A cartoon representing how, in history, we are continuously faced with new scientific advancements that make us question what the future holds and whether what we currently have is still useful or should be replaced.
DOI: 10.1039/C8MD90019A, Opinion
Are small molecules or biologics the drugs of the future?
What are the drugs of the future?
Abstract
Are small molecules or biologics the drugs of the future? Small-molecule drugs have historically been the pillars of traditional medicine. However, recently, we seem to be amidst a scientific revolution with the rise of many FDA-approved biologic drugs. This opinion article looks at the current state of small molecules and biologics and assesses what the future holds for these two broad classes of drugs.
Are small molecules or biologics the drugs of the future? Let’s think about this… (Fig. 1). For many of us growing up in the 20th century, videotapes were fixtures of our childhoods. In the current entertainment industry, videotapes have completely become obsolete and been replaced by more complex and sophisticated Blu-ray Discs, which deliver ultra high-definition pictures and films to viewers. Technological change is inevitable in our society, which embraces innovations. Similarly, the pharmaceutical industry has been experiencing its own scientific revolution, as more and more novel biologic drugs continue to emerge. Are these biologics the Blu-ray Discs of the pharmaceutical industry? Will smallmolecule drugs fade into history like videotapes did? In an attempt to address these questions, we will compare and contrast small-molecule and biologic drugs to assess what roles they will serve in our healthcare system in the future
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