Description
Objectives
The course aims to provide a comprehensive look into how new pharmacologically active molecules are designed to treat human diseases. The students are exposed to an overview of the significance of Medicinal Chemistry, with emphasis on its multidisciplinary nature. The course deals with basic aspects of drug action, drug metabolism and potential toxicity, as well as relevant aspects of the drug discovery and development processes. These principles are illustrated with the analysis of a selected set of specific drug families (case studies). Upon completion of the course, the students are expected to understand: • the modes of action of drugs on their molecular targets • the pharmacokinetics of drug action, including ADME(T) • the strategies of molecular design of new drugs • drug metabolism and its role in pharmacokinetics and drug safety • the patent process for intellectual property protection • the ethical aspects of drug development and marketing, including risk/benefit issues
Syllabus
Brief introduction to medicinal chemistry: definition and scope. Major drug targets. Drug-receptor interactions. Drug-like properties: relevance of a good equilibrium between affinity to the biological target (e.g., enzyme, receptor) and good ADME(T) properties. Barriers to drug exposure in vivo. Physico- chemical properties with relevance to drug efficacy. (Quantitative) Struture- Activity Relationships [(Q)SAR]: Classical isosteres and bioisoteres; Hansch analysis - background, positive and negative aspects. Introduction to Computer-Assisted Drug Design. Hit-to-lead drug discovery. Drug Metabolism: Phase I and Phase II metabolism; prodrugs and antedrugs. Pharmacokinetics. Animal models of disease state. Safety and toxicology. Identification of Pan- Assay Interference Compounds (PAINS). Basics of clinical trials. Translational medicine and biomarkers. Intelellectual property and patents in drug discovery. Ethical aspects of drug development and marketing. Case studies in drug discovery.
Cross Competence Component
The course has a strong component of individual presentations and in-class discussions. This requires autonomy, critical thinking and development of arguing skills. These skills will contribute to the final evalaution with 10%.
Programming And Computing Component
The students will make ample use of database search. The use of open-source software for visualization of complex structures and introduction to computer- assisted drug design is also contemplated.
Ethical Principles
All members of a group are responsible for the group´s work. In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used. In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.