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'Adenosine receptors as targets' inspired by the Review on p265. Tamara Kushniruk/Alamy (coffee stains); Borislav Marinic/Alamy (structure); Spectral/Alamy (beans)
Improved R&D models, supported by appropriate regulatory pathways, are needed to provide new drugs with greater efficiency, in a framework that is financially viable for all stakeholders. Here, we present the perspective of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations on the key areas on which to focus to achieve this.
Disappointing developments with Amgen's ganitumab and Bristol-Myers Squibb's BMS-754807 highlight the need for rational combinations and predictive biomarkers to rescue IGF1R pathway antagonists.
Molecular imaging is already engrained in early-stage trials for central nervous system disorders, but used infrequently in other therapeutic areas. What will it take to make it standard practice across the pipeline?
Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), which allow cytotoxic drugs to be selectively targeted to cancer cells, are attracting considerable interest. This article analyses the pipeline of ADCs, as well as trends in collaborations and deals related to ADC platforms.
Adenosine signalling has a functional role in many diseases and has long been a target for drug development. However, only one adenosine receptor-specific agent has so far gained approval. Here, Fredholm and colleagues provide an overview of the physiological and pathological functions of adenosine and consider the challenges in the development of compounds targeting adenosine receptors.
Animal models are vital tools in the development of therapies for orphan diseases, given the small populations of patients available to evaluate the therapies. Here, Sepodes and colleagues from the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products harness their experience to provide an overview of the animal models used to support regulatory applications for metabolic, neuromuscular and ophthalmological rare diseases.
Owing to their specificity, immunomodulatory biologics generally have better safety profiles than small-molecule drugs. However, adverse effects such as an increased risk of infections or cytokine release syndrome are of concern. Here, Park and colleagues discuss the current strategies used to predict and mitigate these adverse effects and consider how they can be used to inform the development of safer immunomodulatory biologics.
