Drug Discovery & Development

Target Identification

The discovery of new potential biotherapeutics begins with the identification of the function of a potential therapeutic drug target and understanding its role in the disease process.  At this point, little may be known about the proteins identified as potential antibody or other biotherapeutic targets.  If the target is a membrane receptor, the signal transduction cascade needs to be fully understood.  Specific assay methods will not exist.  Identifying biotherapeutics that bind to target proteins may help elucidate information on their role in the biological process.

It is impossible to screen for unknown biotherapeutic targets, but this is where Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) can play a critical role.  ITC measures the natural heat generated or absorbed in any biomolecular interaction.  There is no requirement for any prior knowledge of the binding partners, substrates or other cofactors.  Measuring the binding energetics of potential targets along with their antibodies can provide valuable information that can be used to deorphan receptors, confirming endogenous ligands and analogs, and confirm targets.

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