Drug target landscape

In this talk, we turn our attention to drug target landscape, framing our discussion around the range and classification of drug targets, including enzymes, receptors, ion channels, transporters, and emerging classes like nucleic acids. We will discuss mechanisms by which drugs interact with these targets illustrated through key therapy examples. The concept of drug ability and its importance in selecting and designing effective drugs will also be examined. Finally, we will highlight how advances in science expand our understanding of drug targets, informing therapeutic innovation and precision medicine. Understanding the range of molecular targets for drugs is central to pharmacology and drug discovery. These targets determine which diseases can be treated and the safety and effectiveness of therapies. The landscape includes the identity, classification, biological roles, and selection rationale of targets. This lecture will explore main target classes, drug interaction mechanisms, therapy examples, drug ability concepts, and their relevance in pharmacology and drug design. Let us begin with the classification of drug targets. Traditionally, most drugs modulate proteins. Major classes include enzymes which catalyze biochemical reactions and can be inhibited or activated by drugs. Receptors such as G protein coupled and nuclear hormone receptors, mediating cellular responses, ion channels, which control ion flow across membranes,