Multiple pathways and protein targets

The designation Multiple pathways and protein targets describes a pharmacological profile where a therapeutic agent modulates several distinct biological targets or signaling cascades simultaneously, a concept known as polypharmacology (Hopkins, 2008, Nature Chemical Biology). This approach is frequently utilized in the treatment of complex, multifactorial diseases such as cancer, where redundant signaling pathways often allow cells to bypass the inhibition of a single protein (Anighoro et al., 2014, Medicinal Chemistry Reviews). By targeting multiple nodes within a biological network, these drugs can enhance therapeutic efficacy and reduce the likelihood of acquired resistance (Peters, 2013, Journal of Medicinal Chemistry). Common examples include multi-kinase inhibitors like Sunitinib or Sorafenib, which target various receptor tyrosine kinases involved in tumor growth and angiogenesis (Guo & Ma, 2021, Frontiers in Pharmacology). While beneficial for efficacy, hitting multiple targets often complicates the safety profile, as it increases the probability of unintended off-target interactions and adverse effects (Anighoro et al., 2014). Consequently, this term is often used in clinical and regulatory contexts to categorize drugs that do not adhere to the traditional one drug, one target model.

Other names

PolypharmacologyMulti-target therapyNetwork pharmacologyPolypharmacological targets

Polypharmacology; the simultaneous modulation of multiple distinct molecular targets or signaling pathways to achieve a therapeutic effect.