If you spend any time exploring the history of science and medicine, it often feels like we’re living in a golden age of discovery and innovation. We can now treat diseases that weren’t even categorized or understood until relatively recently, and the pace of breakthroughs only seems to be accelerating. These successes rest on the fundamental idea that molecules we create or distill can improve human health. It’s a journey of innovation that stretches back before recorded history, and today the tools we use to survey the natural world for cures have become beautifully complex—making modern drug discovery one of the most thrilling ventures in all of science.
I’ll admit I have an affinity for biologics. Small molecules have carried the field incredibly far, rescuing countless people from the grip of disease and still treating our most prevalent conditions, from heart disease to cancer. But the revolution sparked by producing and purifying proteins ushered in an entirely new range of possibilities. Around the turn of the millennium, nearly 80% of Investigational New Drug applications were for small molecules; two decades later, that figure fell below 60% and continues to decline as antibodies, mRNA, and cell therapies mature beyond the discovery phase.
Given these trends, understanding emerging therapeutic modalities—along with their strengths, weaknesses, and future promise—is more critical than ever. Around the world, innovators are exploring fascinating ways to leverage these technologies. If there’s one constant in science and medicine, it’s that they are inherently creative processes, solving complex problems we once believed to be insurmountable. While many advanced therapies come with a steep price tag, their potential to redefine treatment and improve countless lives is immense. The duty of bringing these drugs to market equitably and accessibly remains paramount.
This series is as much for my own exploration as it is for yours. I’m excited to take a deep dive into the science behind the most promising therapies on the horizon. When you look back at the hurdles each new technology has overcome to become a safe and effective drug product, it appears nothing short of miraculous. But the real miracle belongs to the patients who at last receive a cure for a once-incurable disease. Our ultimate responsibility as scientists is to make that miracle possible for every patient, in every disease area, everywhere. While I might not live to see a world entirely free of disease, I’ll continue working alongside my dedicated colleagues to bring us one step closer to that vision of the future.
Get subscribed to see what is next. Together, we’ll explore how fantastic drugs are discovered—and where we can find them. Stay tuned for the first article tomorrow!
Stay curious!
