The evolving role of structural biology in pharma: integration of X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy and beyond
Abstract
Structural biology has fundamentally influenced pharmaceutical research and development at Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, New Jersey, USA, progressing from pioneering macromolecular crystallography in the 1980s to a fully integrated platform that today encompasses X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, micro-electron diffraction and cryo-electron tomography. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of how these complementary methods have advanced drug discovery across diverse therapeutic areas. We illustrate how atomic to cellular structural insights inform drug discovery and development, from target identification and validation, hit finding, lead identification through lead optimization and clinical progression. Furthermore, we describe how structural biology techniques aid in formulation strategies of antibodies and vaccines. Finally, we highlight the growing integration of ex situ and in situ approaches as a paradigm shift towards elucidating drug mechanisms in native cellular contexts, a transition poised to accelerate the discovery and development of next-generation therapeutics.
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