title: Network-based discovery through mechanistic systems biology. Implications for applications--SMEs and drug discovery: where the action is.
abstract: Phase II attrition remains the most important challenge for drug discovery. Tackling the problem requires improved understanding of the complexity of disease biology. Systems biology approaches to this problem can, in principle, deliver this. This article reviews the reports of the application of mechanistic systems models to drug discovery questions and discusses the added value. Although we are on the journey to the virtual human, the length, path and rate of learning from this remain an open question. Success will be dependent on the will to invest and make the most of the insight generated along the way.
authors.affiliation: Xenologiq Ltd., Unit 43, Canterbury Innovation Centre, University Road, Canterbury CT2 7FG, UK. Electronic address: neil@xenologiq.com.
authors.forename: Neil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Benson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015195:Drug Design; D055808:Drug Discovery / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D049490:Systems Biology / Q000379:methods*