Drug Discovery Phase

Drug discovery phase involves identifying and designing new drug molecules with potential therapeutic effects.

This is the initial stage in developing a new drug, focused on identifying compounds that could become safe and effective medicines.

Key Steps for Drug Discovery Phase:

1. Target Identification and Validation

   • A target is usually a protein, enzyme, or receptor involved in the disease.
   • Scientists study the disease to identify and validate a target.
   • Validation confirms that modifying this target can influence the disease.

2. Lead Compound Identification

   • A lead compound is a molecule with potential therapeutic effects.
   • Identified through:
     • High-throughput screening (HTS): Testing thousands of compounds automatically.
     • Natural sources: Such as plants, microbes, or marine organisms.
     • Computer-aided drug design (CADD): Using software to design target-specific molecules.

3. Lead Optimization

   • Chemical modifications are made to improve:
     • Potency – how effectively it works
     • Selectivity – acts only on the target
     • ADME – absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion
     • Safety profile

4. Patent Filing

   • Promising compounds are patented to secure intellectual property before further testing.

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