Challenges and Opportunities in High Throughput Screening: Implications for New Technologies

Abstract

In response to mounting competitive pressures, the current trend in the pharmaceutical industry is to shorten the time scale for all aspects of drug discovery. While advances in computation, structural chemistry, and molecular modeling are facilitating rational design activities, empirical screening continues to play a crucial role in lead identification. Because the ability to test large numbers of compounds quickly and efficiently can provide a competitive advantage, high throughput screening (HTS) has become a key tool in many companies. To achieve the necessary productivity, effective integration of compound supply, assay operation and data management is essential. HTS is a very high technology enterprise that must take full advantage of the latest advances in bioscience, biotechnology, engineering, and information science. There is a constant dilemma, however, in relation to when well-established, mature technologies should be replaced by new methods that promise to deliver spectacular advantages. The final decision must be based on weighing the promised benefit against the cost and risk. While huge challenges face the pharmaceutical industry, there are also opportunities for those companies that can identify and implement new technology effectively.