Examines the properties of drug molecules, the characteristics of drug receptors, and the nature of drug-receptor interactions. This third edition takes a receptor-based, target-centred approach. It presents the concepts central to the study of drug action in a logical, and a mechanistic way, grounded on molecular modeling techniques.
Fully updated and rewritten by a basic scientist who is also a practicing physician, the third edition of this popular textbook remains comprehensive, authoritative and readable. Taking a receptor-based, target-centered approach, it presents the concepts central to the study of drug action in
a logical, mechanistic way grounded on molecular and biochemical principles. Students of pharmacy, chemistry and pharmacology, as well as researchers interested in a better understanding of drug design, will find this book an invaluable resource. Starting with an overview of basic
principles, Medicinal Chemistry examines the properties of drug molecules, the characteristics of drug receptors, and the nature of drug-receptor interactions. Then it systematically examines the various families of receptors involved in human disease and drug design. The first three classes of
receptors are related to endogenous molecules: neurotransmitters, hormones and immunomodulators. Next, receptors associated with cellular organelles (mitochondria, cell nucleus), endogenous macromolecules (membrane proteins, cytoplasmic enzymes) and exogenous pathogens (viruses, bacteria) are
examined. Through this evaluation of receptors, all the main types of human disease and all major categories of drugs are considered. There have been many changes in the third edition, including a new chapter on the immune system. Because of their increasingly prominent role in drug
discovery, molecular modeling techniques, high throughput screening, neuropharmacology and genetics/genomics are given much more attention. The chapter on hormonal therapies has been thoroughly updated and re-organized. Emerging enzyme targets indrug design (e.g. kinases, caspases) are discussed,
and recent information on voltage-gated and ligand-gated ion channels has been incorporated. The sections on antihypertensive, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiarrhythmic, and anticancer drugs, as well as
"The text is very readable and each chapter has a bibliogrpahy for further reading. The book will be very useful for those wishing to understand the mechanisms of drug action and how to design new drugs."
