Drug Discovery → Small Molecules and Biologics
Small Molecules and Biologics
Either of the previously mentioned pathways to drug discovery requires a molecule as a starting point. They can usually be divided into the following categories: small molecules or biologics. The table below describes general characteristics of these two groups:
New chemical entities (NCEs), also known as small molecules, and biologics approved by the FDA in the last two decades.
Adapted from: de la Torre BG, Albericio F. The pharmaceutical industry in 2017. An analysis of FDA drug approvals from the perspective of molecules. Molecules. 2018 Mar;23(3):533.
Adapted from: de la Torre BG, Albericio F. The pharmaceutical industry in 2017. An analysis of FDA drug approvals from the perspective of molecules. Molecules. 2018 Mar;23(3):533.