A computational ensemble pharmacophore model for identifying substrates of P-glycoprotein.

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) functions as a drug efflux pump, mediating multidrug resistance and limiting the efficacy of many drugs. Clearly, identification of potential P-gp substrate liability early in the drug discovery process would be advantageous. We describe a multiple-pharmacophore model that can discriminate between substrates and nonsubstrates of P-gp with an accuracy of 63%. The application of this filter allows large virtual libraries to be screened efficiently for compounds less likely to be transported by P-gp.