Inhibitors of protein-protein interactions

Protein-protein interactions are the basis of a number of intra- and extracellular processes. One of the challenges facing the pharmaceutical industry in the post genomic era is the rational identification and inhibition of this class of targets. Examples are presented of currently marketed drugs, compounds in clinical development and lead molecules in research programmes, which have been identified as inhibitors of protein-protein interactions. Modern drug discovery tools, including the use of humanised antibodies to validate targets and protein SARs in the identification of lead molecules, have brought these targets within reach.