Should we stay, or should we go now? ChatGTP does TPD

Do you want to see me do some magic?

OK - I will give ChatGTP the following prompt:

"I need you to write a blog post on trends, opportunities, and a general forecasting strategy for the field of targeted protein degradation. Targeted protein degradation or TPD for short is an emerging strategy in targeted therapy development. Interested in this space has been rapidly growing but the field is facing obstacles. Please write 6 paragraphs on the issues surrounding this research area." and "Presto!" - here is a well-written post on the subject:

"Targeted protein degradation (TPD) is an innovative approach in drug discovery that aims to remove disease-causing proteins from cells by inducing their degradation. The potential of this technology to address previously "undruggable" targets has led to a surge of interest and investment in the field. However, despite the promises and excitement, TPD faces several challenges that need to be overcome for the field to reach its full potential.

One major obstacle in TPD is the development of effective and selective ligands that can specifically target disease-associated proteins for degradation while sparing healthy proteins. Current ligands face limitations in terms of selectivity, potency, and pharmacokinetics, which can lead to off-target effects, toxicity, and poor efficacy. Addressing these issues requires the development of novel ligands and strategies that can overcome the limitations of existing approaches.

Another challenge is the complexity of the cellular degradation machinery, which involves multiple ubiquitin ligases, adaptor proteins, and other factors. Understanding the mechanisms of protein degradation and the interplay between the different components is critical for the development of effective TPD strategies. Additionally, the development of TPD drugs requires a deep understanding of the biology and pathology of the target protein, as well as the cellular context in which it functions.

The regulatory landscape is another factor that affects the development of TPD drugs. The novelty of the technology and the lack of established guidelines for TPD drug development pose challenges for regulatory agencies, which need to balance the need for innovation with the need for safety and efficacy. The development of regulatory frameworks and guidelines that address the unique aspects of TPD technology is essential for the success of the field.

Furthermore, the high cost and long timelines associated with drug development are additional challenges that TPD faces. The development of TPD drugs requires significant resources and expertise, which can be a barrier for smaller companies and academic groups. Collaborative efforts and partnerships between academia, industry, and government can help overcome these challenges by sharing resources and expertise.

Despite the challenges, the potential of TPD in the development of novel therapies is significant. TPD has the potential to address previously undruggable targets, expand the therapeutic options for patients, and improve the efficacy and safety of existing therapies. Successful TPD drug development requires a multi-disciplinary approach that integrates biology, chemistry, and pharmacology, as well as collaborations between academia, industry, and regulatory agencies. Addressing the challenges and unlocking the potential of TPD will require ongoing innovation, investment, and collaboration."

You see - I told you it is fabulous... and, honestly, quite a bit freaky!

The text highlights things I would have highlighted, and picks one aspect of TPD that I rarely think about (regulatory landscape). The points are well reasoned, albeit perhaps a tad generic, and delivery is polished and professional.

Which leads me to the question - what part of our work as scientists can we outsource to tools like ChatGTP? And if do so, are we still in the game?