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Corrigendum to "The impact of experimental variables in twitch tension recording on triphasic action of phospholipase A<sub>2</sub> neurotoxins at the neuromuscular junction and acetylcholine release" [Toxicon 266 (2025) 108512].

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A High Content Imaging Assay for Identification of Botulinum Neurotoxin Inhibitors
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Toxins and drug discovery.

Alan L Harvey1

  • 1Research and Innovation Support, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland; Strathclyde Institute for Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK.

Toxicon : Official Journal of the International Society on Toxinology
|December 3, 2014
PubMed
Summary

Venom-derived compounds offer drug discovery potential, but many projects fail. Success requires focusing on unmet needs, validated targets, phenotypic screening, and strong development partnerships.

Keywords:
Conus venomsDrug developmentDrug discoveryPhenotypic screeningSnake venomsVenoms to drugs

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Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Drug Discovery
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Venom components have historically inspired successful drug discovery, with examples like captopril and ziconotide.
  • Despite successes, the journey from identifying a toxin to an approved drug is fraught with challenges and high failure rates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review successes and failures in toxin-based drug discovery.
  • To outline strategies for increasing the success rate of developing new medicines from venom components.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on venom-derived drugs.
  • Analysis of common causes for failure in drug development programs.
  • Identification of key factors for successful toxin-based drug discovery.

Main Results:

  • Several drugs have been successfully developed from venom components.
  • Numerous drug discovery projects originating from toxins have failed during development.
  • Key reasons for failure include lack of focus on unmet needs, poorly validated targets, and reliance on molecular assays.

Conclusions:

  • Toxin-based drug discovery is promising but high-risk.
  • Strategies to improve success include prioritizing unmet therapeutic needs and well-validated targets.
  • Utilizing phenotypic screening and collaborating with experienced development partners are crucial for advancing toxin-derived drug candidates.