Testing Drugs Against New Targets: Like Playing Blind Man's Bluff?

As companies move into development of drugs against novel targets, including a host of genomically derived drugs, they are assuming a new kind of target risk. The heightened risk exists largely because the targets revealed by genomics techniques for the most part have not been validated by linking them empirically to the initiation or maintenance of a disease state, nor through the use of biomarkers during clinical development. Stumbles in the pursuit of drugs against EGFR are symptomatic of this new pharma industry problem. In this context, the cancer drugs Herceptin and Gleevec, widely touted as the first examples of rapidly developed, rationally designed molecular medicines, will prove to be much more the exception than the rule. And importantly, the emerging pattern of EGFR drug development suggests that pursuit of novel targets will do little to ameliorate the industry's R&D productivity problem.

by Mark L. Ratner

When ImClone Systems Inc. finally acknowledged last December that the US Food and Drug Administration had raised substantial issues...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on In Vivo for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Business Strategy

More from In Vivo

AI In Biologics Discovery: The Expensive Bet On Unproven Promise

 
• By 

Despite limited evidence of commercial impact, pharmaceutical companies are making massive strategic investments in AI biologics platforms. The question isn't whether the technology shows promise; it's whether that promise can translate to measurable business results.

Kris Joshi Named Norstella CEO, Prioritizes AI Innovation

 
• By 

Joshi joins the parent company of Citeline, which houses flagship publications In Vivo, Scrip and Pink Sheet, to focus on AI, business harmonization and long-term growth.

Deals Shaping The Industry, June 2025

 
• By 

An interactive look at pharma, medtech and diagnostics deals made during June 2025. Data courtesy of Biomedtracker.