Structural biology & molecular modeling techniques: Advanced technology to aid in drug discovery process

Structural biology combines biochemistry, molecular biology, and biochemistry, to analyze the molecular structure of macromolecules, such as nucleic acids and proteins, to reveal functional aspects of individual macromolecules that influence biological interactions. The growing popularity of structural biology techniques like molecular modeling amongst biologists is attributable to the detailed insights drawn of small as well as large molecules.

The calculations presented by the software, in comparison to conventional methods, predict more accurately the binding affinities of proteins. Precise prediction of the binding affinities of drug molecules opens up new growth avenues in the development and synthesis of new generation therapeutics. A variety of techniques, such as mass spectrometry, macromolecular crystallography, proteolysis, laser spectroscopy, light scattering, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, are being used to predict structures for protein and drug molecules.

Global structural biology & molecular modeling techniques market, by tools, 2015

                        

In addition, the burgeoning geriatric population base, characterized with high susceptibility to developing chronic diseases, is anticipated to impel the demand for highly efficacious pharmacological drugs. This requirement is believed to be achieved at a faster rate through the incorporation of sophisticated molecular modeling techniques, thus creating high potential growth opportunities for the market in the future.

The number of researchers involved in molecular modeling has been increasing steadily over the past few years, resulting in large contribution to academic research and chemicalresearch. Moreover, advent of novel solutions is presumed to improve biomedical research, counter challenges, and expedite the drug discovery process, thus heightening the market demand.

Technological advancements in the field of x-ray crystallography have led to superior quality imaging and visualization software, employed to analyze atomic structures, which is presumed to drive the market demand in the future. In addition, increasing usage of software that focus on virtual chemical designing of drug molecules to accelerate drug discoveries led by major pharmaceuticals, fast track the generation of novel therapeutic agents. For example, the Molecular Operating Environment and iLab have gained immense importance in the calculation of error-free parameters and in performing data validation in drug discovery. Growing availability of free online software, such as discovery studio, automated topology builder, ACEMD, are expected to boost the usage rate of in silico tools.

The significant rise in the market demand is attributable to companies increasingly incorporating the computer modeling approach to develop drug variants and thus prolong the lifecycles of their patent-expiring drugs. For instance, in 2012, Rhenovia Pharma Ltd., a biotechnological company, incorporated in silico models to develop treatment alternatives pertaining to disorders with limited medication choices.

  In-depth report on global structural biology & molecular modeling techniques market by Grand View Research:

http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/structural-biology-and-molecular-modeling-technique-market