Trends in GPCR drug discovery: new agents, targets and indications

Abstract

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the most intensively studied drug targets, largely due to their substantial involvement in human pathophysiology and their pharmacological tractability. Here, we report the first analysis of all GPCR drugs and agents in clinical trials. This reveals the current trends across molecule types, drug targets and therapeutic indications, including showing that 481 drugs (~34% of all drugs approved by the FDA) act at 107 unique GPCR targets. Approximately 320 agents are currently in clinical trials, of which ~36% target 64 potentially novel GPCR targets without an approved drug, and the number of biological drugs, allosteric modulators and biased agonists has grown. The major disease indications for GPCR modulators show a shift towards diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer’s disease, while other central nervous system disorders remain highly represented. The 227 (57%) non-olfactory GPCRs that are yet to be explored in clinical trials have broad untapped therapeutic potential, particularly in genetic and immune system disorders. Finally, we provide an interactive online resource to analyse and infer trends in GPCR drug discovery.