Revamping the ever-changing landscape of drug development processes in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic
Oncology is the front-line of drug development. The current pharmaceutical pipeline is disproportional focused on oncology, where about 1/3 of all phases of development is in this therapeutic area. The emphasis brings about substantial breakthroughs and has made positive impact on the quality of life. However, oncology remains a threat to human existence. To facilitate this process, a comprehensive list of novel/first molecularly targeted oncology drug approvals by the FDA from 2017 to 2020 is assessed. Here, we focus on molecularly targeted oncology drugs and not cytotoxic ones, although the latter remain important. To achieve this purpose, besides their sponsors, years of approval, drug classes, and cancer indications, clinical significance is included. The results show that approved molecularly targeted drugs span across diverse classes, including small molecule receptor inhibitors, and biologics such as monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, check-point inhibitors (i.e., PD1, PDL1, CTLA4) and CAR-T cell therapies. Although complete cure of cancer remains limited, we have made substantial inroads and more is yet to come. Moreover, many of these new knowledge can be extrapolated to other therapeutic areas, especially to those of currently unmet medical needs such as in neurology and other chronic diseases.
As this adage goes, cumulative scientific breakthroughs bolster progress. The beauty of standing on the shoulders of giants is to see far, capitalize on prevailing opportunities and leapfrog to greater heights. An example is the Nobel Prize in Chemistry recognizing Charpentier and Doudna’s discovery of the gene editing tool CRISPR/Cas9. Their breakthrough opens the door for curable and precise repair of mutated or heritable gene expressions, the root causes of many diseases.
At the moment, the COVID-19 pandemic is inflicting unprecedented human suffering and death tolls on a global scale. COVID-19 infection can cause severe acute respiratory syndrome that readily overwhelms ICU capacity. With social distancing and mask-wearing, it has brought many face-to-face activities to a standstill. Moreover, when restriction is lifted prematurely, or with change in virulence, COVID-19 restriction may be reinstated and lock-down recur. Such uncertainty creates disincentive for economic to strive.
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