In-Silico-Based Drug Technologies Initiated a New Era of Whole Genomic Sequencing in Human Genomics

 

In-silico drug discovery methods can help in identifying drug targets via bioinformatics tools. In addition, the methods can also be used to analyze the target structures for possible binding active sites. The use of computational methods and computers have permeated all aspects of drug discovery and drug design. The methods are facilitating the access of massive amounts of data generated and transforming the extensive complex biological data into useful knowledge for the drug discovery process. These computational tools offer the advantage of delivering new drug candidates more quickly and at a lower cost.

 

According to the market intelligence report published by BIS Research, the in-silico drug discovery market is projected to grow at a significant CAGR of 12.92%, during the forecast period, 2019-2029. The global in-silico drug discovery market is undergoing a significant change with regard to the advancements that have already taken place and are currently invading the market space. Additionally, with the emergence of in-silico drug testing, there is immense potential for these emerging sub-markets to continue to propel the overall in-silico drug discovery market.

 

In-silico drug discovery brought massively high throughput sequencing data for enabling a new era of drug-based research. The development of software for drugs provides more opportunities for researchers to use various applications in genomic fields. Human genetics underwent a new paradigm of research and medical genomics by sequencing technologies since the Human Genome Project. The trend initiated by in-silico-based drug technologies in human genomics brought a new era of whole genomic sequencing by enabling the building of human genomes databases and providing appropriate human reference genomes.

 

The in-silico drug discovery comprises three stages, which involve the identification or discovery of a therapeutic target and eventually building a heterogeneous small molecule library to be tested against it in phases such as pre-clinical and clinical trials. Further, the development of a virtual screening protocol is initialized by either docking of small molecules from the library or building these structures in the active site by employing de novo design methods.

 

Target identification is the first process in the drug discovery pipeline. Identification and validation of druggable targets from among thousands of candidate macromolecules is still a challenge. However, various technologies for addressing the targets have been developed recently. Genomic and proteomic approaches are significant tools for target identification.

 

The global in-silico drug discovery market witnessed two significant acquisitions, from  January 2016 to December 2019. All the acquisitions were aimed at the expansion of the product portfolio by acquiring diagnostics with promising growth potential. Also, these acquisitions were intended to strengthen the existing product portfolio for improving the accuracy and sensitivity of the in-silico test. Including the mergers and activities, 22 key developments and strategies were recorded during the time frame from January 2016 to June 2019.