18 – High-Throughput Screening (S2E3)

In this episode of The Deep Dive, we explore the world of High Throughput Screening (HTS), a crucial process in modern drug discovery. HTS is a highly automated method that allows scientists to rapidly test thousands, even millions, of chemical compounds against biological targets to identify potential drug candidates. Think of it like a speed-dating event for molecules, where researchers seek to find that one special interaction that could lead to a new medicine. We discuss how automation and robotics drive the engine of HTS, enabling the efficient handling of vast amounts of samples and reagents, along with the importance of carefully designed, targeted assays to ensure reliable results.We also delve into the challenges of HTS, particularly distinguishing true hits from false positives, which can be a significant hurdle. We explore the strategies scientists use to filter out "imposters," including reference databases, reference signals, and orthogonal testing. Finally, we examine the factors considered when prioritizing potential drug candidates, such as ADMETox properties, and discuss how the hits identified through HTS are only the starting point of a long journey. Discover how this intricate process underpins much of modern medical progress and consider exploring related topics like assay development, medicinal chemistry, and the drug development pipeline.