Discovery On Target 2014 | Opportunities and Challenges with Developing Small Molecule Inhibitors

Kip Harry, Conference Director at Cambridge Healthtech Institute discusses Ubiquitin Proteasome System drug discovery with Dr. Benedikt Kessler, Ph.D., University Research Lecturer, Ubiquitin Proteolysis Group, Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford Discussion Questions Include: • What are the most present opportunities in this space? (Another way to ask that): What are some of the most promising UPS targets currently being investigated, and within which indications? • What challenges have slowed the progress of generating lead molecules targeting various components of the UPS? • Why are Deubiquitinases (DUBs) emerging as viable therapeutic targets? • Are there drug discovery challenges specific to targeting DUB enzymes vs. ligases? If so, what are they? • What are some novel tools and technologies being developed/implemented to overcome some of these challenges? • What do you hope to convey to attendees during your lecture this fall at the Ubiquitin Proteasome System meeting? • What is on the horizon for research in this space? (Another way to ask that): What are future goals that need to be accomplished to push these novel medicines further into the clinic?