◆グ社 Research – identifying a new approach to treat a disease or condition
We use the growing understanding of biology to identify ‘targets’. A target is a structure – like an enzyme – in the body that contributes to the development of a disease or its symptoms. It is important initially to know that the target we select is valid, and that it affects the disease process in the way that the science suggests.
Once a target has been identified, the next step is to find chemicals or natural compounds that might inhibit or enhance the target’s activity. Current techniques allow many hundreds of compounds to be screened for that sort of activity very quickly. Compounds that show the sort of effect we want are called 'hits'.
Discovery – developing and investigating compounds that can alter a disease process
Once we have identified our hits, we narrow down the number of possible compounds by further testing, to come up with lead compounds. Our lead compounds may need to be 'improved' - we may modify them using chemistry to enhance different properties. Ideally we look for compounds that:
・selectively hit the target for the disease processes
・can be safely absorbed by the body
・reach the appropriate point in the body to find the target
・remain in the system long enough to have an effect
・can be manufactured to produce a stable preparation convenient to use
・have few side effects
◆タケダ
Prior to market launch, new drugs undergo a long and complicated series of steps, including an evaluation of efficacy and safety, application for approval, and investigation and approval of drug applications by regulatory authorities.
Once a target has been identified, the next step is to find chemicals or natural compounds that might inhibit or enhance the target’s activity.
the next step～のSVC文型のくだりが屋台骨だね。まずはじめの文からいくか。
Once a target has been identifiedってのは、現在完了形の形「have（has） + 過去分詞」と受動態の形「be動詞 + 過去分詞」の合体バージョンで、現在完了形の受動態なのです。
「ターゲットが特定されれば」って意味ですね。
これは論文でも使いやすいじぇ。
例えば、概要説明（アブスト）でこう使うとか。
A successful strategy for the selective synthesis of APTX4869 has been developed.
続いて名詞のお話。
to find chemicals or natural compoundsって部分のchemicalは名詞です。
形容詞でよく使いますけど、名詞では化学薬品って意味ですね。
なお、文字通りヤク（別名ビタミン剤）って意味もあるから、繁華街で連呼するなよ
では、chemicalとはどーいう薬品なのか。
or以下のnatural compounds（天然化合物）に対比させてるので、人が化学合成した化学物質って感じと推察。
ここは対比の単語がオンパレードですね。inhibit or enhanceとか
