An expanding role for cell biologists in drug discovery and pharmacology

Abstract

The profound challenges facing clinicians, who must prescribe drugs in the face of dramatic variability in response, and the pharmaceutical industry, which must develop new drugs despite ever-rising costs, represent opportunities for cell biologists interested in rethinking the conceptual basis of pharmacology and drug discovery. Much better understanding is required of the quantitative behaviors of networks targeted by drugs in cells, tissues, and organisms. Cell biologists interested in these topics should learn more about the basic structure of drug development campaigns and hone their quantitative and programming skills. A world of conceptual challenges and engaging industry–academic collaborations awaits, all with the promise of delivering real benefit to patients and strained healthcare systems.