Innovative Approaches in Protein and Peptide Drug Discovery: Bridging Experimental Potential with Clinical Impact

The field of experimental pharmacology is witnessing a dynamic expansion in the use of proteins and peptides as innovative therapeutic agents. These biomolecules are uniquely suited for drug development thanks to their high target specificity, favorable safety profiles, and the opportunity for rational design. Despite these advantages, the path from laboratory discovery to clinical translation requires a rigorous understanding of pharmacological mechanisms, optimization of molecular properties, and comprehensive preclinical evaluation.

This Research Topic focuses on the experimental strategies and advances driving the discovery, design, and characterization of protein and peptide-based drugs. We invite contributions that detail novel methodologies in protein engineering, peptide synthesis, and high-throughput screening as well as mechanistic studies elucidating how these agents interact with molecular targets. Submissions exploring advances in experimental models—ranging from in vitro assays to animal studies—that accelerate the assessment of efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and safety are particularly welcome.

By emphasizing the early stages of the drug development pipeline, this collection aims to bridge the gap between basic molecular research and the identification of viable therapeutic candidates, ultimately enhancing the translation of experimental breakthroughs toward clinical development.

We welcome original articles, short communications, and reviews addressing topics including, but not limited to:

o Experimental methods for protein and peptide design and optimization

o High-throughput screening platforms for lead identification

o Mechanistic and pharmacological profiling of novel biomolecules

o Innovative in vitro and in vivo models for efficacy and safety assessment

o Experimental strategies to address stability, delivery, or immunogenicity challenges

o Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies guiding preclinical optimization

Through this focused Research Topic, we aim to showcase the latest experimental tools, model systems, and discoveries that are shaping the future of protein and peptide drug discovery, and to provide a resource for researchers dedicated to advancing these promising biomolecules through the early stages of pharmacological development.

Please note that submissions lacking experimental validation of in silico findings will not be considered.

Topic Editors Dr. Lalitha Gummidi and Dr. Sureshbabu Popuri are employed by TCG GreenChem, Inc. The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Protein Engineering, Peptide Synthesis, Therapeutic Peptides, Pharmacological Profiling, High-Throughput Screening, Experimental Models, Structure-Activity Relationship, Preclinical Evaluation

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.