The Implication of Incrementally Modified Drug Technology and the Current Trends in Psychopharmacology

Jeong, Seong Hoon

Abstract

Development of new drugs using the incrementally modified drug (IMD) technique is becoming increasingly popular in the pharmaceutical industry. The technique addresses the critical need of pharmaceutical companies to reduce the astronomical budget required to develop a new drug. Incremental drug modification can encompass modification of the structure, formulation, or indication of existing drugs. Typical examples of the technique include modification of chemical structure, changes to formulation, and development of compound drugs. While some large pharmaceutical companies use the technique as a strategic tactic to prolong patent rights and maintain a profitable brand, it can also offer many health benefits, such as the discovery of new uses for the same compound, improved safety, and raised patient compliance. Several incrementally modified drugs have already been marketed for psychiatric use, and many more are waiting for approval. This new trend may expand the options available to clinicians; the usefulness of chiral and long-acting drugs has already been proven in clinical practice. This review presents an overview of the incrementally modified drug technique and its current status in psychopharmacology. It also discusses the economic and clinical implications of the current popularity of this technique.