Biological simulations in drug discovery

Simulation of biological processes, systems and organs is a necessary complement to genetic and molecular sequencing. Using the heart as an example, the authors describe the way in which such modelling can be used in drug discovery, development and assessment. The technology is readily applicable to other organs and systems as well; models of neurones and neuronal systems, the pancreas and the lungs have already been developed. Ultimately, a virtual corpus is feasible. Genes can only specify the properties of the proteins they code for, and any integrative properties of the system must be 'computed' by their interactions-Sydney Brenner