Novel therapeutic approaches in dermatology

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Drug research nowadays follows a clear path. Therapeutic Areas (TA) of interest are defined and interest is limited to an overseeable number of TAs. A scientific target such as signal transduction, anti-allergy or immunology is then identified. Biological target research and identification is then the next step and the key to successful development of a novel therapeutic. Recent advances in identifying the human genome have helped in understanding some biological differences between disease and health. The real answer to this question, however, may lie in Protcomics. Being able to identify abnormal proteins purely associated with a disease state allows the precise targeting of this disease. Synthesizing a novel compound is then aided by computorial chemistry and preclinical testing is further aided by proteomics to evaluate toxicology. The resulting drug candidates will be specific for diseases and the target in question. The biology of what we see as a homogenous disease appearance may found to be different on an individual level. This is likely to result in personalized therapy according to the target rather than the disease or tumour histotype. Novartis has focused on dermatology amongst other TAs and it is here as well as in other TAs that we exploit our target search capabilities to the full. However, we also apply technologies from other TA's (oncology, transplantation, asthma research). As part of this presentation, we will therefore present the development platforms tyrosine kinase inhibition, angiogenesis inhibition, anti-allergy research, biological skin and immunology. Lead compounds of possible relevance to dermatology in all areas will be presented and we will conclude in presenting some of the data of the most advanced compound, Elidel™ (pimecrolimus).