Provides an introduction to the chemistry of therapeutically active compounds. This title reviews the structures and nomenclature of the more common classes of naturally occurring compounds found in biological organisms. An overview of medicinal chemistry is followed by chapters covering the discovery and design of drugs.

Preface. Acknowledgements. Abbreviations/Acronyms. 1. Biological Molecules. 2. An Introduction to Drugs and Their Action. 3. An Introduction to Drug Discovery. 4. The SAR and QSAR Approaches to Drug Design. 5. Computer Aided Drug Design. 6. Combinatorial Chemistry. 7. Selected Examples of Drug Action at some Common Target Areas. 8. Pharmacokinetics. 9. Drug Metabolism. 10. An Introduction to Lead and Analogue Syntheses. 11. Drug Development and Production. Appendix 1. Sickle-cell Anaemia. Appendix 2. Bacteria. Appendix 3. Cell Membranes. Appendix 4. Receptors. Appendix 5. Transfer through Membranes. Appendix 6. Regression Analysis. Appendix 7. Enzymes. Answers to Questions. Selected Further Reading. Index.

Fundamentals of Medicinal Chemistry is a concise introduction to the chemistry of therapeutically active compounds, written in a readable and accessible style. Starting with a review of the structures and nomenclature of the more common classes of naturally occurring compounds found in biological organisms, the text then covers the discovery and design of drugs, pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism. The book concludes with a chapter on organic synthesis, followed by a brief look at drug development from the research stage through to marketing of the final product. The text assumes little in the way of prior biological knowledge and only a basic chemical knowledge. Relevant biology is included through biological topics, examples and in the Appendices. A concise introduction to the essentials of medicinal chemistryAssumes little prior knowledge of biology.Incorporates summary sections, examples, applications and problems, along with their solutions.Invaluable for undergraduates studying within the chemical, pharmaceutical and life sciences.