Medicinal Chemistry An Introduction [Paperback]

Medicinal Chemistry: An Introduction, Second Edition provides a comprehensive, balanced introduction to this evolving and multidisciplinary area of research. Building on the success of the First Edition, this edition has been completely revised and updated to include the latest developments in the field.

Written in an accessible style, Medicinal Chemistry: An Introduction, Second Edition carefully explains fundamental principles, assuming little in the way of prior knowledge. The book focuses on the chemical principles used for drug discovery and design covering physiology and biology where relevant. It opens with a broad overview of the subject with subsequent chapters examining topics in greater depth.

From the reviews of the First Edition:

It contains a wealth of information in a compact form ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE, INTERNATIONAL EDITION

Medicinal Chemistry is certainly a text I would chose to teach from for undergraduates. It fills a unique niche in the market place. PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND EDUCATIONAL REVIEWS

Preface to the First Edition xv

Preface to the Second Edition xvii

Acknowledgements xix

Abbreviations xxi

1 An introduction to drugs, their action and discovery 1

1.1 Introduction 1

1.2 What are drugs and why do we need new ones? 1

1.3 Drug discovery and design: a historical outline 3

1.3.1 The general stages in modern-day drug discovery and design 7

1.4 Leads and analogues: some desirable properties 9

1.4.1 Bioavailability 9

1.4.2 Solubility 10

1.4.3 Structure 10

1.4.4 Stability 11

1.5 Sources of leads and drugs 14