The Art of Drug Synthesis
Chapter One
THE ROLE OF MEDICINAL
CHEMISTRY IN DRUG
DISCOVERY
John A. Lowe, III
1.1 INTRODUCTION
This volume represents the efforts of the many chemists whose ability to master both
synthetic and medicinal chemistry enabled them to discover a new drug. Medicinal chemistry,
like synthetic chemistry, comprises both art and science. It requires a comprehensive
mind to collect and synthesize mountains of data, chemical and biological. It requires the
instinct to select the right direction to pursue, and the intellect to plan and execute the strategy
that leads to the desired compound. Most of all, it requires a balance of creativity and
perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds to reach the goal that very few achieve-a
successfully marketed drug.
The tools of medicinal chemistry have changed dr ... read full excerpt from The Art of Drug Synthesis ebook
