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Applying genetics in inflammatory disease drug discovery
Lasse Folkersen1, Shameek Biswas2, Klaus Stensgaard Frederiksen3
1Department of PharmacoGenetics, Novo Nordisk, Novo Nordisk Park, Måløv, Denmark; Department of Integrative Systems Biology, Center for Biological Sequence Analysis, DTU, Lyngby, Denmark.
Drug Discovery Today
|June 9, 2015
Summary
Genomic research has found many disease-associated genetic variants, but translating these into drugs is challenging. This study explores using genetics resources to guide drug target selection for improved success rates.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Pharmacology
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified thousands of genetic variants linked to major diseases.
- Despite their potential, translating these small-effect variants into effective drugs has been historically difficult.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of human genetic evidence in selecting drug targets.
- To explore novel approaches for overcoming challenges in genetic variant-to-drug translation.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing public genetics resources as a pragmatic guide.
- Integrating genetic data with existing drug discovery methodologies.
- Assessing human genetic confidence for drug target rationale.
Main Results:
- Few direct contributions of small-effect genetic variants to drug discovery have been documented.
- Novel approaches are proposed to bridge the gap between genetic findings and drug development.
- Human genetic confidence is explored as a key factor in target selection.
Conclusions:
- Genetics resources can pragmatically guide drug discovery efforts.
- Overcoming the challenge of translating genetic variants into drugs requires innovative strategies.
- Evaluating human genetic confidence is crucial for successful drug target selection.
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