The Basics of Drug Discovery

Finding the Right Target

The first step in drug discovery is all about identifying and confirming a target—something in the body that a drug can influence to improve a health condition. It starts with studying available research and replicating experiments to ensure the target’s importance in the disease.

From Hits to Leads

Once you have a target, the next step is to find a “hit.” This means identifying a compound that shows some promise against your target. There are different methods for finding hits, like screening lots of compounds or using computer models. The goal is to select a few promising candidates that can be fine-tuned into “lead” compounds through further testing.

Perfecting the Drug

Turning a hit into a potential drug requires improving its effectiveness and ensuring it’s safe. This phase involves making changes to the compound so that it works well in the body and targets the disease without causing harm.

The Challenges Ahead

Discovering drugs isn’t a walk in the park. One big challenge is making sure the drug reaches the right part of the body and does its job without causing side effects. Verifying targets from the get-go can help avoid issues later. Fortunately, technology like AI is starting to help tackle these tough challenges.

The Role of AI and New Technologies

AI is beginning to find its footing in drug discovery, especially in predicting how a drug will behave. While it’s not cutting out the need for scientists, those who learn to use AI effectively can make quicker and better discoveries.

Growing Your Career in Drug Discovery

There are all kinds of opportunities in drug discovery—from hands-on lab work to jobs in data science and beyond. To succeed, it’s important to build technical skills and soft skills like teamwork and honesty.

Networking and Learning

Being part of communities and attending events like ELRIG’s conferences are excellent ways to meet people and learn more. Use networking platforms like LinkedIn to connect with others and stay updated on what’s happening in the industry.