Various drug screening methods are used, each with its advantages and limitations:
High-throughput screening (HTS): This method allows the rapid testing of thousands of compounds using automated systems. It is particularly useful for identifying potential drug candidates from large chemical libraries. In vitro screening: This involves testing compounds on cancer cell lines in a controlled laboratory environment. It helps in understanding the cellular mechanisms affected by the drug. In vivo screening: Animal models are used to evaluate the effectiveness and toxicity of compounds in a whole organism. This method provides insights into the drug's pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Computational screening: Also known as in silico screening, this method uses computer simulations to predict how compounds will interact with biological targets. It can significantly reduce the number of compounds that need to be tested experimentally.
