The impact of molecular biology on drug discovery

Abstract

The discipline of molecular biology has become increasingly important in recent times for the process of drug discovery. We describe the impact of molecular biology across the whole process of drug discovery and development, including (i) the identification and validation of new drug targets, (ii) the development of molecular screens to find new candidate drugs, and (iii) the generation of safety data and competences leading to enhanced clinical efficacy. We also speculate on emerging developments in drug discovery where it seems likely that molecular biology will play an even more vital role in the generation of future therapies.

In silico structure-based approaches to discover protein-protein interaction-targeting drugs

“…The drug discovery process underwent a paradigm shift in the mid-1970s, when the human genome sequence was first cloned [1]. Before then, drug discovery focused on pharmacological and phenotypical characteristics of small molecules, and knowledge of a target molecule of a drug was not routinely considered.…”

“…Before then, drug discovery focused on pharmacological and phenotypical characteristics of small molecules, and knowledge of a target molecule of a drug was not routinely considered. These days, however, the drug development process begins with identification of a drug target, which is usually a protein [1]. …”