Phenotypic Screening

A drug discovery approach that tests compounds in cell-based or organism-based assays to identify those that produce a desired phenotypic change, without requiring prior knowledge of the molecular target. Captures complex biological responses including pathway crosstalk, compensatory mechanisms, and cell permeability. First-in-class drugs are statistically more likely to originate from phenotypic screens than target-based approaches.

ตัวอย่าง

• Ezetimibe discovered via cholesterol absorption assay
• High-content imaging screens for neurite outgrowth
• Zebrafish whole-organism screens for cardiotoxicity