Metabolic disease drug discovery- "hitting the target" is easier said than done.
Despite the advent of new drug classes, the global epidemic of cardiometabolic disease has not abated. Continuing unmet medical needs remain a major driver for new research. Drug discovery approaches in this field have mirrored industry trends, leading to a recent increase in the number of molecules entering development. However, worrisome trends and newer hurdles are also apparent. The history of two newer drug classes-glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors-illustrates both progress and challenges. Future success requires that researchers learn from these experiences and continue to explore and apply new technology platforms and research paradigms.
Division of Endocrinology and Cardiovascular Discovery Research and Clinical Investigation, Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Research Laboratories, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA. mollerda@lilly.com
David E
DE
Moller
D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy; D018819:Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D054873:Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D055808:Drug Discovery / Q000191:economics*; D000067757:Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008659:Metabolic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018027:Receptors, Glucagon / Q000819:agonists / Q000378:metabolism
D054873:Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors; C000593833:GLP1R protein, human; D000067757:Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D018027:Receptors, Glucagon; D018819:Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4