Discovery and development of medicines

Last update: 23 June 2015

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By studying a disease, scientists can understand what causes the illness and which cells and their receptors are involved. This research can help scientists to develop new medicines to treat diseases and to relieve symptoms.

From discovery of molecules to development of medicine

Once a target receptor molecule or an enzyme has been identified, scientists begin to look for potential compounds that will interact with the target to correct disease-related activity. This research can involve searching through ‘libraries’ of millions of molecules that have been developed by pharmaceutical companies. Large-scale testing of potentially useful molecules from the ‘libraries’ (also called high-throughput screening), is conducted to discover which ones will bind to the target receptor.

The most promising molecules discovered will then be modified in many ways to try to make an effective medicine that has few negative side effects. When scientists find a molecule with the desired properties of a potential medicine, testing in animals is often necessary. If this testing shows the medicine is safe, the process will continue to testing in humans. Finally, regulatory authorities will consider whether or not to approve the medicine for use in humans.

The ideal molecule should:

  • reach the right part of the body to hit the target (ideally only the target and no other healthy cells or enzymes)
  • have few side effects
  • be absorbed by the body
  • remain in the body long enough to have the desired effect
  • be able to be manufactured in sufficient quantities
  • have a long shelf-life as a medicine.

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