Topics in Medicinal Chemistry – serie

This book reviews the current strategies and challenges for the treatment of bacterial, fungal, parasitic and viral infectious diseases in developing countries. Contributing authors present expert analysis on the transmission, epidemiology, bacteriology, pathogenesis and treatment of Neglected Tropical Bacterial Diseases such as Leprosy, Buruli ulcer, and Trachoma.  Particular attention is also given to current antifungal agents, their spectrum of activity, mode of action, limitations, and current challenges in antifungal therapy. The authors explore the medicinal chemistry efforts that gave rise to currently launched drugs and new anti-HIV agents, and they also highlight the latest vaccine and drug developments in the clinical management of the Ebola Virus Disease, ignited by the 2014-2016 outbreak. This work has an interdisciplinary appeal and will engage scholars and professionals in the burden of communicable diseases.

Medicinal chemistry is both science and art. The science of medicinal chemistry offers mankind one of its best hopes for improving the quality of life. The art of medicinal chemistry continues to challenge its practitioners with the need for both intuition and experience to discover new drugs. Hence sharing the experience of drug research is uniquely beneficial to the field of medicinal chemistry. Drug research requires interdisciplinary team-work at the interface between chemistry, biology and medicine. Therefore, the topic-related series Topics in Medicinal Chemistry covers all relevant aspects of drug research, e.g. pathobiochemistry of diseases, identification and validation of (emerging) drug targets, structural biology, drugability of targets, drug design approaches, chemogenomics, synthetic chemistry including combinatorial methods, bioorganic chemistry, natural compounds, high-throughput screening, pharmacological in vitro and in vivo investigations, drug-receptor interactionson the molecular level, structure-activity relationships, drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, toxicology and pharmacogenomics. In general, special volumes are edited by well known guest editors

This book introduces readers to the latest advances in G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) biology. It reviews our current understanding of the structural basis of ligand binding and allosteric mechanisms, following a decade of technological breakthroughs. Several examples of structure-based drug discovery are presented, together with the future challenges involved in designing better drugs that target GPCRs. In turn, the book illustrates the important concept of GPCR biased signaling in physiological contexts, and presents fluorescent- and light-based methodologies frequently used to measure GPCR signaling or to trace their dynamics in cells upon ligand activation. Taken together, the chapters provide an essential overview and toolkit for new scientific investigators who plan to develop GPCR projects. All chapters were written by experts in their respective fields, and share valuable insights and powerful methodologies for the GPCR field.

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and infects approximately 75 million individuals worldwide. It is also one of the major causes of liver cancer and liver transplants. The elucidation of the HCV genome, and the development of a whole cell system to study the virus spurred the search for novel direct acting antiviral drugs to cure this disease. This global effort culminated in the development of direct acting antiviral drugs that led to cure rates approaching 100% in all patient populations after only 8-12 weeks of therapy. These efforts resulted in one of the greatest achievements in public health and provides the potential for eliminating HCV as a major disease worldwide.This volume is aimed at a broad audience of academic and industrial scientists interested in the discovery and development of drugs to treat viral diseases and those interested in reading about one of the most unique accomplishments in biomedical research. The volume will provide a one of a kind reference work that highlights the many efforts, from the discovery of the HCV virus, to the invention of breakthrough medicines and their use in the real world to cure patients. It is the companion book to the volume "HCV: The Journey from Discovery to a Cure - Volume II".

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and infects approximately 75 million individuals worldwide. It is also one of the major causes of liver cancer and liver transplants. The elucidation of the HCV genome, and the development of a whole cell system to study the virus spurred the search for novel direct acting antiviral drugs to cure this disease. This global effort culminated in the development of direct acting antiviral drugs that led to cure rates approaching 100% in all patient populations after only 8-12 weeks of therapy. These efforts resulted in one of the greatest achievements in public health and provides the potential for eliminating HCV as a major disease worldwide.This volume is aimed at a broad audience of academic and industrial scientists interested in the discovery and development of drugs to treat viral diseases and those interested in reading about one of the most unique accomplishments in biomedical research. The volume will provide a one of a kind reference work that highlights the many efforts, from the discovery of the HCV virus, to the invention of breakthrough medicines and their use in the real world to cure patients. It is the companion book to the volume "HCV: The Journey from Discovery to a Cure - Volume II".

​Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and infects approximately 75 million individuals worldwide. It is also one of the major causes of liver cancer and liver transplants. The elucidation of the HCV genome, and the development of a whole cell system to study the virus spurred the search for novel direct acting antiviral drugs to cure this disease. This global effort culminated in the development of direct acting antiviral drugs that led to cure rates approaching 100% in all patient populations after only 8-12 weeks of therapy. These efforts resulted in one of the greatest achievements in public health and provides the potential for eliminating HCV as a major disease worldwide.This volume is aimed at a broad audience of academic and industrial scientists interested in the discovery and development of drugs to treat viral diseases and those interested in reading about one of the most unique accomplishments in biomedical research. The volume will provide a one of a kind reference work that highlights the many efforts, from the discovery of the HCV virus, to the invention of breakthrough medicines and their use in the real world to cure patients. It is the companion book to the volume "HCV: The Journey from Discovery to a Cure - Volume I".

​Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and infects approximately 75 million individuals worldwide. It is also one of the major causes of liver cancer and liver transplants. The elucidation of the HCV genome, and the development of a whole cell system to study the virus spurred the search for novel direct acting antiviral drugs to cure this disease. This global effort culminated in the development of direct acting antiviral drugs that led to cure rates approaching 100% in all patient populations after only 8-12 weeks of therapy. These efforts resulted in one of the greatest achievements in public health and provides the potential for eliminating HCV as a major disease worldwide.This volume is aimed at a broad audience of academic and industrial scientists interested in the discovery and development of drugs to treat viral diseases and those interested in reading about one of the most unique accomplishments in biomedical research. The volume will provide a one of a kind reference work that highlights the many efforts, from the discovery of the HCV virus, to the invention of breakthrough medicines and their use in the real world to cure patients. It is the companion book to the volume "HCV: The Journey from Discovery to a Cure - Volume I".

This book presents an authoritative review of the most significant findings about all the epigenetic targets (writers, readers, and erasers) and their implication in physiology and pathology. The book also covers the design, synthesis and biological validation of epigenetic chemical modulators, which can be useful as novel chemotherapeutic agents. Particular attention is given to the chemical mechanisms of action of these molecules and to the drug discovery prose which allows their identification. This book will appeal to students who want to know the extensive progresses made by epigenetics (targets and modulators) in the last years from the beginning, and to specialized scientists who need an instrument to quickly search and check historical and/or updated notices about epigenetics.

This book presents an authoritative review of the most significant findings about all the epigenetic targets (writers, readers, and erasers) and their implication in physiology and pathology. The book also covers the design, synthesis and biological validation of epigenetic chemical modulators, which can be useful as novel chemotherapeutic agents. Particular attention is given to the chemical mechanisms of action of these molecules and to the drug discovery prose which allows their identification. This book will appeal to students who want to know the extensive progresses made by epigenetics (targets and modulators) in the last years from the beginning, and to specialized scientists who need an instrument to quickly search and check historical and/or updated notices about epigenetics.

This book reviews the most recent developments of fluorescent imaging techniques for medicinal chemistry research and biomedical applications, including cell imaging, in vitro diagnosis and in vivo imaging.Fluorescent imaging techniques play an important role in basic research, drug discovery and clinical translation. They have great impact to many fields including chemical biology, cell biology, medical imaging, cancer diagnosis and treatment, pharmaceutical science, among others, and they have facilitated our understanding of diseases and helped to develop many novel powerful tools for imaging and treatment of diseases. This book will appeal to scientists from numerous fields such as chemistry, pharmaceutical science, biology, materials science, and medicine, and it will serve as a very useful and handy resource for readers with different levels of scientific knowledge, ranging from entry level to professional level.

This book reviews the most recent developments of fluorescent imaging techniques for medicinal chemistry research and biomedical applications, including cell imaging, in vitro diagnosis and in vivo imaging.Fluorescent imaging techniques play an important role in basic research, drug discovery and clinical translation. They have great impact to many fields including chemical biology, cell biology, medical imaging, cancer diagnosis and treatment, pharmaceutical science, among others, and they have facilitated our understanding of diseases and helped to develop many novel powerful tools for imaging and treatment of diseases. This book will appeal to scientists from numerous fields such as chemistry, pharmaceutical science, biology, materials science, and medicine, and it will serve as a very useful and handy resource for readers with different levels of scientific knowledge, ranging from entry level to professional level.

This book reviews the current state of ocular drug therapy and future therapeutic opportunities for a wide variety of conditions, including Age-related Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy and Macular Edema, Glaucoma, and Inherited Retinal Diseases.Retinal diseases are major contributors to moderate or severe vision impairment in adults aged 50 years and older. The respective patient populations for many of these indications is expected to significantly increase as the world population continues to grow older. An improved understanding of the etiological underpinnings of ocular degenerative diseases over the past decade has significantly bolstered ophthalmic drug discovery.In this volume, contributions from leading experts explore the unique challenges faced for ocular drug discovery and delivery providing the reader with detailed information on ocular pharmacokinetics, in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models for retinal disease pathology and emerginggene therapy treatments. The book is intended for all researchers and clinicians who wish to increase their knowledge on the latest findings in ocular drug therapy.

This book reviews the current state of ocular drug therapy and future therapeutic opportunities for a wide variety of conditions, including Age-related Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy and Macular Edema, Glaucoma, and Inherited Retinal Diseases.Retinal diseases are major contributors to moderate or severe vision impairment in adults aged 50 years and older. The respective patient populations for many of these indications is expected to significantly increase as the world population continues to grow older. An improved understanding of the etiological underpinnings of ocular degenerative diseases over the past decade has significantly bolstered ophthalmic drug discovery.In this volume, contributions from leading experts explore the unique challenges faced for ocular drug discovery and delivery providing the reader with detailed information on ocular pharmacokinetics, in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models for retinal disease pathology and emerginggene therapy treatments. The book is intended for all researchers and clinicians who wish to increase their knowledge on the latest findings in ocular drug therapy.

This book reviews the principles of design and examples of successful implementation of proteinkinase inhibitors (PKI), and offers a comprehensive and authoritative overview of the history and latest developments in the field. Chapters written by experts from industry and academia cover the function, structure and topology of Proteinkinases, molecular modelling, disclose how to achieve high level of selectivity for kinase inhibitors, and exploit kinase inhibitors for cancer treatment. Particular attention is given to Inhibitors of c-Jun N-terminal kinase 3, and to covalent Janus Kinase 3 Inhibitors. A case study on Receptor Tyrosine Kinases EGFR, VEGFR, PDGFR is also presented in this book.Given its breath, this book will appeal to medicinal chemists, students, researchers and professionals alike.

This book reviews the principles of design and examples of successful implementation of proteinkinase inhibitors (PKI), and offers a comprehensive and authoritative overview of the history and latest developments in the field. Chapters written by experts from industry and academia cover the function, structure and topology of Proteinkinases, molecular modelling, disclose how to achieve high level of selectivity for kinase inhibitors, and exploit kinase inhibitors for cancer treatment. Particular attention is given to Inhibitors of c-Jun N-terminal kinase 3, and to covalent Janus Kinase 3 Inhibitors. A case study on Receptor Tyrosine Kinases EGFR, VEGFR, PDGFR is also presented in this book.Given its breath, this book will appeal to medicinal chemists, students, researchers and professionals alike.

This book reviews recent physicochemical and biophysical techniques applied in drug discovery research, and it outlines the latest advances in computational drug design. Divided into 10 chapters, the book discusses about the role of structural biology in drug discovery, and offers useful application cases of several biophysical and computational methods, including time-resolved fluorometry (TRF) with Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), X-Ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, generative machine learning for inverse molecular design, quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM,ONIOM) and quantum molecular dynamics (QMT) methods. Particular attention is given to computational search techniques applied to peptide vaccines using novel mathematical descriptors and structure and ligand-based virtual screening techniques in drug discovery research. Given its scope, the book is a valuable resource for students, researchers and professionals frompharmaceutical industry interested in drug design and discovery.

This book reviews recent physicochemical and biophysical techniques applied in drug discovery research, and it outlines the latest advances in computational drug design. Divided into 10 chapters, the book discusses about the role of structural biology in drug discovery, and offers useful application cases of several biophysical and computational methods, including time-resolved fluorometry (TRF) with Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), X-Ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, generative machine learning for inverse molecular design, quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM,ONIOM) and quantum molecular dynamics (QMT) methods. Particular attention is given to computational search techniques applied to peptide vaccines using novel mathematical descriptors and structure and ligand-based virtual screening techniques in drug discovery research. Given its scope, the book is a valuable resource for students, researchers and professionals frompharmaceutical industry interested in drug design and discovery.

This book reviews the challenges and opportunities posed by flow chemistry in drug discovery, and offers a handy reference tool for medicinal chemists interested in the synthesis of biologically active compounds.Prepared by expert contributors, the respective chapters cover not only fundamental methodologies and reactions, such as the application of catalysis, especially biocatalysis and organocatalysis; and non-conventional activation techniques, from photochemistry to electrochemistry; but also the development of new process windows, processes and reactions in drug synthesis. Particular attention is given to automatization and library synthesis, which are of great importance in the pharmaceutical industry. Readers will also find coverage on selected topics of general interest, such as how flow chemistry is contributing to drug discovery R&D in developing countries, and the green character of this enabling technology, for example in the production of raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry from waste. Given its scope, the book appeals to medicinal chemistry researchers working in academia and industry alike, as well as professionals involved in scale-up and drug development.

This book reviews the challenges and opportunities posed by flow chemistry in drug discovery, and offers a handy reference tool for medicinal chemists interested in the synthesis of biologically active compounds.Prepared by expert contributors, the respective chapters cover not only fundamental methodologies and reactions, such as the application of catalysis, especially biocatalysis and organocatalysis; and non-conventional activation techniques, from photochemistry to electrochemistry; but also the development of new process windows, processes and reactions in drug synthesis. Particular attention is given to automatization and library synthesis, which are of great importance in the pharmaceutical industry. Readers will also find coverage on selected topics of general interest, such as how flow chemistry is contributing to drug discovery R&D in developing countries, and the green character of this enabling technology, for example in the production of raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry from waste. Given its scope, the book appeals to medicinal chemistry researchers working in academia and industry alike, as well as professionals involved in scale-up and drug development.

This book reviews new promising drug targets for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), with a special focus on antiprotozoal drugs against trpyanosomatids Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. The book offers a comprehensive overview of the most recent studied targets, and it outlines classical and new treatments and delivery strategies. Expert contributors describe new methods of analysis and bio-prospecting for new compounds, and provide a critical perspective of the translational process used in the research and development of new drug candidates.The book will appeal not only to researchers, students and professionals interested in drug development to protozoan diseases, but also to medicinal chemists in general.

This book reviews new promising drug targets for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), with a special focus on antiprotozoal drugs against trpyanosomatids Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. The book offers a comprehensive overview of the most recent studied targets, and it outlines classical and new treatments and delivery strategies. Expert contributors describe new methods of analysis and bio-prospecting for new compounds, and provide a critical perspective of the translational process used in the research and development of new drug candidates.The book will appeal not only to researchers, students and professionals interested in drug development to protozoan diseases, but also to medicinal chemists in general.

This book deals with the recent advances in DNA-Encoded Library (DEL) technology that has emerged as an alternative to high throughput screening (HTS) over the last decade and has been heralded as a "disruptive" technology for drug discovery. The book aims to provide a comprehensive overview of all of the major components of the DEL process from conception to bench execution and clinical investigations. The contributions from experts in the field combine different perspectives from academia and industry. The book will be of interest to researchers in the drug discovery field as well as to graduate students and scholars who are interested in this rapidly improving technology.

This book deals with the recent advances in DNA-Encoded Library (DEL) technology that has emerged as an alternative to high throughput screening (HTS) over the last decade and has been heralded as a "disruptive" technology for drug discovery. The book aims to provide a comprehensive overview of all of the major components of the DEL process from conception to bench execution and clinical investigations. The contributions from experts in the field combine different perspectives from academia and industry. The book will be of interest to researchers in the drug discovery field as well as to graduate students and scholars who are interested in this rapidly improving technology.

This book overviews purinergic receptors that are playing key roles in human and pathophysiological processes. The book elaborates on how selective P1 and P2 modulators have been developed as therapeutics for a variety of diseases. It also provides an overview of current perspectives in the design of purinergic receptor modulators and future challenges such as the availability of selective ligands for all receptor subtypes.Divided into 12 chapters, this comprehensive volume also offers a multidisciplinary perspective on the historical evolution, starting with a chapter devoted to the roots and early discoveries of adenosine and its receptors, followed by a twenty-year retrospective on the synthesis, properties, and functional potential of adenosine receptor ligands, probes, and functional conjugates. In the next chapters, experts in the field delve into topics such as the therapeutic potential of adenosine receptor ligands in wound healing and fibrosis, the therapeutic benefits of A2A receptor antagonists, the A2B adenosine receptor as a target for brain ischemia or demyelination, the development and latest advancements in clinical trials of A3 adenosine receptor ligands. Other chapters describe bifunctional tools to study adenosine receptors, allosteric modulators of adenosine receptors, and new computational approaches to inspect adenosine receptor-ligand recognition processes. Furthermore, the book discusses the role of P2X4 receptors in immunity and inflammation. The final chapters illustrate CD73 inhibitors as antitumor agents, and bacterial ectonucleotidases as underexplored antibacterial drug targets. This book is a valuable resource for scholars working in the field of medicinal chemistry, as well as researchers in the industry, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of adenosine receptor biology and its therapeutic potential.

This book overviews purinergic receptors that are playing key roles in human and pathophysiological processes. The book elaborates on how selective P1 and P2 modulators have been developed as therapeutics for a variety of diseases. It also provides an overview of current perspectives in the design of purinergic receptor modulators and future challenges such as the availability of selective ligands for all receptor subtypes.Divided into 12 chapters, this comprehensive volume also offers a multidisciplinary perspective on the historical evolution, starting with a chapter devoted to the roots and early discoveries of adenosine and its receptors, followed by a twenty-year retrospective on the synthesis, properties, and functional potential of adenosine receptor ligands, probes, and functional conjugates. In the next chapters, experts in the field delve into topics such as the therapeutic potential of adenosine receptor ligands in wound healing and fibrosis, the therapeutic benefits of A2A receptor antagonists, the A2B adenosine receptor as a target for brain ischemia or demyelination, the development and latest advancements in clinical trials of A3 adenosine receptor ligands. Other chapters describe bifunctional tools to study adenosine receptors, allosteric modulators of adenosine receptors, and new computational approaches to inspect adenosine receptor-ligand recognition processes. Furthermore, the book discusses the role of P2X4 receptors in immunity and inflammation. The final chapters illustrate CD73 inhibitors as antitumor agents, and bacterial ectonucleotidases as underexplored antibacterial drug targets. This book is a valuable resource for scholars working in the field of medicinal chemistry, as well as researchers in the industry, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of adenosine receptor biology and its therapeutic potential.

This book reviews biotherapeutics from a medicinal chemistry perspective. It covers proteins, nucleic acids, low molecular weight hormones, small peptides, extracellular vesicles, gene therapy, cell-based products, and tissue-engineered products. Expert contributors provide insights into the mechanisms of action and translational processes of biotherapeutics. Particular attention is given to the latest developments in therapeutic proteins and nucleic acids. Biotherapeutic formulation developments like encapsulation, structural modifications and nanovehiculization are also presented in this book.Divided into 15 chapters, the book begins with basic concepts and definitions of biotherapeutics from a medicinal chemistry standpoint. The following chapters focus on therapeutic proteins, monoclonal antibodies, protein production, and structural modifications. Other chapters cover topics such as antisense oligonucleotides, aptamers, mRNA, gene therapy, as well as other biotherapeutics like low molecular weight hormones and small peptides. The book concludes with an overview of biotherapeutic formulations and an authoritative discussion on regulatory aspects.Throughout the book, readers will learn how biotherapeutics, whether obtained through bioprocesses or not, impact bioresponses and can be utilized for therapeutic purposes. Given its breadth, the book appeals to researchers in medicinal chemistry and biotherapeutics, scholars of medicinal chemistry, students at all levels of biochemical studies, practitioners in the medical field, and anyone interested in biotherapeutics.

This book reviews biotherapeutics from a medicinal chemistry perspective. It covers proteins, nucleic acids, low molecular weight hormones, small peptides, extracellular vesicles, gene therapy, cell-based products, and tissue-engineered products. Expert contributors provide insights into the mechanisms of action and translational processes of biotherapeutics. Particular attention is given to the latest developments in therapeutic proteins and nucleic acids. Biotherapeutic formulation developments like encapsulation, structural modifications and nanovehiculization are also presented in this book.Divided into 15 chapters, the book begins with basic concepts and definitions of biotherapeutics from a medicinal chemistry standpoint. The following chapters focus on therapeutic proteins, monoclonal antibodies, protein production, and structural modifications. Other chapters cover topics such as antisense oligonucleotides, aptamers, mRNA, gene therapy, as well as other biotherapeutics like low molecular weight hormones and small peptides. The book concludes with an overview of biotherapeutic formulations and an authoritative discussion on regulatory aspects.Throughout the book, readers will learn how biotherapeutics, whether obtained through bioprocesses or not, impact bioresponses and can be utilized for therapeutic purposes. Given its breadth, the book appeals to researchers in medicinal chemistry and biotherapeutics, scholars of medicinal chemistry, students at all levels of biochemical studies, practitioners in the medical field, and anyone interested in biotherapeutics.

This book reviews recent advances in drug discovery for Alzheimer’s disease, focusing on major targets and approaches. Topics include approaches to targeting—directly or indirectly—the two proteins that pathologically accumulate in the brain in Alzheimer’s disease, the amyloid β-peptide and the microtubule-associated protein tau, which remain top targets for disease prevention and treatment. A chapter on the emerging area of AI approaches to drug repurposing and discovery will also be included, with examples of the use of big data to identify novel therapeutic modalities. An overview chapter will put these approaches into broader context; describe other important and emerging approaches, targets, and drug candidates; and provide a critical assessment of the potential of these approaches to lead to effective therapeutics. This book is particularly appealing to researchers, clinicians, and students in the fields of medicinal chemistry, neuroscience, pharmacology, and biomedical sciences, as well as anyone interested in the latest advancements in Alzheimer’s disease research and drug discovery.

This book reviews the current landscape of antiviral drug discovery with a strong focus on viral enzymes as therapeutic targets. It presents a timely, mechanism‑driven overview of approved drugs, clinical candidates, and emerging inhibitor classes developed against major human pathogens, including HIV‑1, SARS‑CoV‑2, West Nile virus, Crimean‑Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, and other hemorrhagic fever viruses. By integrating historical perspectives with recent breakthroughs, the volume highlights both the progress achieved and the challenges that remain in antiviral therapeutics.The chapters cover key viral targets such as integrase, polymerase, helicase, RNase H, and viral proteases, discussing their structure, function, and role in viral replication. Several contributions focus on SARS‑CoV‑2, addressing polymerase, helicase, and protease inhibitors, while others examine antiviral strategies for flaviviruses and emerging hemorrhagic fever viruses that still lack effective treatments. Together, the chapters provide a coherent overview of target‑based antiviral research across diverse virus families.This book appeals to researchers, advanced students, and professionals in medicinal chemistry, virology, pharmacology, and drug discovery, as well as to clinicians and translational scientists seeking an up‑to‑date reference on antiviral targets and inhibitor development for both established and emerging viral infections.