The biochemistry of disease: desperately seeking syzygy.
The elucidation of the precise molecular structure and dynamics of biological processes is the great work of biochemistry. From this, insights into the changes leading to process dysfunction or disease are derived, as well as the possible approaches to restore healthy function. Translating this information into effective and safe treatments for disease requires a coordinated interdisciplinary effort, a fusion of creativity and practicality, and a healthy dose of luck. Using several reviews in this volume as springboards, I discuss the broader issues of drug development, highlighting some recent successes and future directions. Such occurrences inspire awe but remain too rare for comfort.
Kozarich
John W
JW
ActivX Biosciences, Inc., La Jolla, CA 92037, USA. johnk@activx.com
D000818:Animals; D004194:Disease; D055808:Drug Discovery; D004358:Drug Therapy; D006801:Humans