Scientific visualization in drug discovery and development

Scientific visualization has progressed significantly over the last century since the discovery of X-rays in 1895 and is used widely in many industries. In the pharmaceutical industry, there is a growing need for visualizing disease progression (or reversal) and for visualizing the effectiveness of a drug in animal models and in humans during clinical studies. Improvements in imaging technology could assist in decreasing the time from proof-of-concept to when a drug is finally launched. Many new drugs are entering the pipeline and progress in visualization technology should enhance the objective determination for predicting success or failure in a drug program. "A picture is worth a thousand words." Therefore, by collecting images, which provide information on molecular events, gene expression, biochemical subsystems, anatomical modifications and physiological perturbations, we positively and creatively alter our perception in our explorations of anatomy, disease mechanisms and drug interventions.