Drug Target Development
MOLECULAR SIGNATURE
Characterizing a drug or drug target involves an intricate exploration of its downstream pathways, interactors and upstream regulators, using all omics data available to unveil a comprehensive understanding of its biological role. For example, we can characterize the influence of a drug / drug target on downstream molecular pathways and compare it’s ‘molecular signature‘ to that of other drugs and drug targets used in the treatment of a complex disease. This information can then be used to e.g. reduce the detrimental side-effects of a treatment or develop more precise and effective therapeutic interventions.
Furthermore, discerning the distinctive mechanisms through which a drug / drug target modulates disease-related processes enables us to identify previously unknown disease indications and reposition the drug or drug target of interest.
IDENTIFYING MODULATING COMPOUNDS
In silico screening enables us to assess approved compounds for their potential in activating or modulating a specific drug target. We utilize sophisticated algorithms and molecular modeling techniques to analyze the interactions between compounds and target proteins, allowing us to predict their binding affinities and potential therapeutic effects. Through the repurposing of already approved drugs, we expedite the drug discovery process, pinpointing candidate drugs with well-established safety profiles that can be repurposed for new medical applications. This not only accelerates the development of novel therapies but also offers a promising avenue for tackling a wide range of diseases more efficiently.
IN SILICO VALIDATION
We are able to expand the validation of a biomarker, disease pathway or drug target by cross-referencing them with existing –omics (patient) data and gene sets, providing a comprehensive perspective on their validity.
For example, one of our cutting-edge in silico validation methods is the Polygenic Risk Score (PRS)-based analysis. We employ this analysis method to establish the presence and extent of overlap between genetic variants responsible for altering the levels of over 1600 metabolites in both blood and cerebrospinal fluid and the genetic variants that are associated with a disease or trait of interest. This allows us to directly demonstrate genetic overlap between complex diseases and measurable metabolites that may be further tested as candidate biomarkers for the disease.
IN VIVO VALIDATION
We can in vivo validate drug targets, compounds or disease mechanisms for a complex disease by using iPSC (induced pluripotent stem cell) line assays, other preclinical studies, and patient clinical trials. By collaborating with third-party companies and academic institutes through contract research, we leverage their expertise and resources, while we are able to specifically design the experiments needed for further developing and patenting the drugs, biomarkers, drug targets and disease mechanisms of interest.
