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Gertsch J, Chicca A. CNS Drug Discovery in Academia: Where Basic Research Meets Innovation. Chembiochem 2024:e202400397. [PMID: 38958639 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202400397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
The involvement of academic research in drug discovery is consistently growing. However, academic projects seldom advance to clinical trials. Here, we assess the landscape of drug discovery within the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure launched by the Swiss National Science Foundation to foster basic research and early-stage drug discovery on membrane transporters. This included transporters in central nervous system (CNS) disorders, which represent a huge unmet medical need. While idea championship, sustainable funding, collaborations between disciplines at the interface of academia and industry are important for translational research, Popperian falsifiability, strong intellectual property and a motivated startup team are key elements for innovation. This is exemplified by the NCCR TransCure spin-off company Synendos Therapeutics, a clinical stage biotech company developing the first selective endocannabinoid reuptake inhibitors (SERIs) as novel treatment for neuropsychiatric disorders. We provide a perspective on the challenges related to entering an uncharted druggable space and bridging the often mentioned "valley of death". The high attrition rate of drug discovery projects in the CNS field within academia is often due to the lack of meaningful animal models that can provide pharmacological proof-of-concept for potentially disruptive technologies at the earliest stages, and the absence of solid intellectual property.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Chicca
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
- Synendos Therapeutics, Barfüsserplatz, 3, 4051, Basel, Switzerland
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2
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van Wijk RC, Mockeliunas L, van den Hoogen G, Upton CM, Diacon AH, Simonsson USH. Reproducibility in pharmacometrics applied in a phase III trial of BCG-vaccination for COVID-19. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16292. [PMID: 37770596 PMCID: PMC10539503 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43412-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Large clinical trials often generate complex and large datasets which need to be presented frequently throughout the trial for interim analysis or to inform a data safety monitory board (DSMB). In addition, reliable and traceability are required to ensure reproducibility in pharmacometric data analysis. A reproducible pharmacometric analysis workflow was developed during a large clinical trial involving 1000 participants over one year testing Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) (re)vaccination in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) morbidity and mortality in frontline health care workers. The workflow was designed to review data iteratively during the trial, compile frequent reports to the DSMB, and prepare for rapid pharmacometric analysis. Clinical trial datasets (n = 41) were transferred iteratively throughout the trial for review. An RMarkdown based pharmacometric processing script was written to automatically generate reports for evaluation by the DSMB. Reports were compiled, reviewed, and sent to the DSMB on average three days after the data cut-off, reflecting the trial progress in real-time. The script was also utilized to prepare for the trial pharmacometric analyses. The same source data was used to create analysis datasets in NONMEM format and to support model script development. The primary endpoint analysis was completed three days after data lock and unblinding, and the secondary endpoint analyses two weeks later. The constructive collaboration between clinical, data management, and pharmacometric teams enabled this efficient, timely, and reproducible pharmacometrics workflow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rob C van Wijk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Box 591, 75124, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Laurynas Mockeliunas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Box 591, 75124, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | | | | | - Ulrika S H Simonsson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Box 591, 75124, Uppsala, Sweden.
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3
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Yu C, E R, Zhang XW, Hu WQ, Bao G, Li Y, Liu Y, He Z, Li J, Ma W, Mou LY, Wang R, Sun W. NaClO-Mediated Cross Installation of Indoles and Azoles Benefits Anticancer Hit Discovery. ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202200651. [PMID: 36585386 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Innovations in synthetic chemistry have a profound impact on the drug discovery process, and will always be a necessary driver of drug development. As a result, it is of significance to develop novel simple and effective synthetic installation of medicinal modules to promote drug discovery. Herein, we have developed a NaClO-mediated cross installation of indoles and azoles, both of which are frequently encountered in drugs and natural products. This effective toolbox provides a convenient synthetic route to access a library of N-linked 2-(azol-1-yl) indole derivatives, and can be used for late-stage modification of drugs, natural products and peptides. Moreover, biological screening of the library has revealed that several adducts showed promising anticancer activities against A549 and NCI-H1975 cells, which give us a hit for anticancer drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjun Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, 199 West Donggang Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, P. R. China
| | - Ruiyao E
- School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, 199 West Donggang Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Wei Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, 199 West Donggang Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, P. R. China
| | - Wen-Qian Hu
- School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, 199 West Donggang Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, P. R. China
| | - Guangjun Bao
- School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, 199 West Donggang Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, P. R. China
| | - Yiping Li
- School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, 199 West Donggang Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, P. R. China
| | - Yuyang Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, 199 West Donggang Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, P. R. China
| | - Zeyuan He
- School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, 199 West Donggang Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, P. R. China
| | - Jingyue Li
- School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, 199 West Donggang Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, P. R. China
| | - Wen Ma
- School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, 199 West Donggang Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, P. R. China
| | - Ling-Yun Mou
- School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, 199 West Donggang Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, P. R. China
| | - Rui Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, 199 West Donggang Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, P. R. China.,State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 1 Xian Nong Tan Street, Beijing, 100050, P. R. China
| | - Wangsheng Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, 199 West Donggang Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, P. R. China
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Martins-Oliveira I, Pérez-Viso B, Silva-Dias A, Gomes R, Peixe L, Novais Â, Cantón R, Pina-Vaz C. Rapid Detection of Plasmid AmpC Beta-Lactamases by a Flow Cytometry Assay. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11081130. [PMID: 36009999 PMCID: PMC9405432 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11081130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmidic AmpC (pAmpC) enzymes are responsible for the hydrolysis of extended-spectrum cephalosporins but they are not routinely investigated in many clinical laboratories. Phenotypic assays, currently the reference methods, are cumbersome and culture dependent. These methods compare the activity of cephalosporins with and without class C inhibitors and the results are provided in 24–48 h. Detection by molecular methods is quicker, but several genes should be investigated. A new assay for the rapid phenotypic detection of pAmpC enzymes of the Enterobacterales group-I (not usually AmpC producers) based on flow cytometry technology was developed and validated. The technology was evaluated in two sites: FASTinov, a spin-off of Porto University (Portugal) where the technology was developed, and the Microbiology Department of Ramón y Cajal University Hospital in Madrid (Spain). A total of 100 strains were phenotypically screened by disk diffusion for the pAmpC with the new 2 h assay. Molecular detection of the pAmpC genes was also performed on discrepant results. Forty-two percent of the strains were phenotypically classified as pAmpC producers using disk diffusion. The percentage of agreement of the flow cytometric assay was 93.0%, with 95.5% sensitivity and 91.1% specificity. Our proposed rapid assay based on flow cytometry technology can, in two hours, accurately detect pAmpC enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Martins-Oliveira
- FASTinov: S.A., 4450-676 Matosinhos, Portugal
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Blanca Pérez-Viso
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Silva-Dias
- FASTinov: S.A., 4450-676 Matosinhos, Portugal
- CINTESIS-Center for Health Technology and Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Luísa Peixe
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ângela Novais
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rafael Cantón
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (R.C.); (C.P.-V.); Tel.: +34-913368832 (R.C.); +351-924393147 (C.P.-V.)
| | - Cidália Pina-Vaz
- FASTinov: S.A., 4450-676 Matosinhos, Portugal
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS-Center for Health Technology and Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: (R.C.); (C.P.-V.); Tel.: +34-913368832 (R.C.); +351-924393147 (C.P.-V.)
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Moertl B, Dreyling M, Schmidt C, Hoster E, Schoel W, Bergwelt-Baildon MV, Berger K. Inpatient treatment of relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (r/r DLBCL): A health economic perspective. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA, MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA 2022; 22:474-482. [PMID: 35033478 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2021.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (r/r DLBCL) require highly individualized therapies. Limited information exists regarding inpatient treatment patterns, outcomes, resource-use, and costs from the perspective of third-party payers in Germany. The aim of this study was to collect and evaluate routine inpatient care data to fill aforementioned gaps. METHODS Retrospective single center observational study in a German tertiary teaching hospital. Data were collected from patient records, the hospital-pharmacy database, and claims data. RESULTS Eighty-four patients (47 male; mean age at initial diagnosis, 59 years) were identified and grouped by treatment line (L): 2L (n = 78), 3L (n = 32), and >3L (n = 12). Prescribed treatments in 2L were chemotherapy 56%, auto-SCT 31%, allo-SCT 1%, other 12%; 3L: 50%, 16%, 6%, 28%, respectively, and >3L: 42%, 0%, 33%, 25%, respectively. Mean number of hospital admissions and length of inpatient stay (days) were: 2L (4, 44), 3L (2, 26), and >3L (5, 63). Average cost/patient: 2L = 44,750€, 3L = 32,589€ and >3L = 88,668€. Mean treatment costs per patient for stem-cell-transplanted patients were 55,468€ for autologous SCT (n = 28) and 131,264€ for allogeneic SCT (n = 7). Documented death was 21%, 28%, and 41% for 2L, 3L, and >3L, respectively. CONCLUSION Individualized DLBCL treatment in patients ≥ 2L is costly and results in a huge variability in resource consumption. The number of documented deaths and length of hospitalization signal a high economic burden on patients and families. A multicenter comprehensive evaluation of health and economic burdens of r/r DLBCL and linkage with other data sources (eg, registries, payers' claims data) is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Moertl
- Department of Medicine III; Ludwig-Maximilian-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Dreyling
- Department of Medicine III; Ludwig-Maximilian-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Schmidt
- Department of Medicine III; Ludwig-Maximilian-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Eva Hoster
- Department of Medicine III; Ludwig-Maximilian-University Hospital, Munich, Germany; Institute of Medical Information Processing, Biometrics and Epidemiology (IBE), Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Schoel
- Department Commercial Controlling, Ludwig-Maximilian-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Karin Berger
- Department of Medicine III; Ludwig-Maximilian-University Hospital, Munich, Germany; Institute of Medical Information Processing, Biometrics and Epidemiology (IBE), Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, Germany.
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Development of Self-Administered Formulation to Improve the Bioavailability of Leuprorelin Acetate. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14040785. [PMID: 35456619 PMCID: PMC9031317 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14040785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the development of self-injectable formulations has attracted much attention, and the development of formulations to control pharmacokinetics, as well as drug release and migration in the skin, has become an active research area. In the present study, the development of a lipid-based depot formulation containing leuprorelin acetate (LA) as an easily metabolizable drug in the skin was prepared with a novel non-lamellar liquid-crystal-forming lipid of mono-O-(5,9,13-trimethyl-4-tetradecenyl) glycerol ester (MGE). Small-angle X-ray scattering, cryo-transmission electron microscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance observations showed that the MGE-containing formulations had a face-centered cubic packed micellar structure. In addition, the bioavailability (BA) of LA after subcutaneous injection was significantly improved with the MGE-containing formulation compared with the administration of LA solution. Notably, higher Cmax and faster Tmax were obtained with the MGE-containing formulation, and the BA increased with increasing MGE content in the formulation, suggesting that LA migration into the systemic circulation and its stability might be enhanced by MGE. These results may support the development of self-administered formulations of peptide drugs as well as nucleic acids, which are easily metabolized in the skin.
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Leufkens HG, Kusynová Z, Aitken M, Hoekman J, Stolk P, Klein K, Mantel-Teeuwisse AK. Four scenarios for the future of medicines and social policy in 2030. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:2252-2260. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Kusynová Z, Pauletti GM, van den Ham HA, Leufkens HGM, Mantel-Teeuwisse AK. Unmet Medical Need as a Driver for Pharmaceutical Sciences - A Survey Among Scientists. J Pharm Sci 2021; 111:1318-1324. [PMID: 34634318 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Historical antecedents of pharmaceutical sciences are sound on product orientation based on (analytical) chemistry, drug delivery and basic pharmacology. Over the last decades we have seen a transition towards a stronger disease orientation. This raises questions on whether, how and to what extent unmet medical need (UMN) is important in priority setting, funding and impact in pharmaceutical sciences. An online survey in 2020 collected perspectives of internationally recognised pharmaceutical scientists (N = 92), mainly from academia and industry, on drivers and influencing factors in pharmaceutical sciences. The study offers a unique global perspective, demonstrating a solid command of the global needs in pharmaceutical sciences. The survey revealed that UMN is currently seen as one of the three most important drivers, also in addition to emerging trends in science and opportunities driven by collaboration. There are expectations that UMN's impact becomes more influential. This was consistent for both industry and academic respondents. The majority of respondents also indicated that anticipated lessons learned from COVID-19 will strengthen the impact of UMN on science and leadership. This is important as prioritisation of research towards UMN can address the clinical needs where needed the most.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Kusynová
- Utrecht Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - G M Pauletti
- International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), The Hague, the Netherlands; St. Louis College of Pharmacy, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - H A van den Ham
- Utrecht Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - H G M Leufkens
- Utrecht Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - A K Mantel-Teeuwisse
- Utrecht Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Paving New Roads Towards Biodiversity-Based Drug Development in Brazil: Lessons from the Past and Future Perspectives. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 31:505-518. [PMID: 34548709 PMCID: PMC8447804 DOI: 10.1007/s43450-021-00181-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Although Brazil gathers two fundamental features to occupy a leading position on the development of biodiversity-based medicines, the largest flora on earth and a broad tradition on the use of medicinal plants, the number of products derived from the national genetic heritage is so far modest, either as single drugs or as herbal medicines. This article highlights some aspects that may have contributed to the low rates of success and proposes new insights for innovation. We initially approach the use of medicinal plants in Brazil, molded by its ethnic diversity, and the development of the local pharmaceutical industry. A discussion of some governmental initiatives to support plant-based drug development is then presented. Employing the economic concept of “middle-income trap,” we further propose that Brazil is stuck in a “middle-level science trap,” since the increase in the number of scientific publications that launched the country to an intermediate publishing position has not been translated into drug development. Two new approaches to escape from this trap are presented, which may result in innovative drug development. The first is based on the exploitation of the antifragility properties of herbal products aiming to investigate non-canonical pharmacodynamics mechanisms of action, aligned with the concepts of system biology. The second is the manufacture of herbal products based on the circular economy principles, including the use of byproducts for the development of new therapeutical agents. The adoption of these strategies may result in innovative phytomedicines, with global competitiveness.
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Kapitanov GI, Chabot JR, Narula J, Roy M, Neubert H, Palandra J, Farrokhi V, Johnson JS, Webster R, Jones HM. A Mechanistic Site-Of-Action Model: A Tool for Informing Right Target, Right Compound, And Right Dose for Therapeutic Antagonistic Antibody Programs. FRONTIERS IN BIOINFORMATICS 2021; 1:731340. [DOI: 10.3389/fbinf.2021.731340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantitative modeling is increasingly utilized in the drug discovery and development process, from the initial stages of target selection, through clinical studies. The modeling can provide guidance on three major questions–is this the right target, what are the right compound properties, and what is the right dose for moving the best possible candidate forward. In this manuscript, we present a site-of-action modeling framework which we apply to monoclonal antibodies against soluble targets. We give a comprehensive overview of how we construct the model and how we parametrize it and include several examples of how to apply this framework for answering the questions postulated above. The utilities and limitations of this approach are discussed.
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Klein K, Stolk P, De Bruin ML, Leufkens H. Regulatory density as a means to refine current regulatory approaches for increasingly complex medicines. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:2221-2225. [PMID: 33862191 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The continuous scientific, societal, and technological advancements have shifted drug development toward increasingly complex and ever more targeted treatments. This creates new and unprecedented challenges for global regulatory systems. To address the increased risks and uncertainties of increasingly complex medicine, we advocate for a more tailored and flexible regulatory approach, which is explained here with the concept of 'regulatory density'. In the context of this paper, 'regulatory density' describes the relative amount of obligatory standards, measures and procedures applied to certain medicinal products or product classes and the resources required to meet these requirements. Given that risk and uncertainty are dynamic variables that can change over time, with this paper, we want to stimulate (re)thinking of regulatory approaches for managing the challenges of future complex medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Klein
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Exon Consultancy, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Pieter Stolk
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Exon Consultancy, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marie Louise De Bruin
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Copenhagen Centre for Regulatory Science (CORS), Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hubert Leufkens
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Beck ME, Riplinger C, Neese F, Bistoni G. Unraveling individual host-guest interactions in molecular recognition from first principles quantum mechanics: Insights into the nature of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist binding. J Comput Chem 2021; 42:293-302. [PMID: 33232540 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.26454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Drug binding to a protein target is governed by a complex pattern of noncovalent interactions between the ligand and the residues in the protein's binding pocket. Here we introduce a generally applicable, parameter-free, computational method that allows for the identification, quantification, and analysis of the key ligand-residue interactions responsible for molecular recognition. Our strategy relies on Local Energy Decomposition analysis at the "gold-standard" coupled cluster DLPNO-CCSD(T) level. In the study case shown in this paper, nicotine and imidacloprid binding to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, our approach provides new insights into how individual amino acids in the active site determine sensitivity and selectivity of the ligands, extending and refining classical pharmacophore hypotheses. By inference, the method is applicable to any kind of host/guest interactions with potential applications in industrial biocatalysis and protein engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Edmund Beck
- Department Computational Life Science, Bayer AG, Division Cropscience, Monheim am Rhein, Germany
| | | | - Frank Neese
- Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
| | - Giovanni Bistoni
- Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
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Abstract
The transient receptor potential (TRP) channel superfamily is comprised of a large group of cation-permeable channels, which display an extraordinary diversity of roles in sensory signaling and are involved in plethora of animal behaviors. These channels are activated through a wide variety of mechanisms and participate in virtually every sensory modality. Modulating TRP channel activity provides an important way to regulate membrane excitability and intracellular calcium levels. This is reflected by the fact that small molecule compounds modulating different TRPs have all entered clinical trials for a variety of diseases. The role of TRPs will be further elucidated in complex diseases of the nervous, intestinal, renal, urogenital, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems in diverse therapeutic areas including pain and itch, headache, pulmonary function, oncology, neurology, visceral organs, and genetic diseases. This review focuses on recent developments in the TRP ion channel-related area and highlights evidence supporting TRP channels as promising targets for new analgesic drugs for therapeutic intervention. This review presents a variety of: (1) phylogeny aspects of TRP channels; (2) some structural and functional characteristics of TRPs; (3) a general view and short characteristics of main seven subfamilies of TRP channels; (4) the evidence for consider TRP channels as therapeutic and analgesic targets; and finally (5) further perspectives of TRP channels research.
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Coppens DG, Gardarsdottir H, Bruin MLD, Meij P, Gm Leufkens H, Hoekman J. Regulating advanced therapy medicinal products through the Hospital Exemption: an analysis of regulatory approaches in nine EU countries. Regen Med 2020; 15:2015-2028. [PMID: 33151792 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2020-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To study regulatory approaches for the implementation and utilization of the Hospital Exemption (HE) in nine EU countries. Materials & methods: Using public regulatory documentation and interviews with authorities we characterized the national implementation process of the HE, including national implementation characteristics and two outcomes: national licensing provisions and the amount of license holders. Results: National licensing provisions vary substantially among selected countries as a result of different regulatory considerations that relate to unmet medical needs, benefit/risk balance, and innovation. The amount of license holders per country is moderate (0-11). Conclusion: The HE facilitates HE utilization in clinical practice in some countries, yet safeguarding of public health and incentivizing commercial development is challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphi Gm Coppens
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology & Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Helga Gardarsdottir
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology & Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Division Laboratories, Pharmacy & Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marie L De Bruin
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology & Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Copenhagen Centre for Regulatory Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pauline Meij
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy & Toxicology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hubert Gm Leufkens
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology & Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jarno Hoekman
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology & Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Innovation Studies Group, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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15
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Advanced therapy medicinal product manufacturing under the hospital exemption and other exemption pathways in seven European Union countries. Cytotherapy 2020; 22:592-600. [PMID: 32563611 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2020.04.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS As part of the advanced therapy medicinal product (ATMP) regulation, the hospital exemption (HE) was enacted to accommodate manufacturing of custom-made ATMPs for treatment purposes in the European Union (EU). However, how the HE pathway has been used in practice is largely unknown. METHODS Using a survey and interviews, we provide the product characteristics, scale and motivation for ATMP manufacturing under HE and other, non-ATMP-specific exemption pathways in seven European countries. RESULTS Results show that ATMPs were manufactured under HE by public facilities located in Finland, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands, which enabled availability of a modest number of ATMPs (n = 12) between 2009 and 2017. These ATMPs were shown to have close proximity to clinical practice, and manufacturing was primarily motivated by clinical needs and clinical experience. Public facilities used HE when patients could not obtain treatment in ongoing or future trials. Regulatory aspects motivated (Finland, Italy, the Netherlands) or limited (Belgium, Germany) HE utilization, whereas financial resources generally limited HE utilization by public facilities. Public facilities manufactured other ATMPs (n = 11) under named patient use (NPU) between 2015 and 2017 and used NPU in a similar fashion as HE. The scale of manufacturing under HE over 9 years was shown to be rather limited in comparison to manufacturing under NPU over 3 years. In Germany, ATMPs were mainly manufactured by facilities of private companies under HE. CONCLUSIONS The HE enables availability of ATMPs with close proximity to clinical practice. Yet in some countries, HE provisions limit utilization, whereas commercial developments could be undermined by private HE licenses in Germany. Transparency through a public EU-wide registry and guidance for distinguishing between ATMPs that are or are not commercially viable as well as public-private engagements are needed to optimize the use of the HE pathway and regulatory pathways for commercial development in a complementary fashion.
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Model-Informed Drug Discovery and Development Strategy for the Rapid Development of Anti-Tuberculosis Drug Combinations. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10072376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The increasing emergence of drug-resistant tuberculosis requires new effective and safe drug regimens. However, drug discovery and development are challenging, lengthy and costly. The framework of model-informed drug discovery and development (MID3) is proposed to be applied throughout the preclinical to clinical phases to provide an informative prediction of drug exposure and efficacy in humans in order to select novel anti-tuberculosis drug combinations. The MID3 includes pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic and quantitative systems pharmacology models, machine learning and artificial intelligence, which integrates all the available knowledge related to disease and the compounds. A translational in vitro-in vivo link throughout modeling and simulation is crucial to optimize the selection of regimens with the highest probability of receiving approval from regulatory authorities. In vitro-in vivo correlation (IVIVC) and physiologically-based pharmacokinetic modeling provide powerful tools to predict pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions based on preclinical information. Mechanistic or semi-mechanistic pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic models have been successfully applied to predict the clinical exposure-response profile for anti-tuberculosis drugs using preclinical data. Potential pharmacodynamic drug-drug interactions can be predicted from in vitro data through IVIVC and pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling accounting for translational factors. It is essential for academic and industrial drug developers to collaborate across disciplines to realize the huge potential of MID3.
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Topp B, Trujillo ME, Sinha V. Industrialization of Quantitative Systems Pharmacology. CPT-PHARMACOMETRICS & SYSTEMS PHARMACOLOGY 2019; 8:356-358. [PMID: 31087476 PMCID: PMC6617811 DOI: 10.1002/psp4.12427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Topp
- Quantitative Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and Drug Metabolism, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA
| | - Maria E Trujillo
- Quantitative Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and Drug Metabolism, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA
| | - Vikram Sinha
- Quantitative Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and Drug Metabolism, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA
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