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MultiTargetScreening

MultiTargetScreening is a strategy in drug discovery and pharmacology that evaluates chemical compounds against multiple biological targets in a coordinated fashion. It aims to map activity profiles across a panel of targets rather than pursuing a single supposed receptor or enzyme, enabling exploration of polypharmacology and selectivity.

The rationale rests on the observation that many diseases involve networks of interacting proteins and pathways.

Methods include experimental and computational approaches. Experimentally, multiplexed or parallel screens test compounds against a curated

Workflow typically starts with defining a target panel aligned to a therapeutic goal, assembling a diverse

Applications include early discovery for complex diseases such as cancer or neurodegenerative disorders, as well as

Challenges involve managing large, heterogeneous data, addressing assay compatibility, controlling false positives, and achieving a meaningful

See also polypharmacology, multi-target drugs, high-throughput screening, chemogenomics.

Compounds
with
activity
on
several
relevant
targets
may
yield
greater
therapeutic
efficacy,
reduce
resistance
mechanisms,
or
reveal
opportunities
for
drug
repurposing.
Balanced
polypharmacology
is
desirable
but
requires
attention
to
safety
liabilities
from
off-target
effects.
target
set
using
biochemical
binding
assays,
functional
assays,
or
cell-based
phenotypic
readouts.
Computationally,
chemogenomics,
target
prediction,
and
systems
pharmacology
can
prioritize
targets
and
interpret
activity
patterns.
compound
library,
and
conducting
screens.
Data
are
analyzed
to
identify
activity
profiles,
cluster
compounds
by
target
engagement,
and
prioritize
candidates
with
favorable
cross-target
activity
and
selectivity.
Promising
hits
undergo
secondary
validation
and
iterative
optimization.
oncology
and
infectious
disease
programs.
Multi-target
profiles
support
polypharmacology
strategies,
drug
repurposing,
and
a
broader
understanding
of
mechanism
of
action
and
safety
risks.
balance
of
potency
across
targets.
Cost,
scalability,
and
regulatory
considerations
also
shape
practical
implementation.