When one thinks about drug research, they rarely recognize that it’s often just a series of trial and error. One considers a series of potential drugs and determines if and how it works. Rational drug design is a completely different (and still a nascent) process.
For the rational drug design process, we know the biological target and how it operates. So, we see a small molecule that can activate or inhibit the function of the target (typically a protein), thereby affording a therapeutic benefit. The initial choice is to employ a compound that is complementary in shape (and a few other characteristics) to the target, affording interaction and binding with it.
Well, this process is being elevated to a whole new scale by Parabon, a small company from Northern Virginia. The company received some initial funding for this process from the National Science Foundation SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) program. A provisional patent was filed in May 2011 and the final application was published in 2012. The first drug rolling off their platform is one that will be used to treat brain cancer, glioblastoma multiforme. (This is the cancer to which Ted Kennedy succumbed).
The process employs a computer “drag and drop” process with DNA self-assembly. (Parabon calls this their “Essemblix” Drug Development Platform.) In essence, the compound is “printed” molecule by molecule. Truly the definition of rational drug design. Trillions of identical copy of the molecules can be assembled, over the course of days or weeks. Using the principles of 3D printing for biomolecular production.
The process is fairly simple. Using a programmable molecular substrate, the DNA is sequenced in particular order so that single-stranded DNA can be formed. Using molecules that can attach to various portions of the “body” of the strand, the therapeutic agent can be incorporated into the self-assembled drug. The smaller strands then are coalesced into larger macromolecules, ready to be administered to the patient.
The drug is currently termed P24RDN. It has completed its preclinical studies, with indications for better patient survival from the intracranial glioma tumors. In addition to this application, Parabon is working on a prostate cancer drug (PJ-01, in partnership with Janssen Pharmaceuticals), synthetic vaccines (biodefense), among others. The same technology is also being used for non-medical applications (molecular nanosensors and nanoscale logic gates).
Another 3D printing success concept.
This is very interesting on more than one level. I had no idea how they went about with their research. All we ever hear about are the mice. Are they trading on the NYSE, it sounds like a possible good investment.
Chef William recently posted..Guinness Beef Stew
Sorry, Chef William, it’s still a private company. I’m guessing they are waiting until the valuation will afford the founders a killing…
Truly amazing. It takes my breath away at what things are being done in the medical field.
shawn recently posted..Pinstamatic A Great Tool to Use With Pinterest
Yes, this is pretty cool, Shawn. One of the ways that 3D printing can really make a difference in folks’ lives!
This is exciting news, Roy!! My husband’s best friend, his wife died of a glioblastoma in 07, and you know my husband had prostate cancer so I’m thrilled this is happening! Our clinical trial drug was an CNTO 95 antiangiogenesis drug…this sounds even more promising. Things like this make me more happy!
As long as they can find the partners to keep the project flowing, there is hope.
Thanks for the visit, Lisa!
This sounds to me (the non-scientist) like using a rifle instead of a shotgun.
David Leonhardt recently posted..REVIEW: Comparing MORE Social-sharing Co-op Services
Hmm. I think this design is more akin to using a laser beam in lieu of the shotgun, David.
It only became capable as we learned more about the biology and biophysics of the situation; one can only hope it gets better with more knowledge.
Thanks for the comment.
It is really a great and useful piece of info. I aam glad that you simply shared this helpful
information with us. Please stay us infrmed like this.
Thanks for sharing.
skin care doctors edina recently posted..skin care doctors edina
Actually, Ms. Scherf, I’m glad you found the post and rendered a comment.
Thanks for your visit!
Thank you, I have just been looking for info about this topic for a while and yours
is the greatest I have found out till now. But, what about the bottom line?
Are you certain about the supply?
grow light recently posted..grow light
The bottom line…
I have rarely found a drug development- that worked- that didn’t have a decent bottom line. Oh, it may not be the blockbuster one hoped, but, it certainly makes an operational profit.
And, the supply- that depends upon how much profit is developed- or how much someone was able to invest to build the scale needed for the disease model.
Hurrah, that’s what I was seeking for, what a stuff!
existing here at this webpage, thanks admin of
this website.
orange shop recently posted..orange shop
Thanks for your visit! And, extra thanks for your comment!
I’m now not positive the place you’re getting your information, but great topic.
I must spend a while learning more or understanding more. Thanks for magnificent information I was searching for this info for my mission.
shops recently posted..shops
I get my information from a variety of primary sources. In this case, from scientific journals and texts.
Glad to help you along with your mission!
My partner and I stumbled over here by a different website and thought I
might check things out. I like what I see so i am just following you.
Look forward to looking into your web page again.
Mouse Control Surrey recently posted..Mouse Control Surrey
Thanks for dropping in Christin- and come back again soon!
Way cool! Sommе extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning thhis write-up and also the rest of the website is also very good.
Thanks, Maureen for the visit and the comment!
I got this web site from my friend who shared with me concerning this site and now this time I
am visiting this site and reading very informative articles here.
Companies That Ship To Canada Aldergrove recently posted..Companies That Ship To Canada Aldergrove
So, what intrigued you about rational drug design? Given your business, I thought one of the other posts would have been the one upon which you would comment.
Hi there to all, the contents present at this site are actually remarkable
for people knowledge, well, keep up the nice work fellows.
Best Digital Marketing Company Vancouver recently posted..Best Digital Marketing Company Vancouver
Thanks!
Loved your video, too.
Why peole still usse to read news papers when in this
technological globe thhe whole thing is existing on net?
Girne recently posted..Girne
I was more than happy to uncover this great site.
I want to to thank you for ons time for this particularly fantastic read!!
I defnitely appreciated every little bit of it and i also hav you
book marked to check out new things in your web site.
Aloe Vera Gel recently posted..Aloe Vera Gel
I’m glad you found it, too! Thanks for the visit and the comment.
I can’t bear reading extensive posts, only as i’ve got a
bit of dislexia, but i really liked this article
Chloe Rogers recently posted..Chloe Rogers
Well, I am thrilled this kept you reading! Thanks so much for the visit and the comment!