Recent advances in metabolomics analysis for early drug development

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Drug Discovery

Background:

• Proteomics and other 'omics' technologies were adopted early by the pharmaceutical industry.
• Metabolomics, initially lagging, is now a widely applied approach in early drug development.
• Metabolomics has transitioned from an exploratory tool to a mature, quantitative biochemical technology over decades.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent examples and novel developments in metabolomics analyses for early drug development.
• To highlight the evolution and current applications of metabolomics in pharmaceutical research.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on metabolomics applications in early drug discovery.
• Analysis of metabolomics-based platforms used in pharmaceutical research.

Main Results:

• Metabolomics analysis is crucial for defining physiological responses and target engagement (TE) markers.
• It aids in elucidating the mode of action (MoA) of drug candidates.
• Several metabolomics platforms are now integrated into early drug discovery phases.

Conclusions:

• Metabolomics is an indispensable quantitative tool in modern early drug development.
• Continued advancements in metabolomics are enhancing its utility in drug discovery and characterization.