Drug Information Q&A Q46. What is genomic drug discovery?
Answer
By elucidating the structure and function of various proteins produced by the genome (genetic information), there is a possibility of creating new drugs that have never been seen before. This is called genomic drug discovery.
Explanation
Genome (genetic information) refers to all of the genetic information possessed by a living organism. Genomic drug discovery is the study of not only the human genome but also all living organisms, from plants and animals to microorganisms, and its application to the development of new drugs.
Genomic drug discovery has many advantages.
For example, in the current drug development process, once a drug candidate substance is discovered, it is necessary to repeatedly conduct extensive screening (selection tests) to examine its effects. Experience and chance play a major role in drug development.
In the case of genomic drug discovery, however, the targets of research (e.g., proteins related to a certain disease) are identified in advance based on genetic information, allowing for the development of drugs in a logical and rational manner. This may shorten the development period and reduce development costs.
Many diseases develop in complex stages. If the detailed process of disease onset can be elucidated based on the function of proteins and other factors, it will be possible to conduct research on drugs for various stages of disease. This will expand the scope of drug development and make it possible to create various types of therapeutic drugs for the same disease.
If the cause of a disease can be identified, it is possible to develop drugs that act directly on the cause of the disease itself, or drugs that prevent the production of the causative agent. This will lead to the development of drugs with improved efficacy and fewer side effects.
Furthermore, genomic drug discovery is expected to make it possible to develop drugs that are tailored to each individual patient based on his or her genetic information.
This means that even for the same disease, drugs can be used efficiently according to the constitution and pathology of each patient. This could open up the possibility of "tailor-made medicine" (see Q47).
Chart/Column
46｜Genome Drug Discovery
The computer is used to search for genes that cause disease, reproduce the structure of proteins, and search for drug candidates that act on those genes and proteins.
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