Genetics is one of the most complex and misunderstood areas of biology. In fact, scientists haven’t uncovered the functions of as much as one-third of genes in the genome of E. coli. A paper stemming from the University of California and published in the journal Cell discusses chemical genetics and its role in discovering biological […]
The characterization and optimization of the safety and efficacy of drug candidates in the discovery phase of drug development are crucial to prevent drug failure and to predict clinical outcomes during advanced phases. This post will discuss the various aspects and strategies of identifying lead compounds in early drug development. Physiochemical properties of candidate drugs […]
In early drug development, identifying predictable safety issues of pharmaceutical lead candidates is crucial for reducing safety-related attrition later in the process. Approximately 75% of all adverse drug reactions (ADR) have been dose-dependent, which can be predicted on the basis of pharmacology profiling and safety evaluation studies. In this post, we will focus on the […]
Over the years, there has been much controversy surrounding animal studies. However, critics should be aware that there are specific regulations set up in this area of scientific trials that ensures the welfare and care of animals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for instance, reports that all studies involving animals must adhere to […]
Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) cause unexpected adverse drug reactions and contribute to drug withdrawal from the market. Through inducing or inhibiting drug-processing proteins, a new drug could induce toxicity or diminish efficacy of other concomitant drugs, thus causing DDIs. The major drug-processing proteins involved in DDIs include phase I drug-metabolizing enzymes: CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, […]
Advanced methods of combinatory chemistry have made it possible to quickly synthesize vast quantities of compounds for testing. These compounds are then tested in a rapid method of evaluation called high-throughput screening. High-throughput screening (HTS) allows researchers to quickly and cost-effectively process thousands and even hundreds of thousands (ultra-high-throughput screening, or uHTS) of compounds, which […]
The development process of new therapeutics is one of several factors that directly impact the cost of healthcare today. Due to the amount of time and money involved, great efforts are being made to change the way drug candidates are processed, evaluated and selected. While certain processes were once approached as the next step of […]
Until recently, the clinical research sector has had difficulty adopting computer modeling and simulation due to a variety of factors. Among these have been, the uncertain regulatory challenges of modeling and simulation applications, a lack of large-population data, and complicated biological systems. These factors have all prevented the utiliziation of computer modeling. However, these barriers […]
The goal of lead optimization within the discovery phase of drug development is a multifaceted process, drawing from various compound properties to hone in on analogs that demonstrate the strongest potential for targeted therapies. Drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic (DMPK) property assessment is crucial to achieving desired biological activities and for determining safety profiles. DMPK data […]
Pharmacology — which is the study of the biomechanical or physiological effects of medicines and drugs on a cell, tissue, organ, or an organism — impacts the design of clinical studies significantly. Preclinical development and the planning stages in particular have a strong emphasis on pharmacology. In 1970, the first World Health Organization report on […]