GPCR drug discovery: new agents, targets and indications

Abstract

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) form one of the largest drug target families, reflecting their involvement in numerous pathophysiological processes. In this Review, we analyse drug discovery trends for the GPCR superfamily, covering compounds, targets and indications that have reached regulatory approval or that are being investigated in clinical trials. We find that there are 516 approved drugs targeting GPCRs, making up 36% of all approved drugs. These drugs act on 121 GPCR targets, one-third of all non-sensory GPCRs. Furthermore, 337 agents targeting 133 GPCRs, including 30 novel targets, are being investigated in clinical trials. Notably, 165 of these agents are approved drugs being tested for additional indications and novel agents are increasingly allosteric modulators and biologics. Remarkably, diabetes and obesity drugs targeting GPCRs had sales of nearly US $30 billion in 2023 and the numbers of clinical trials for GPCR modulators in the metabolic diseases, oncology and immunology areas are increasing strongly. Finally, we highlight the potential of untapped target-disease associations and pathway-biased signalling. Overall, this Review provides an up-to-date reference for the drugged and potentially druggable GPCRome to inform future GPCR drug discovery and development.