Sources of Drug Candidates in the Drug Discovery Process
Drug candidates are compounds that show potential therapeutic activity and are identified through various approaches to address specific diseases.
1. Chemical Libraries
Compound Collections: Large libraries of diverse small molecules with potential drug-like properties.
High-Throughput Screening (HTS): Automated assays to test thousands of compounds for activity against a target.
Virtual Screening: Computer-based methods to predict the binding of compounds to a target.
2. Natural Products
Plant Extracts: Extracts from plants with historical medicinal use, often leading to the discovery of active compounds.
Microorganisms: Bacteria and fungi that produce bioactive secondary metabolites.
Marine Organisms: Organisms from oceans and seas with unique chemical diversity.
3. Biologics
Antibodies: Engineered monoclonal antibodies that target specific antigens or pathways.
Peptides: Short chains of amino acids that can modulate biological processes.
Gene Therapies: Therapies that introduce genetic material to treat or prevent diseases.
4. Repurposing Existing Drugs
Drug Repositioning: Investigating approved drugs for new indications based on their known mechanisms.
Drug Analogues: Modifying existing drugs to enhance their efficacy or reduce side effects.
5. Biomolecules and Biological Pathways
Biomarker-Driven Discovery: Identifying compounds that interact with specific biomarkers associated with diseases.
Targeted Pathway Modulation: Developing compounds that regulate specific biological pathways.
6. Combinatorial Chemistry
Generating Diverse Compounds: Creating large libraries of compounds through systematic chemical synthesis.
Screening for Activity: Testing the libraries to identify compounds with desired biological effects.
7. Computational Approaches
In Silico Screening: Using computer simulations to predict how compounds interact with biological targets.
Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR): Predicting compound activity based on chemical structures.
The drug discovery process draws from a wide range of sources to identify potential drug candidates. This multidisciplinary approach, combining chemistry, biology, and technology, is essential for discovering new therapies to address various diseases and improve patient health.