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Virtual drug discovery: beyond computational chemistry?
Francois Gilardoni1, Anthony C Arvanites
1ch. des Aulx 18, 1228 Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland; +41 0 22 884 8300 ; fgilardoni@gmail.com.
Expert Opinion on Drug Discovery
|July 25, 2012
Summary
The traditional, fully integrated drug discovery model is declining. Companies are increasingly adopting virtual drug discovery, outsourcing research and development to gain flexibility and reduce costs.
Area of Science:
- Drug Discovery and Development
- Pharmaceutical Business Strategy
- Biotechnology Research
Background:
- The traditional model of in-house, fully integrated drug discovery is diminishing.
- There is a growing trend towards virtualizing or outsourcing various stages of the drug development pipeline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the shift from integrated drug discovery to virtual models.
- To highlight the drivers and implications of adopting virtual drug discovery strategies.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of current trends in pharmaceutical and biotechnology research and development.
- Examination of the organizational and strategic changes in drug development.
Main Results:
- The 'virtual drug discovery' model is emerging as a significant business strategy.
- Outsourcing specific steps like target identification and medicinal chemistry is becoming common.
Conclusions:
- Virtual drug discovery offers increased flexibility, access to specialized expertise, and cost reductions.
- This represents an evolutionary step in outsourcing drug development, driven by economic factors.
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