Abstract
Purpose
Academic laboratories are developing increasingly large amounts of data that describe the genomic landscape and gene expression patterns of various types of cancers. Such data can potentially identify novel oncology molecular targets in cancer types that may not be the primary focus of a drug sponsor’s initial research for an investigational new drug. Obtaining preclinical data that point toward the potential for a given molecularly targeted agent, or a novel combination of agents requires knowledge of drugs currently in development in both the academic and commercial sectors.
Methods
We have developed the DrugPath database (http://www.drugpath.org) as a comprehensive, free-of-charge resource for academic investigators to identify agents being developed in academics or industry that may act against molecular targets of interest. DrugPath data on molecular targets overlay the Michigan Molecular Interactions (http://mimi.ncibi.org) gene–gene interaction map to facilitate identification of related agents in the same pathway.
Results
The database catalogs 2,081 drug development programs representing 751 drug sponsors and 722 molecular and genetic targets.
Conclusions
DrugPath should assist investigators in identifying and obtaining drugs acting on specific molecular targets for biological and preclinical therapeutic studies.
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Acknowledgments
We would like to thank Cameron Smith and Heidi Michaels for collecting data for the Web site. This project was supported by Grant USAMRMC 06213001 from The United States Department of Defense.
Conflict of interest
Authors have no potential conflicts of interest related to this paper. Brandon Fisch owns 1985 Media which created the Web site.
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Shah, E.D., Fisch, B.M.A., Arceci, R.J. et al. DrugPath: a database for academic investigators to match oncology molecular targets with drugs in development. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 73, 1089–1093 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00280-014-2433-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00280-014-2433-9