A recent review explored targeted protein degradation (TPD) as a therapeutic modality and examined potential implications for human health and species beyond the clinic. Authors synthesized literature on degrader design, on‑target efficacy and unintended biological effects, calling attention to cross‑species exposures and ecological considerations. The piece reviews molecular glue and PROTAC approaches, highlights therapeutic successes and gaps, and discusses off‑target degradation risks that could affect non‑human organisms if degrader molecules enter environments. The authors propose frameworks for safety testing and environmental risk assessment. Industry developers should incorporate broader biosafety assessments into preclinical programs and regulators may need updated guidance to account for TPD’s unique mechanisms and potential environmental persistence.
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