Medicinal Chemistry

Medicinal chemistry is a highly interdisciplinary scientific field that is focused on the design, synthesis, and characterization of molecules with potential medical applications. Through the use of computational methods and combinatorial chemistry, medicinal chemists are able to rapidly synthesize and study compounds in hopes of obtaining new medicines and treatments for a variety of illnesses. Medicinal chemists are also involved in the optimization of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs. This involves studying the effects of a drug and optimizing its pharmacological properties so that it can effectively and safely interact with biological systems. With its involvement in drug discovery and development, medicinal chemistry plays a critical role in the discovery of new and effective treatments of diseases.