Drug Discovery:
The pharmaceutical industry plays a crucial role in designing and creating new medicines for various health conditions. In the UK, around 73,000 people are employed in this industry, with 23,000 dedicated to research and development (R&D). Drug discovery is a vital aspect, involving the identification of potential drug targets, formulation, and research in personalized medicine. Recent changes in the drug discovery process have led to increased outsourcing, with Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) optimizing drug formulations and production. Contract Research Organizations (CROs) may conduct necessary trials for drug approval.
Drug Development Stages:
- Target Discovery:
- Identification of a target associated with the studied disease, such as a receptor, enzyme, or signaling molecule.
- High-throughput Screening:
- Screening a library of chemical compounds to identify which compound interacts with and modulates the target.
- Formulation and Delivery:
- Selection of a formulation to facilitate effective drug delivery.
- Pre-clinical Research:
- Assessment of the drug’s potential harm through in vitro (test-tube experiments) and/or in vivo (animal experiments) studies.
- Phase I Clinical Trials:
- Testing the safety and tolerance of the drug in a small group of healthy individuals.
- Product Characterization:
- Identification of features of the candidate compound (size, shape, etc.) and determination of the mechanism of action.
- Phase II and Phase III Clinical Trials:
- Large-scale testing of the drug in a significant number of patients to assess its beneficial effects on the disease.
- Pharmacogenomics:
- Determination of individual differences in drug effectiveness and tolerance.
The drug development process encompasses a series of meticulously executed stages, from target identification to extensive clinical trials, with the ultimate goal of delivering safe and effective medicines to address various health challenges.
CASE STUDY
Dr. Amy Prosser is a Senior Scientist at Sygnature Discovery, a drug discovery contract research organization (CRO) in Nottingham. She pursued a Human Genetics MSci undergraduate master’s degree and completed her interdisciplinary PhD at the University of Nottingham, focusing on stem cell differentiation for bioengineering applications.
After her PhD, Dr. Prosser joined Sygnature Discovery, working in the Bioscience Department. Sygnature supports projects across the drug discovery pipeline, involving chemists, bioscientists, computational chemists, and DMPK scientists. The dynamic and fast-paced nature of CRO work provides exposure to various therapeutic areas and diverse scientific backgrounds.
Dr. Prosser highlights the importance of flexibility, continuous learning, and excellent organizational and time management skills for success in a CRO. Effective communication is crucial for conveying complex scientific results to project teams and clients. She encourages aspiring scientists to gain lab experience through summer placements and speculative applications to companies or institutions.
Key Points:
- Educational Background: Dr. Prosser’s passion for science led her to pursue a Human Genetics MSci and a PhD at the University of Nottingham, focusing on interdisciplinary science related to stem cell differentiation.
- Transition to Industry: After completing her PhD, Dr. Prosser chose a career in industrial research and joined Sygnature Discovery, a CRO specializing in drug discovery.
- CRO Environment: Working at Sygnature involves collaboration across scientific disciplines, exposure to diverse therapeutic areas, and continuous learning. The fast-paced nature of CROs offers dynamic and exciting challenges.
- Skills for CRO Success: Flexibility, a willingness to learn, excellent scientific skills, time management, organizational skills, and effective communication are essential for success in the dynamic CRO environment.
- Advice for Aspiring Scientists: Dr. Prosser emphasizes the importance of gaining lab experience through summer placements, shadowing lab staff, and making speculative applications to companies or institutions. This hands-on experience enhances opportunities for further education or job applications.