Other off-targets

The term "Other off-targets" refers to a broad category of biological molecules, including receptors, enzymes, and transporters, that a drug candidate binds to unintentionally. Unlike the primary therapeutic target, these interactions are typically undesirable and can lead to significant safety issues or side effects (Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 2014). Off-target activity often arises from the structural similarity between the intended target and other proteins, or from the inherent polypharmacology of a small molecule (Science, 2012). In drug development, screening against a panel of "other off-targets" is essential to predict potential toxicity and refine the molecular structure for better selectivity (FDA, 2023). Common examples of off-target effects include the inhibition of the hERG potassium channel, which can cause cardiac arrhythmias, or the activation of unintended G protein-coupled receptors (StatPearls, 2023). Understanding these interactions is vital for biotech analysts to assess the risk-benefit profile of a drug candidate during the regulatory approval process (PubChem, 2024).

Other names

Off-target effectsSecondary targetsNon-specific bindingUnintended targetsCollateral targets

Unintended binding to non-therapeutic proteins, enzymes, or receptors due to structural similarity with the primary target or lack of drug specificity.