New method for simple, rapid analysis of drug candidates

Researchers have developed a new method for simple, rapid analysis of drug candidates by creating a small-molecule probe that binds to a protein and emits a fluorescent signal only when a drug molecule displaces it, C&EN has reported.

The new method skips the labelling step by using a probe molecule that fluoresce only when a drug candidate bound the target. Even though most fluorescence-based methods already allow for fast screening, this speeds it up even more by eradicating the need for researchers to tag the protein target or drug candidate with dyes.

Sankaran Thayumanavan of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst said: “There is a need for easy systems for screening drugs.” This could be the solution, with the new technology allowing for the labelling step to be cut out, and therefore creating a more simple processing method.

Eric Anslyn of the University of Texas, Austin said:“It’s very simple, which is always great, and seems broadly applicable.” Researchers could attach the glowing end of the probe to a drug candidate, he says, and then use it to screen for molecules that bind more tightly to a target.”

Posted by Ben Evans