Multiple molecular and cellular targets

The term Multiple molecular and cellular targets is a non-specific designation used to describe therapeutic agents that do not interact with a single, discrete biological entity. Instead, these agents exert their pharmacological effects by modulating a variety of receptors, enzymes, or signaling pathways simultaneously, a concept known as polypharmacology (Hopkins, A. L., 2008, Nature Chemical Biology). This approach is frequently employed in the treatment of complex diseases like cancer, where multi-kinase inhibitors are designed to hit several nodes in a signaling network to prevent resistance and inhibit processes like angiogenesis and cell proliferation (Wilhelm, S. M., et al., 2006, Nature Reviews Drug Discovery). While targeting multiple pathways can enhance efficacy, it also complicates the understanding of the drug's precise mechanism and increases the likelihood of off-target toxicities. In structured pharmacological databases, this entry is generally considered incorrect or a placeholder because it does not represent a unique, identifiable protein or gene product.

Other names

Multi-targetPolypharmacological targetsNon-specific targetsBroad-spectrum targets

Simultaneous modulation of multiple distinct biological pathways, receptors, or enzymes to achieve a synergistic therapeutic effect.