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