For numerous years, scientists have grappled with a significant challenge in the field of pharmaceuticals: the development of effective oral drugs to target specific proteins crucial for treating a wide range of diseases. These proteins, which play vital roles in various biological processes, have proven to be elusive for traditional small molecule drugs. One of the primary reasons behind this difficulty is their flat surface structure or the requirement for specificity towards particular protein homologs. Consequently, the prevailing solution has been the utilization of larger biologics that can bind to these proteins, but unfortunately, they often necessitate injection, thereby imposing limitations on patient convenience and accessibility.
The quest to unlock the potential of oral drug therapy has been ongoing for decades. Although small molecule drugs have revolutionized medicine by providing convenient oral administration options, they encounter significant challenges when it comes to binding to certain proteins. This is particularly true for proteins with flat surfaces, as the three-dimensional structures of small molecules are often incompatible with such targets. Additionally, many proteins exhibit various homologs with similar structures, leading to the need for drug specificity. These complexities pose obstacles for traditional small molecules seeking to interact with proteins effectively.
As a result, researchers have turned their attention to biologics—larger molecules derived from living organisms—to overcome these hurdles. Biologics possess unique properties that allow them to interact with a broader range of proteins, including those with flat surfaces or multiple homologs. Their larger size enables them to form more extensive and intricate interactions with targeted proteins, leading to enhanced therapeutic effects. However, there is a trade-off with the use of biologics since their administration typically requires injection, which can be burdensome for patients and restricts accessibility.
This reliance on injections for administering biologics has presented challenges in terms of patient compliance and convenience. Many individuals find injections unpleasant or uncomfortable, leading to non-compliance with prescribed treatments. Moreover, injections often require healthcare professionals for administration, limiting accessibility for patients in remote areas or those with limited mobility. These factors contribute to the growing need for alternative methods of drug delivery that can bypass the need for injections while still enabling effective targeting of elusive proteins.
Efforts are underway to develop novel approaches that can bridge the gap between oral drug therapy and effective protein targeting. Scientists are exploring innovative technologies such as nanoparticles, liposomes, and other drug delivery systems that can encapsulate biologics and protect them from degradation in the gastrointestinal tract. By developing these advanced delivery systems, researchers aim to unlock the full potential of oral drug therapy and provide patients with more convenient and accessible treatment options.
In conclusion, the challenge of effectively targeting elusive proteins with oral drugs has persisted for decades. Traditional small molecule drugs encounter difficulties in binding to proteins with flat surfaces or requiring specificity towards particular homologs. In response, larger biologics have been employed, but their administration via injection limits patient convenience and accessibility. However, ongoing research in drug delivery systems holds promise for bridging this gap, potentially revolutionizing oral drug therapy and offering patients a more convenient and accessible approach to treating a diverse range of diseases.
