In pharmaceutical R&D, the landscape of “compound types” is constantly evolving, driven by scientific advancements and a deeper understanding of disease mechanisms.
In the game the compound types are:
NBE: new biological entity/complex molecules
NCE: new chemical entity/small molecules
ADC: Antibody-drug conjugates/complex molecules consisting of an antibody linked to a biologically active cytotoxic payload or drug
DIG(ITAL): digital product e.g. device or app or diagnostic device
More detailed description of compound types:
Small Molecules:
These are organic compounds with a low molecular weight. They are synthesized chemically and usually have a well-defined chemical structure.
Biologics (Large Molecules):
These are complex molecules derived from living organisms, such as proteins, antibodies, or nucleic acids. They are much larger than small molecules.
Nucleic Acid-Based Therapies (RNA/DNA Therapies):
These therapies utilize DNA or RNA molecules to interfere with gene expression or introduce new genetic material.
Gene Therapies:
Involve introducing, modifying, or removing genetic material within a patient’s cells to treat or prevent disease. The goal is often to correct a genetic defect or enable cells to produce a therapeutic protein.
Cell Therapies:
Involve administering living cells to a patient to treat or prevent a disease. These cells can be from the patient themselves (autologous) or from a donor (allogeneic).
These categories are not always mutually exclusive, and some emerging therapies, like Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs), combine elements of different types (e.g., a biologic antibody linked to a small molecule cytotoxic drug). Today, the trend in R&D is towards increasingly complex, targeted, and personalized therapies.