Many pharmaceuticals work by targeting G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), a type of protein found in all human cells. GPCRs are essential to several key signaling pathways and play an important role in a wide variety of physiological processes, such as vision, taste, and smell. They also help regulate mood and behavioral pathways, as well as the immune system.
Drugs that target GPCRs can help treat diseases ranging from diabetes to cancer to Alzheimer’s disease. They represent approximately 34% of all drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
However, many of these pharmaceuticals also have negative side effects. In fact, many candidate drugs with great potential medical value are discarded because of their unwanted side effects.
▲ Researchers at Stanford Univ. have developed a method that may help pharmaceutical companies create drugs that retain their therapeutic value but have limited or even no negative side effects. The team’s findings also have the potential to transform hallucinogens such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), which can help treat depression, for safe...
Would you like to access the complete CEP News Update?
No problem. You just have to complete the following steps.
You have completed 0 of 2 steps.
-
Log in
You must be logged in to view this content. Log in now.
-
AIChE Membership
You must be an AIChE member to view this article. Join now.
Copyright Permissions
Would you like to reuse content from CEP Magazine? It’s easy to request permission to reuse content. Simply click here to connect instantly to licensing services, where you can choose from a list of options regarding how you would like to reuse the desired content and complete the transaction.
