Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 3, 2026

High-throughput Identification of Synergistic Drug Combinations by the Overlap2 Method
Published on: May 21, 2018
Advances in computational approaches in identifying synergistic drug combinations
Zhen Sheng1, Yi Sun1, Zuojing Yin1
1School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University.
Abstract:
Accumulated empirical clinical experience, supported by animal or cell line models, has initiated efforts of predicting synergistic combinatorial drugs with more-than-additive effect compared with the sum of the individual agents. Aiming to construct better computational models, this review started from the latest updated data resources of combinatorial drugs, then summarized the reported mechanism of the known synergistic combinations from aspects of drug molecular and pharmacological patterns, target network properties and compound functional annotation. Based on above, we focused on the main in silico strategies recently published, covering methods of molecular modeling, mathematical simulation, optimization of combinatorial targets and pattern-based statistical/learning model. Future thoughts are also discussed related to the role of natural compounds, drug combination with immunotherapy and management of adverse effects. Overall, with particular emphasis on mechanism of action of drug synergy, this review may serve as a rapid reference to design improved models for combinational drugs.
Related Concept Videos
Combined Effects of Drugs: Synergism
Such synergistic combinations...
Drug Discovery: Overview
Agonism and Antagonism: Quantification
To quantify these effects, researchers use a dose-response curve, which provides valuable information about the potency and efficacy of a drug. Potency refers to...
Structure-Activity Relationships and Drug Design
SAR studies the intricate relationship between a drug's chemical structure and biological activity. It focuses on understanding how modifications to a drug's structure can influence...
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...

