Are Protein Kinases Drug Targets?

Kinases catalyze the transfer of phosphate groups from phosphate-donating molecules (like ATP) to other molecules. They have been intensively investigated as drug targets for many years. Around 20-25% of the druggable genome consists of kinases, and this target accounts for 20-30% of many companies' drug discovery programs.

Several protein kinase inhibitors have been approved by FDA and available in the market which includes Tykerb®, Sprycel®, Sutent®, Nexavar®, Tarceva®, Iressa®, and Gleevec®. Many other kinase inhibitors are currently undergoing clinical development. This accelerated the research and development in this area, reflecting the number of search results for 'kinase inhibitors'. Sci-finder keyword search resulted in 1281 patents, which is filed in 2007 alone. Drug and Market Development’s (D&MD) report (2005) shows that kinase targeted therapies growing from $12.7 billion in 2005 to $58.6 billion in 2010. 

 

So what is the problem with kinases? The lack of selectivity for targeting a specific kinase is the issue due to the similarity of other kinase targets. For example, the natural product substrate Staurosporine hits almost every kinase out there will be gratuitously toxic. However, the real problem with kinase inhibitors is the toxic outcomes may result from tissue distribution of orally administered kinase inhibitors.

 

Kinases are drug targets. But, difficult ones.