2. drug discovery
3. the classic known targets
5. Strategic trends in the
drug industry
the clinical sciences, drug research has contributed more to the
progress of medicine during the past century than any other scien-
tific factor. The advent of molecular biology and, in particular, of
genomic sciences is having a deep impact on drug discovery.
Recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies have greatly
enriched our therapeutic armamentarium. Genome sciences,
combined with bioinformatic tools, allow us to dissect the genetic
basis of multifactorial diseases and to determine the most
suitable points of attack for future medicines, thereby increasing
the number of treatment options. The dramatic increase in the
complexity of drug research is enforcing changes in the institut-
ional basis of this interdisciplinary endeavor. The biotech industry
is establishing itself as the discovery arm of the pharmaceutical
industry. In bridging the gap between academia and large pharma-
ceutical companies, the biotech firms have been effective instru-
ments of technology transfer.
Vol. 287 No. 5460
www.sciencemag.org