Final answer:
Among the options listed, high-throughput screening (HTS) is a lead-driven approach to drug discovery as it rapidly identifies potential lead compounds by testing large numbers of them against biological targets.
Step-by-step explanation:
A lead-driven approach to drug discovery would likely involve a method where potential therapeutic compounds (lead compounds) are identified early in the drug discovery process and then optimized through various assays to determine their suitability as medications. The options given, high-throughput screening (HTS) stands out as a straightforward lead-driven approach. It allows for rapid screening of vast libraries of compounds to identify those with desirable interactions with biological targets, typically through automated assays.
Rational drug design based on structural biology is another lead-driven method, wherein drugs are designed to target a specific biological molecule, incorporating knowledge of its structure and function. It often involves the iterative modification of lead compounds based on pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties observed through various in vitro assays. The process incorporates feedback from each stage of testing to optimize the compounds for further development.