CHAPTER 19:Target Validation for Medicinal Chemists

Target validation is a key process in successful in drug discovery. To define exactly what is meant by target validation is difficult and indeed perhaps to try to and achieve a generic definition of the term is unwise. In this chapter target validation is reviewed in the context of modern drug discovery and the opportunities and requirements at each key stage between the initial identification of a protein and the definitive clinical study. The conclusions are simple, that (a) target validation is project and target specific, (b) requires an understanding of disease pathology from simple biological process to clinical practice and (c) it is essential to perform the correct studies with the most appropriate tool to ensure success.