TY - JOUR T1 - Pharmacokinetic and Drug Metabolism Properties of Novel Therapeutic Modalities JF - Drug Metabolism and Disposition JO - Drug Metab Dispos DO - 10.1124/dmd.119.088708 SP - dmd.119.088708 AU - Brooke M Rock AU - Robert Foti Y1 - 2019/01/01 UR - http://dmd.aspetjournals.org/content/early/2019/08/09/dmd.119.088708.abstract N2 - The discovery and development of novel pharmaceutical therapies is rapidly transitioning from a small molecule-dominated focus to a more balanced portfolio consisting of small molecules, monoclonal antibodies, engineered proteins (modified endogenous proteins, bispecific antibodies and fusion proteins), oligonucleotides and gene-based therapies. This commentary, and the special issue as a whole, will aim to highlight these emerging modalities and the efforts underway to better understand their unique pharmacokinetic and ADME properties. The manuscripts highlighted herein can be broadly grouped into those focusing on the ADME properties of novel therapeutics, those exploring targeted-delivery strategies and finally, those discussing oligonucleotide therapies. It is also evident that while the field in general continues to progress towards new and more complex molecules, a significant amount of effort is still being placed on antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). As therapeutic molecules become increasingly complex, a parallel demand for advancements in experimental and analytical tools will become increasingly evident, both to increase the speed and efficiency of identifying safe and efficacious molecules while simultaneously decreasing our dependence on in vivo studies in preclinical species. The research and commentary included in this special issue will provide researchers, clinicians and the patients we serve more options in the ongoing fight against grievous illnesses and unmet medical needs.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Recent trends in drug discovery and development suggest a shift away from a small molecule-dominated approach to a more balanced portfolio that includes small molecules, monoclonal antibodies, engineered proteins and gene therapies. The research presented in this special issue of Drug Metabolism and Disposition will serve to highlight advancements in the understanding of the mechanisms which govern the pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism properties of the novel therapeutic modalities. ER -