A Step Away From Cell-Penetrating Peptide Drug Discovery: Interview with: John Howl, Professor of Molecular Pharmacology, Director of Pantechnia - Research Institute in Healthcare Science, University of Wolverhampton, a speaker at the marcus evans Discovery Summit 2013, on the use of cell-penetrating peptides in drug discovery.

1. A Step Away From Cell-Penetrating
Drug Discovery
towards peptides as useful chemical There is also the possibility of employing
entities, now that cost and stability bioactive cell-penetrating peptides,
challenges have largely been overcome. termed bioportides, to achieve similar
results. Peptides can also be used to
There is a lot of potential in the pipeline, target protein interfaces and so
cell-penetrating peptides that need to modulate discrete signalling pathways
be converted into new drugs. They have that may be modified in disease
a unique ability to traverse cell processes.
membranes and deliver other bioactive
entities into the cell interior. They can This molecular mimicry can in turn
be made more cell type-specific by interfere with pathological events,
adding on homing motifs, or can be including angiogenesis, which are viable
chemically modified in a variety of ways, therapeutic modalities.
Interview with: to deliver drugs in a more specific
John Howl, Professor of Molecular manner. Why should there be a close
Pharmacology, Director of cooperation between industry and
Pantechnia - Research Institute in academia?
Healthcare Science, University of
Wolverhampton Drug discovery experts have become
The
more willing to share ideas and
resources by attending meetings and
Many cell-penetrating peptides are giving presentations. This collaboration
currently being developed and are will help in the development of new
industry
probably just a step away from clinical drugs.
trials and drug development, says
John Howl, Professor of Molecular Academics formulate and generate new
Pharmacology, Director of Pantechnia - leads, but in order for these to be
is at
Research Institute in Healthcare converted into viable therapeutics or
Science, University of Wolverhampton. diagnostics, support is needed from
They can be made more cell type- pharmaceutical companies.
specific by adding on homing motifs and
other targeting devices to deliver drugs Only then can a variety of new
a very
in a more specific manner, he adds. analogues of lead compounds be
screened and taken to the next level. By
A speaker at the marcus evans working together, there is hope that
Discovery Summit 2013, in Monte some leads will progress into early stage
exciting
Carlo, Monaco, 21 - 22 March, John clinical trials and the next peptide
Howl shares his views on why blockbuster can be developed.
drug discovery experts and
pharmaceutical companies should What is the next step for the drug
stage
work together. discovery industry?
What breakthrough discoveries can The industry is at a very exciting stage,
you predict in the peptide field? as it is waiting for cell-penetrating
peptides to be developed and adopted
During the last five years, there has as a generic delivery tool. Once this
been a renewed interest in peptides and happens, there will be a surge of
peptide-based therapeutics and interest and the area of cell-penetrating
diagnostics. More scientists are looking peptides will be invigorated.

2. The Pharma Network – marcus About the Discovery Summit 2013
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To view the web version of this interview, please click here: www.discovery-summit.com/JohnHowl