Medicinal chemistry focuses on the design and discovery of new drugs by understanding the relationship between chemical structure and biological activity. Techniques such as structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies are employed to optimize drug efficacy and reduce side effects.
Toxicology and Safety Profiling
Medicinal chemists assess the safety and potential toxicity of drug candidates. This includes evaluating off-target effects, adverse reactions, and long-term effects to minimize harm and ensure that the drug is safe for human use.
Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR)
SAR is a fundamental concept in medicinal chemistry, involving the study of how changes in a drug's chemical structure affect its biological activity. This helps in refining compounds to improve their potency, selectivity, and safety.