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Several types of collaboration are being pursued to identify, validate and apply new biomarkers. Here, we highlight examples of such initiatives and discuss the challenges, approaches to address these challenges and key factors for success.
This article analyses the characteristics of the pipeline for experimental drugs for central nervous system disorders and how they have fared in the clinical phases prior to FDA approval over the past two decades.
Drug resistance is threatening to sideline the currently available antibiotics, and new antibiotics are unlikely to become available before the current arsenal becomes ineffective. Brown proposes the use of approved drugs or neutraceuticals as antibiotic resistance breakers — compounds that could be administered alongside current antibiotics to prolong their useful lifespan — to bridge the gap.
A new model for translational research and drug repositioning has recently been established based on three-way partnerships between public funders, the pharmaceutical industry and academic investigators. This article discusses the progress with two pioneering initiatives — one involving the UK Medical Research Council and one involving the US National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences — and the unique requirements and challenges for this model.
Several Phase I trials evaluating systemically administered siRNA-based therapeutics for cancer have recently been completed. Here, Zuckerman and Davis critically assess these studies and discuss key lessons learnt and implications for the future development of siRNA-based therapeutics and clinical trial design.
The complement cascade, a key regulator of innate immunity, is a rich source of potential therapeutic targets for diseases including autoimmune, inflammatory and degenerative disorders. Morgan and Harris discuss the progress made in modulating the complement system and the existing challenges, including dosing, localization of the drug to the target and how to interfere with protein–protein interactions.
