Drug Discovery and Optimization

New drug discovery through Modern Bio engineering methods aims at dealing with new molecular targets, identifying and developing healthier and safer therapeutic drugs, as well as introducing preventive and personalized medicinal alternatives.

In the last decade or so, scientists have seen a substantial increase in the amount of biological information from such sources as the Human Genome Project, for instance, which has provided the scientific community with a treasure trove of data derived from 30,000 to 40,000 different genes and led to new drug discovery methods.

This integrated approach to drug discovery and optimization has led to more specialized and personalized alternatives and solutions to health issues according to the specific demands made by specific segments of society, or group of individuals. For instance, let's take the drug Sildenafil citrate, known as Viagra, mainly used for treating erectile dysfunction since 1998. Developed in the UK and later acquired by American based pharmaceutical giant, Pfizer, this new drug revolutionized the way we see, perceive, and deal with sexual intercourse after the age of 60. Viagra acts by inhibiting the cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 enzyme, which constricts the blood vessels in the male sexual organ resulting in sexual impotence. Therefore, Sildenafil has been the principal treatment for erectile dysfunction in the last decade. However, for many males with ED who would buy Viagra Online, the drug appeared somewhat unpractical for their particular type of lifestyle. For some men, taking Viagra 40 to 60 minutes prior to sexual intercourse, and then having a 4 hour window to enjoy proper erections after that, did not fit their particular spontaneous and care-free approach to sex and intimacy.

The biotechnology company, ICOS, who had developed Tadafil, another PDE5 inhibitor to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, detected that particular concern and redeveloped and marketed Cialis -- also known as the “weekend pill” -- a 5 mg. tablet that offers a 36-hour window of effectiveness in countering ED. For many men with ED, Cialis was the alternative they were hoping for for years after Viagra came out on the market. The example cited here shows how modern Bio engineering directs new drug discovery and optimization to make it attractive to specific groups of individuals within a larger group, while being able to remain competitive in the market.

In the future, it is expected that new drug discovery through bio engineering will develop customized medications perfectly fit for each one of us on an individual basis, specifically satisfying our most intimate and particular needs.