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Lecturer(s)
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Course content
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Introduction to drug development. Drug interactions with molecular targets. Fate of active substances in the body - absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). Prodrugs. Discovery and screening of biologically active compounds. Natural products as drugs and sources of inspiration for drug development. Characterization of functional groups commonly found in active pharmaceutical compounds. Strategies for structural modification of active compounds. Biotechnological therapeutics (recombinant proteins, antibodies, aptamers, siRNA, stem cells, etc.). Pharmacogenomics. Clinical testing of potential drugs and their regulatory approval. Case studies.
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Learning activities and teaching methods
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Lecture
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Learning outcomes
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The aim of the course is to provide students with an overview of modern drug discovery and development, including both classical small-molecule drugs and biotechnological therapeutics. The course covers molecular targets, lead discovery and optimization, pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenomics, clinical testing, and regulatory approval.
After completing the course, the student understands the basic principles of: - identification of new active compounds and their development into drugs; - pharmacokinetics (drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion); - the relationship between chemical structure and biological activity; - clinical testing and regulatory approval of new drugs.
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Prerequisites
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Suitable after completing basic undergraduate courses in cell and molecular biology.
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Assessment methods and criteria
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Written exam
Passing written exam.
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Recommended literature
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Eugene H. Cordes. Hallelujah Moments - Tales of Drug Discovery. 2020.
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Mikkael A. Sekeres. (2022). Drugs and the FDA: Safety, Efficacy, and the Public?s Trust.
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Patrick, G. L. (2023). An Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry. Oxford University Press.
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