16- Selecting the Right Drug Target (S2E1)

This episode delves into the crucial process of drug target selection, exploring the criteria for a "good" drug target. We'll discuss the target's role in disease, its druggability, and potential safety implications. We'll examine the importance of biological relevance, market needs, and provide examples like HER2 in cancer. The episode also addresses challenges in target selection, such as historically difficult targets and undruggable proteins. We'll introduce emerging target strategies, including molecular glues and targeted protein degradation.Furthermore, the episode will discuss the concept of "druggability" and how it impacts target selection. We'll explore the analogy of a lock and key, highlighting the importance of finding a drug that can effectively interact with its target. We'll also discuss off-target effects and the need for a deep understanding of the target's interactions throughout the body. Finally, we'll touch upon market needs and the sobering reality that a scientifically promising target might not be developed if there's no market for it. The episode will conclude with a discussion of successful targets like HER2 and the unexpected ways limitations can become advantages in drug development.