The subsequent identification of the molecular targets that underlie an observed phenotypic response — termed target deconvolution — is an important aspect of current drug discovery, as knowledge of the molecular targets will greatly aid drug development.

What is a target in pharma?

A drug target is a molecule in the body, usually a protein, that is intrinsically associated with a particular disease process and that could be addressed by a drug to produce a desired therapeutic effect.

What is drug target validation?

Target validation is the first step in discovering a new drug and can typically take 2-6 months. The process involves the application of a range of techniques that aim to demonstrate that drug effects on the target can provide a therapeutic benefit with an acceptable safety window.