Glial cells as drug targets: What does it take?
Thomas Möller1, Hendrikus W G M Boddeke2
1Neuroinflammation Disease Biology Unit, Lundbeck Research USA, Paramus, New Jersey.
Abstract:
The last two decades have brought a significant increase in our understanding of glial biology and glial contribution to CNS disease. Yet, despite the fact that glial cells make up the majority of CNS cells, no drug specifically targeting glial cells is on the market. Given the long development times of CNS drugs, on average over 12 years, this is not completely surprising. However, there is increasing interest from academia and industry to exploit glial targets to develop drugs for the benefit of patients with currently limited or no therapeutic options. CNS drug development has a high attrition rate and has encountered many challenges. It seems unlikely that developing drugs against glial targets would be any less demanding. However, the knowledge generated in traditional CNS drug discovery teaches valuable lessons, which could enable the glial community to accelerate the cycle time from basic discovery to drug development. In this review we will discuss steps necessary to bring a "glial target idea" to a clinical development program. GLIA 2016;64:1742-1754.
Insights
Developing drugs targeting glial cells for central nervous system (CNS) diseases faces challenges. This review outlines strategies to advance glial target concepts into clinical development, leveraging past CNS drug discovery lessons.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Glial Biology
Background:
- Glial cells constitute the majority of cells in the central nervous system (CNS).
- Despite advances in understanding glial biology and their role in CNS diseases, no drugs specifically target glial cells.
- CNS drug development is characterized by long timelines (average >12 years) and high attrition rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss essential steps for translating glial target concepts into clinical development programs.
- To identify opportunities for accelerating the drug development cycle for glial targets.
- To leverage lessons learned from traditional CNS drug discovery to benefit glial-targeted therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing knowledge in glial biology and CNS disease.
- Analysis of challenges and successes in traditional CNS drug discovery.
- Identification of key steps for advancing glial targets from basic research to clinical application.
Main Results:
- There is significant scientific interest in targeting glial cells for CNS disorders.
- Developing glial-targeted drugs is expected to be as demanding as traditional CNS drug development.
- Valuable insights from past CNS drug discovery can inform and potentially accelerate glial drug development.
Conclusions:
- Translating glial target discoveries into effective therapies requires strategic planning and adaptation of existing knowledge.
- Overcoming the challenges in glial drug development necessitates a deep understanding of glial biology and CNS drug discovery processes.
- Accelerating the development of novel glial-targeting drugs holds promise for patients with limited therapeutic options.
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