Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are a novel class of drugs designed to degrade previously 'undruggable' proteins, are now entering phase 3 clinical trials. These proteins, often lacking traditional active sites or being inaccessible to conventional drugs, have long posed a challenge to drug developers.
PROTACs function by inducing proteolysis, a process where the targeted protein is marked for degradation and subsequently removed by the cell's natural machinery. This approach bypasses the need to inhibit or agonize a protein's activity, opening up new therapeutic possibilities.
The advancement of PROTACs into late-stage clinical trials marks a significant milestone in the field. If successful, these trials could pave the way for new treatments for a variety of diseases currently considered intractable due to the limitations of traditional drug discovery methods.
This innovative approach represents a paradigm shift in drug development, potentially expanding the scope of treatable targets and offering new hope for patients with unmet medical needs.
