Target Identification, Validation and Preclinical Development

Program Overview

This PGCert program focuses on drug discovery and development, equipping students with techniques and approaches for target identification and validation. It emphasizes the patient-centric approach and the significance of drug class selection in relation to the target. Assessment includes a presentation on a proposed new drug target and a written assessment.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This module is a core component of the PGCert Drug Discovery and Development program. It focuses on the technologies and approaches used to identify and validate drug targets, ultimately leading to candidate drug nomination. The program emphasizes the importance of considering the patient population when selecting the right target, ensuring a clear line of sight back from the patient to the target.

Objectives:

By the end of this module, students should be able to:

• Explain the principles and techniques used in target identification and validation.
• Provide a rationale for the choice of drug class in relation to the drug target.
• Explain the approaches of lead identification and optimization during preclinical development of different drug classes.
• Critically appraise drug targets with line of sight to the patient.

Assessment:

The module is assessed through two components:

• Presentation of proposed new drug target (30%): Students present their proposed new drug target.
• Written assessment on new drug target (2000 words) (70%): Students submit a written assessment on their proposed new drug target.

Teaching:

The module includes a blend of online and in-person learning:

• Online lectures: Several lectures are delivered online.
• Recorded SGTs: Student Group Tutorials (SGTs) are recorded to facilitate blended distance learning.
• Practical workshop session: This session is divided into two parts:
• Seminars:
Seminars cover the rationale for using ex vivo slice cultures/explants.
• Laboratory demonstrations: Students choose from 4-5 sessions focused on specific models (mouse brain, human liver, human lung, human cartilage).

Other:

• The module covers different drug classes, including small molecules and biologicals, and how these relate to the target and the patient population.