Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain
the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in
Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles
and JavaScript.
Patents on microorganisms are far from new. In the brewing and baking industries, yeast has traditionally played an important part and patents for new types of yeast were granted in Belgium in 1833 and in Finland in 1843. But how can you patent a microorganism?
Gurwitz and colleagues propose that consortia dedicated to archiving and analysing data on associations between genotypes and drug-response phenotypes could allow the potential of personalized medicine to be realized, and discuss the associated practical and ethical issues that need to be addressed.
Bayesian statistical methods are being increasingly used in clinical research owing to the advantages they can offer compared with conventional approaches. Berry explains the underlying rationale, and discusses the potential of Bayesian trials to improve the effectiveness of drug development.
Targeting the epigenetic changes that contribute to tumorigenesis has become an attractive therapeutic strategy. Yoo and Jones review the enzymes involved in epigenetic regulation that are emerging as targets and the numerous drug candidates that are currently being investigated.
Microwave-assisted organic synthesis has considerable potential to accelerate the generation and optimization of lead compounds. Kappe and Dallinger outline the fundamental principles of this technology and discuss its applications in drug discovery.
Behavioural changes have a major impact on the quality of life of patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Cummings and Zhong discuss how new tools for studying behaviour and improved clinical trial methodologies are facilitating drug development for this large unmet medical need.
Cyclooxygenase-2-selective drugs were designed to be safer alternatives to traditional NSAIDs. However, concerns that they increase the risk of thrombotic events have led to the withdrawal of some of these drugs. Mitchell and Warner discuss their underlying mechanisms of actions.
