2.3.7 DNA and RNA
Nucleic acids themselves may be direct drug targets, particularly in oncology.
PharmacologyPhase 2 — Target Identification & Compound Profiling2.3 Druggable Target Classes1 min readUpdated 2026-07-13
Nucleic acids themselves may be direct drug targets, particularly in oncology. Intercalating agents such as doxorubicin insert between DNA base pairs, alkylating agents such as cyclophosphamide form covalent DNA adducts, and topoisomerase inhibitors block DNA unwinding during replication.