Complement-targeted therapeutics: Are we there yet, or just getting started?

Daniel Ricklin1

  • 1Molecular Pharmacy Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.

PubMed

Insights

Complement system therapies have advanced significantly, offering viable treatments for numerous disorders. This review highlights key milestones and future directions in complement-targeted drug development.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology
  • Drug Discovery

Background:

  • The complement system is a crucial immune mediator implicated in various diseases.
  • Targeting the complement system for therapeutic purposes was historically challenging.
  • Recent advancements have demonstrated the clinical and commercial feasibility of complement-targeted therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the historical milestones in complement drug discovery and development.
  • To survey currently approved complement-specific therapeutics and their indications.
  • To provide insights into future advancements in the field.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of complement drug discovery and development.
  • Analysis of approved complement-specific therapeutics and clinical indications.
  • Exploration of emerging trends and future prospects in complement therapy.

Main Results:

  • The field of complement-targeted therapy has expanded rapidly over the past two decades.
  • A dozen distinct complement-specific therapeutics are now available, treating eight disorders.
  • Numerous clinical trials and off-label uses further demonstrate the growing impact of these therapies.

Conclusions:

  • Complement-targeted therapies have evolved from challenging concepts to mainstream clinical options.
  • The field continues to advance, with ongoing research and development promising further breakthroughs.
  • Future advancements are expected to expand treatment modalities and address a broader range of conditions.

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