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A new science-business paradigm in anticancer drug development
1Brander Cancer Research Institute, Dept of Medicine, New York Medical College, 19 Bradhurst Ave, Hawthorne, NY 10532, USA. M_Blagosklonny@nymc.edu
Abstract:
Studies into the molecular mechanisms of cancer have revealed that, with a few exceptions, the disease lacks a specific drug target. Therefore, new anticancer drugs not only take many years and much money to develop but also might not outperform existing drugs. However, what are assumed to be unfavorable hallmarks of cancer, for example drug resistance, can be exploited for selective anticancer therapy and for protection of normal cells. Based on this paradigm, the drug discovery can be complemented by novel use of existing agents and even "failed" drugs. The pharmacological industry could develop low cost, effective therapeutic modalities, by "re-using" already marketed and late-stage products in cancer-selective therapeutic kits.
Insights
Cancer drug development is costly and often lacks specific targets. Exploiting cancer
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Cancer lacks specific molecular targets, hindering new drug development.
- Existing anticancer drugs offer limited improvements over current treatments.
- Drug resistance, a cancer hallmark, presents an opportunity for targeted therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
- To investigate the potential of repurposing existing drugs and "failed" drugs for cancer therapy.
- To propose cost-effective therapeutic modalities using marketed and late-stage pharmaceutical products.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms in cancer.
- Exploitation of cancer hallmarks like drug resistance for therapeutic advantage.
- Repurposing of existing pharmaceutical agents and "failed" drugs.
Main Results:
- Unfavorable cancer hallmarks, such as drug resistance, can be leveraged for selective anticancer therapy.
- Existing drugs and "failed" drugs can be repurposed for novel therapeutic applications.
- Development of cost-effective, cancer-selective therapeutic kits using marketed and late-stage products is feasible.
Conclusions:
- Repurposing drugs offers a viable and economical approach to cancer treatment.
- Exploiting cancer's inherent characteristics can lead to more effective and selective therapies.
- The pharmaceutical industry can innovate by creating therapeutic kits from existing products for cancer care.