New approaches for challenging therapeutic targets
Karlie R Sharma1, Abir Malik1, Rebecca A Roof2
1National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
Drug Discovery Today
|March 6, 2024
Summary
New therapeutic approaches are needed for complex diseases that resist conventional drug development. A National Institutes of Health workshop explored alternative modalities for historically undruggable targets, aiming to expand treatment options.
Area of Science:
- Drug Discovery and Development
- Translational Medicine
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Conventional drug development has limitations for complex diseases.
- Many human diseases involve targets or biology impervious to current therapies.
- Historically undruggable targets pose significant therapeutic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify challenges and opportunities in developing treatments for undruggable targets.
- To explore alternative therapeutic modalities beyond conventional approaches.
- To foster innovation in drug development for intractable diseases.
Main Methods:
- Workshop convened by the US National Institutes of Health.
- Discussion focused on alternative modalities for drug development.
- Key issues and potential solutions were identified.
Main Results:
- Identified barriers in conventional drug development for complex diseases.
- Highlighted opportunities for novel therapeutic approaches.
- Recognized the need for expanded treatment strategies.
Conclusions:
- Addressing key issues can broaden therapeutic options.
- Alternative modalities are crucial for intractable diseases.
- Innovation in drug development is essential for unmet medical needs.
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