Pharmacopeia's internal discovery focus on immunobiological disease processes is driven by a number of compelling reasons:
- Significant domain expertise gained from successful collaborative programs in these areas.
- Existing therapies are lacking. For example, methotrexate,the standard of care for rheumatoid arthritis, has serious side-effects while newer biologicals are costly and have safety concerns.
- Growth opportunities are provided by a large, growing population of older patients with immunological diseases including chronic and acute inflammation, autoimmune diseases and asthma.
- Opportunities arising from increased understanding of the biology of the immune system and recognition of its involvement in therapeutic segments such as Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis and cancer.
- New biologicals have validated certain pathways and targets for which small molecule therapeutics may offer the best therapeutic solution.
