Drug discovery programmes and the human genome project

As the human genome project (HGP) reaches full identification of the 100 000 or so human genes, drug discovery programmes have been made much more effective and efficient. In addition, identification of proteins within the HGP has allowed their evaluation as drugs themselves. Some companies. such as Human Genome Sciences, Inc, capitalised on this approach even to the point where they have described the HGP as the pixelisation of the human (each new gene discovered being likened to a pixel on a computer image). Human Genome Sciences initially interacted with the Institute for Genomic Research, founded by J Craig Venter, and has patents that describe nearly 3000 full length, fully sequenced human genes. In fact, between 1993 and 1995, Human Genome Sciences isolated and sequenced more than 95% of all human genes, from 80% of which they have the potential to develop proteins. By using a process of rapid screening Human Genome Sciences can identify proteins with potential uses which have minimal or no side effects. Three of these are currently in some form of clinical trial—myeloid progenitor inhibitory protein 1 (MIP-1) which may be useful in protection of bone marrow progenitor cells during cancer therapy; keratinocyte growth factor 2 (KGF-2) which may also have uses in treatment of patients with skin and bowel cancer in promoting epithelial cell repair after radiation damage; and vascular endothelial cell growth factor 2 (VEGF-2) which is being assessed in treatment of ischaemic syndrome—for instance, in patients with peripheral vascular disease and diabetes. These new approaches to drug discovery and potential new therapies should also be of great value in ophthalmic …