Drug discovery paradigms: past, present, future – a centennial symposium of the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics

Abstract

Background: The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET) celebrated its centennial during the April 2008 Experimental Biology meeting held in San Diego, CA, USA. Objectives: This report summarizes a centennial symposium on past, present and future paradigms in drug discovery. The John Langley (1905) concept of ‘receptive substances’ initiated a cascade of cardinal discoveries for pharmacology. During the following 100 years, receptors achieved the status of well-defined multifunctional cellular proteins mediating all drug effects. The G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) were discussed in relation to multiple targets they represent for clinically used or new medicines. The development of inbred and transgenic animal strains is a fundamental twentieth century achievement for biological research activities. Progress in treating CNS disorders still awaits breakthrough treatments. Drug development remains a risky and expensive venture; improvements are expected from emerging biomarker and translational medicine technologies. Future clinical research has to document the benefits that new medications provide to concerned stakeholders. Conclusions: We wish ASPET a new century of great achievements and acknowledge the dedication of several generations of colleagues, many of whom are our ‘unsung heroes’. They have left us a precious heritage to be pursued with passion in the quest for better medicines.