In recent times, there have been reports of new drug targets being identified, for diseases that seemed to have no cure. Diseases that were life threatening, with no treatment available, seem defeat-able now.
Recent article in Drug Discovery and Development, highlighted the work of a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator, Leonard Zon. The investigator has identified new modes of therapy for an aggressive cancer, Melanoma, with Zebrafish as a model. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, that is known to consistently elude treatment. Various modes of treatment have been used to cure it, but like in most treatment, there is enormous amount of side effects. After intensive study, Zon and his team identified that a rheumatoid arthritis drug, Leflunomide, was able to hinder the growth of the cancer causing cells by changing the cell lineage. Zon’s group combined a BRAF inhibitor (a drug in late clinical trial stages for metastatic melanoma). Combining BRAF inhibitor, a drug specifically targeting oncogenic mutation, with Leflunomide led to marked decrease in melanoma in mice. This combination may enter human clinical trial within a year, advantages being usage of lower doses and reduced risk of side effects and resistance.
Another recent development is the identification of a target protein for Tuberculosis vaccine by scientists at Imperial College London. As we all know, TB is another dangerous disease that is difficult to cure. Approximately about 2 million people die each year due to this bacterial disease. The current vaccine, BCG vaccine, is not very effective and hence, it is essential to find a more effective cure to this. The result of the study conducted by the scientist, which is yet to be published, reveals that the protein EspC, which is secreted by the bacterium. Its high specificity to the organism and the strong immune response it provokes, makes it a promising target for a new TB vaccine. This gives hope for the development of a stronger and broader immunity against TB, than BCG. This protein is an addition to the 2 other targets that have been identified for development of a new TB vaccine.
The results of the intensive research for identification of new therapy and drugs for such dangerous disease looks very promising, but the question is when do we get to see the results. The development of these into final products, that can be used for treatment is slim and the timeline is enormous. This doesn't mean we can or should stop the research. It only means that we need to identify ways, where these developments can be converted into fruitful results ina faster manner. With technological developments, it has become easier for us to minimise the failure at the clinical trials stages of drug development. It is necessary that we utilise these technologies and make higher percentage research productive.
Recent article in Drug Discovery and Development, highlighted the work of a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator, Leonard Zon. The investigator has identified new modes of therapy for an aggressive cancer, Melanoma, with Zebrafish as a model. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, that is known to consistently elude treatment. Various modes of treatment have been used to cure it, but like in most treatment, there is enormous amount of side effects. After intensive study, Zon and his team identified that a rheumatoid arthritis drug, Leflunomide, was able to hinder the growth of the cancer causing cells by changing the cell lineage. Zon’s group combined a BRAF inhibitor (a drug in late clinical trial stages for metastatic melanoma). Combining BRAF inhibitor, a drug specifically targeting oncogenic mutation, with Leflunomide led to marked decrease in melanoma in mice. This combination may enter human clinical trial within a year, advantages being usage of lower doses and reduced risk of side effects and resistance.
Another recent development is the identification of a target protein for Tuberculosis vaccine by scientists at Imperial College London. As we all know, TB is another dangerous disease that is difficult to cure. Approximately about 2 million people die each year due to this bacterial disease. The current vaccine, BCG vaccine, is not very effective and hence, it is essential to find a more effective cure to this. The result of the study conducted by the scientist, which is yet to be published, reveals that the protein EspC, which is secreted by the bacterium. Its high specificity to the organism and the strong immune response it provokes, makes it a promising target for a new TB vaccine. This gives hope for the development of a stronger and broader immunity against TB, than BCG. This protein is an addition to the 2 other targets that have been identified for development of a new TB vaccine.
The results of the intensive research for identification of new therapy and drugs for such dangerous disease looks very promising, but the question is when do we get to see the results. The development of these into final products, that can be used for treatment is slim and the timeline is enormous. This doesn't mean we can or should stop the research. It only means that we need to identify ways, where these developments can be converted into fruitful results ina faster manner. With technological developments, it has become easier for us to minimise the failure at the clinical trials stages of drug development. It is necessary that we utilise these technologies and make higher percentage research productive.
