CHEM 438: Medicinal Chemistry

Definition of Medicinal Chemistry. Classification of Drugs. Principles of drug action: Pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenetics. Agonists and Antagonists; the Receptor Theory. Drug absorption, distribution and excretion; Bioavailability and bioequivalence. Drug Metabolism - Phase I and Phase II reactions, toxicity (ADMET). Structure-Activity Relationships (excluding quantitative SAR). Specific Drug Types - their chemistry and pharmacology. (A selection will be made each year from the following: Barbiturates, Antibacterial Agents - sulphonamides, Antibiotics including Penicillins and Tetracyclines; Antiviral drugs, including anti-retrovirals (anti-HIV drugs); Antimalarials including the artemisinin-based drugs.);Pesticides - Pyrethroids, DDT and related compounds, organophosphates, naturally occurring pesticides;Drug Development, including development from natural sources. Quality Assurance and good manufacturing practices.