The Impact of Technological Advances on Drug Discovery Today

In recent years, technological advances have changed the face of drug discovery beyond recognition. New compounds can now be synthesized in unprecedented numbers via combinatorial chemistry, matched by ultra-high throughput screening of unparalleled speed and scope. Until recently, this has been divorced and almost in opposition to the traditional structure activity relationship (SAR) lead synthesis programs (often termed rational design). A further evolution is now occurring, combining the synthetic and screening revolution, but with the high speed synthesis directed by emerging SAR in a “closed loop,” thus allowing rapid optimization of chemical matter. Despite these impressive advances, the debate is still ongoing as to whether the industrialization of drug discovery will increase the output of launched New Chemical Entities with higher and higher hurdles for drug safety measures of efficacy and outcomes. In addition, the sequencing of the human genome has started its own, very costly, highly competitive and resource-consuming race to assign function to novel genes. The industry will need to change the way discovery and development work together to succeed in an increasingly uncertain environment.