Peptide therapeutics

Peptide therapeutics are a class of drugs that are composed of peptides. These drugs are used to treat a variety of diseases and disorders, including cancer, diabetes, and infectious diseases.

History

The use of peptides as therapeutics has a long history, dating back to the early 20th century when insulin, a peptide hormone, was first used to treat diabetes. Since then, the field of peptide therapeutics has expanded significantly, with many new peptides being discovered and developed into drugs.

Mechanism of Action

Peptide therapeutics work by interacting with specific receptors on the surface of cells. These receptors are often involved in the regulation of important biological processes, such as cell growth, immune response, and metabolism. By binding to these receptors, peptide therapeutics can modulate their activity, leading to therapeutic effects.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Peptide therapeutics have several advantages over traditional small molecule drugs. They are highly specific, meaning they can target specific receptors with high precision. They also have a lower risk of off-target effects, which can lead to unwanted side effects. However, peptide therapeutics also have some disadvantages. They are often less stable than small molecule drugs, and they can be difficult to deliver to the target site in the body.

Future Directions

The field of peptide therapeutics is rapidly evolving, with new technologies being developed to overcome the challenges associated with peptide drug delivery and stability. These include the use of nanoparticles for drug delivery, and the development of peptide prodrugs, which are inactive precursors that are converted into active drugs in the body.

See Also

• Drug discovery
• Pharmacology
• Protein therapeutics