Score another one for Recombinant Innovation
[Via Andrew Hargadon]
Two researchers at UC San Diego modeled the H1N1 virus, looking for ways to fight it (and other pandemics) (MIT Tech Review).
Biochemist Andrew McCammon and undergraduate lab member Daniel Dadon used a sophisticated computer program to simulate all possible conformations–27 in all–of the H1N1 virus’s flexible neuraminidase protein.
Using “massive” computing power, they simulated how the virus and, in particular, a suface protein could take shape. Witih a set of 27 possible structures, they then looked at a library of FDA-approved drugs and searched for which of these drugs would bind to the protein in one of its possible permutations.
This is a great story of the value of recombinant innovation. By taking another look at the problem (27 other looks, to be exact) they could then go in search of existing solutions that solved one or more of those problems. And in pharma, existing solutions avoid the enormous costs of developing novel solutions.
In this way, the next big thing in Pharma could be the beginning of the end. At least of of the money machine for big Pharma—the development of wholly new drugs (and their patent-protected profits) to treat diseases.
[More]
Finding new uses for approved drugs is always useful. It can shorten development time and provide a much cheaper drug. But usually the patents that deal with the invention of a new drug provide more return, as they can possibly control all uses of the drug. They occupy a superior position in the chain of IP tools. So many companies try for the invention and not the use.
But as these researchers show, finding new uses has some real benefits. Hope it works.
