The main pathways of drug discovery include.
Random discovery (serendipitous discovery): for example, the discovery of penicillin and the cardiovascular drug propranolol, which were accidentally discovered to have medicinal value during synthesis or use.
From active ingredients of natural compounds: by studying natural products in nature, compounds with medicinal value are sought and extracted.
Pioneering with existing breakthrough drugs: Optimizing the structure and function of existing drugs in order to develop a new generation of drugs.
Using endogenous active substances in the body as lead compounds: Utilizing naturally occurring active substances in the human body as a starting point for drug development.
These pathways demonstrate the diversity and innovation of the drug discovery process, covering the spectrum from serendipitous discovery to purposeful research and development, as well as optimization and improvement based on existing drugs. Each pathway has its own unique advantages and applicability, and scientists and researchers choose the appropriate pathway for drug discovery based on specific research goals and disease needs.
