A unique multiattribute method to predict success of emerging drug targets

A crucial driver for increased productivity is the identification of potential drug failures at the earliest stages of development, thereby reducing costly, large-scale clinical trials. Here, we present a multiattribute method that utilizes six key aspects of development: (i) target validation and proof-of-mechanism; (ii) target engagement and proof-of-principle; (iii) proof-of-concept; (iv) therapy characteristics such as degree of disruption; (v) stakeholder opinions; and (vi) benchmarking metrics. Through this method, attributes are weighted according to validated characteristics to predict the success of drug targets across all stages of development. Furthermore, using clinical targets for hepatitis B, we demonstrate that our methodology can be validated retrospectively.