There are three major benefits with identified molecular targets of a
therapeutic protein or antibody:
i). Similar to small molecular drugs, protein and antibody
drug candidates can also be discovered by in vivo functional screening
without any knowledge about their target proteins, e.g. screening of B-cell
library for anti-tumor growth activity. Compared with target-based drug
discovery, this approach may offer a better chance to discover drug candidates
with in vivo activity. However, for
these drug candidates, identifying their molecular targets (i.e. target
deconvolution) is still a necessary step to further improve their potency and
reduce their possible side effects or toxicities.
ii). For a protein drug candidate with known molecular
target identified via in vitro assays, it is often necessary to confirm it in
vivo to help validate this drug candidate.
iii). Identification of a drug’s “off-targets” can
provide important information in evaluating its possible side effects or
toxicities.
We have developed a proprietary technology platform
(patent pending) to identify specific drug targets even under a very high
background. More information can be found in the Drug Target Identification and
Validation section.
