The past, present, and future of enzyme-based therapies

Drug Discov Today. 2022 Jan;27(1):117-133. doi: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.09.004. Epub 2021 Sep 16.

Abstract

Enzyme-based therapeutics (EBTs) have the potential to tap into an almost unmeasurable amount of enzyme biodiversity and treat myriad conditions. Although EBTs were some of the first biologics used clinically, the rate of development of newer EBTs has lagged behind that of other biologics. Here, we review the history of EBTs, and discuss the state of each class of EBT, their potential clinical advantages, and the unique challenges to their development. Additionally, we discuss key remaining technical barriers that, if addressed, could increase the diversity and rate of the development of EBTs.

Keywords: Biologic; Biotechnology; Clinical; Early investigational; Enzyme; Enzyme based therapy; History; Pre-clinical; Therapeutic enzymes; Therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Drug Development / methods
  • Drug Discovery / methods*
  • Enzyme Replacement Therapy* / methods
  • Enzyme Replacement Therapy* / trends
  • Enzyme Therapy* / methods
  • Enzyme Therapy* / trends
  • Enzymes* / classification
  • Enzymes* / pharmacology
  • Humans

Substances

  • Enzymes