Meetings: Networks - Implementation research
TDR drug discovery networks improve strategic cooperation
TDR drug discovery networks improve strategic cooperation
Over the past four years, TDR has significantly expanded its drug discovery networks– moving beyond the traditional focus on compound screening to the creation of new networks for medicinal chemistry; drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK); and drug target prioritization. Together, these networks cover all of the early stages of drug discovery in a more integrated manner.
For the first time this year, all four networks staged a joint meeting on 27-28 August to enhance coordination and strategic planning between the various areas of drug discovery. The meeting in Geneva included members of TDR’s Compound Screening Network, Medicinal Chemistry Network, DMPK Network and Drug Target Portfolio Network.
The meeting included discussions on how to improve turn-around time for compound evaluation and how to promote better coordination and communications among and within the various partners. The meeting also included finalization of the hit-to-lead progression criteria for both protozoan and helminth drug targets. This constitutes a guiding document for deciding and justifying further progression of compounds in the drug discovery pipeline.
Nearly 20 commercial, academic and research institutions worldwide are members of TDR’s drug discovery networks including:
- Pfizer, UK
- Merck Serono, Switzerland
- Chemtura, Canada
- Pharmacopeia, USA
- University of Cape Town, South Africa
- Ohio State University, USA
- University of Dundee, UK
- St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, USA
- University of Nebraska, USA
- Swiss Tropical Institute, Switzerland
- University of Antwerp, Belgium
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK
- Northwick Park Institute for Medical Research, UK
- Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Egypt
- University of Buea, Cameroon
- Central Drug Research Institute, India
- University of Washington, USA
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kenya
TDR CONTACT Dr Solomon Nwaka