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The number and frequency of use of protein therapeutics has increased dramatically since the introduction of the first recombinant protein therapeutic — human insulin — 25 years ago. Golan and colleagues overview some of the key characteristics of protein therapeutics, summarize the more than 130 protein therapeutics used currently and suggest a new classification of these proteins based on their pharmacological action.
Traditional antihistamines that antagonize the histamine H1 receptor have long been used to treat allergic inflammatory conditions, but so far have proved largely ineffective in other disorders exhibiting elevated histamine levels, including asthma and pruritus. This Review discusses how the identification and understanding of the roles of the histamine H4 receptor has revealed the potential of targeting H4 receptors or combined H1 and H4receptor blockade to treat such disorders.
Microscopic imaging can provide valuable information on disease processes and the effects of potential therapeutic interventions, but its application in drug discovery has been limited by issues related to spatial resolution, physical access and throughput. Bullen discusses recently introduced techniques and technologies that are addressing some of these issues, allowing existing assays and disease models to be enhanced and new ones to be developed.
Recent advances in neurophysiological techniques provide new opportunities to measure abnormal brain functions in patients with schizophrenia. In this article, Hajós and colleagues discuss the use of abnormal neurophysiological signals in schizophrenia for use as translational biomarkers.
The association of drugs with lipoproteins can affect their pharmacological and toxicological activities. Here, the authors discuss the mechanisms of drug uptake into lipoproteins and the impact of such interactions, ways to improve the therapeutic profile of hydrophobic drugs, and the ensuing opportunities for drug discovery and development programmes.