaboration across teams and disciplines:

- Share models, data, and data analysis seamlessly
- Maintain full data traceability
- Connect discovery with downstream development workflows

This ensures better alignment and faster decision-making across the R&amp;D pipeline.

 How does Discovery Studio Simulation fit into the Research &amp; Development ecosystem?

Built on the **3D**EXPERIENCE platform, it integrates with a broader scientific ecosystem:

- Data management and traceability with a universal materials management system
- Experiment planning, execution and data analysis via Electronic Lab Notebook integration
- Collaboration across discovery, development, and manufacturing through the only end-to-end R&amp;D platform for life sciences

This creates a **continuous digital thread from molecule to manufacturing.**

Is there a free trial or software download for companies?

Many professional drug discovery tools offer entry-level versions for visualization and basic data analysis. For example, [**BIOVIA Discovery Studio Visualizer is available as a free download** ](https://discover.3ds.com/discovery-studio-visualizer-download)and provides a user-friendly interface for viewing 3D molecular structures and performing basic tasks. While Discovery Studio Simulation, the full SaaS solution for drug discovery requires a license for advanced computational capabilities, the Visualizer remains a widely used and accessible tool within the scientific community.

(BIOVIA Discovery Studio Simulation)Also Discover

[Small Molecule Therapeutics Design](/products/biovia/small-molecule-therapeutics-design)

[Biotherapeutics Design and Optimization](/products/biovia/biotherapeutics-design-and-optimization)

[Redefine the Speed of Biopharma R&amp;D](/products/biovia/life-sciences)

[BIOVIA Discovery Studio](/products/biovia/discovery-studio)

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