Drug discovery and design is a complex process that requires collaboration between various fields, including chemistry, biology, pharmacology, and more.
Within this pipeline, biochemists play a critical role in
understanding the biochemical mechanisms that underlie diseases and drug
targets, designing and optimising drug candidates, and ensuring their safety
and efficacy.
Starting at the earliest stage of drug discovery, biochemists work
to identify and validate potential drug targets by studying the structure and
function of proteins, enzymes, and other biological molecules. They may use a
variety of techniques; including X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and
mass spectrometry, to determine the 3D structure of these molecules and
understand how they interact with other proteins or ligands in the body.
Once a drug target has been identified, biochemists help design and
optimise drug candidates that can selectively bind to and modulate the activity
of the target molecule. They may use computer modelling and simulation tools to
predict how different drug candidates will interact with the target, and then
synthesize and test these compounds in the lab.
As drug candidates move through the pipeline and into clinical
trials, biochemists play a crucial role in ensuring their safety and efficacy.
They may conduct studies to understand the pharmacokinetics and
pharmacodynamics of the drug, or investigate any potential off-target effects
or toxicities.
Overall, the role of biochemists in the drug discovery and design
pipeline is crucial for developing safe and effective drugs that can improve
human health. By understanding the molecular mechanisms of diseases and drug
targets, designing and optimising drug candidates, and ensuring their safety
and efficacy, biochemists play a vital role in bringing new treatments to
patients.
Author Bio:
Judith Mbita -
is a biochemist. Send feedback to: mbitajudith11@gmail.com, WhatsApp +260-979-
903 723.
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