Case histories, magic bullets and the state of drug discovery

Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2006 Aug;5(8):635-40. doi: 10.1038/nrd2084. Epub 2006 Apr 13.

Abstract

The case histories of five modern drugs are taken as a basis for reflection on the state of drug discovery. Two issues intimately associated with drug research are highlighted: the nature of the intellectual process leading to new discoveries; and the possibility that the principle of selective efficacy, which has guided drug research from its beginnings, might need modification, at least in some areas of pharmacotherapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Benzamides
  • Bevacizumab
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Design*
  • Enfuvirtide
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp41 / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Imatinib Mesylate
  • Natalizumab
  • Peptide Fragments / therapeutic use*
  • Piperazines / therapeutic use*
  • Pyrimidines / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Benzamides
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp41
  • Natalizumab
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Piperazines
  • Pyrimidines
  • Enfuvirtide
  • Bevacizumab
  • Imatinib Mesylate