Drug Discovery & Development

Target Validation

After a drug target has been identified, a rigorous evaluation must occur to demonstrate that modulation of the target will have the desired therapeutic effect.  This involves intensive in vitro, as well as in vivo studies that provide information on the effects of biotherapeutic intervention.  The result of these efforts is to establish sufficient knowledge so that physiologically relevant model systems can be developed into assays for downstream screening.  This can have a significant impact on reducing the attrition rate of biotherapeutic candidates.

Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) can play a critical role in the determination of the mechanism of action of a specified target pathway.  No prior knowledge of the biological process is required and there is no requirement for labeling or immobilization. Reactions can be monitored in their natural state, often with endogenous enzymes, substrates, or ligands.  This has the added benefit of dramatically reducing the assay development time.  Entire binding mechanisms can be systematically characterized with ease.

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