Articles tagged with Medicinal Chemistry
An international team of scientists has discovered a potential drug that may prevent neuronal death through glucose metabolism modification. The new drug shows promise in treating conditions such as Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and traumatic brain injury.
Patrick M. Woster, Ph.D., has been inducted into the Medicinal Chemistry Hall of Fame for his significant contributions to the field, including the discovery of novel therapeutics such as antimalarial and antibacterial agents. His work also emphasizes the crucial role of medicinal chemists in the drug discovery pipeline.
Portland State University chemistry professor Dave Stuart has received a three-year $455,000 National Science Foundation grant to study hypervalent iodine reagents. The research aims to design new chemical reactions that can be used to synthesize molecules for pharmaceutical, agriculture, and technology applications.
Researchers discovered that amino acids can stabilize membranes against magnesium ions, enabling the first cells to encode genetic information. The study suggests that amino acids and RNA building blocks co-localized in watery environments, providing a potential mechanism for life's emergence.
Professor Peter Schultz received the 2019 Tetrahedron Prize for his advances in chemical biology and drug discovery. He is credited with developing methods to expand the genetic code of living organisms and discovering catalytic antibodies.
Researchers at Insilico Medicine have developed a new molecular descriptor, MCE-18, which estimates molecular complexity and defines the evolution of small molecules in medicinal chemistry. The study reveals that modern drug development is becoming more qualitative and smarter, with higher degrees of 3D complexity.
The University of Nebraska is leading a $11 million study to develop drug therapies protecting military service members from radiation exposure. The project, in collaboration with the Department of Defense, aims to identify and develop therapeutic candidates that can prevent and counteract radiation effects.
Researchers at Colorado State University have created a new carbon-carbon bond reaction using phosphorus to stitch together molecular rings called pyridines. This reaction could fling open an underexplored wing of biologically relevant chemistry, allowing for the discovery of new drugs.
Researchers have developed new eco-friendly preservatives using guava leaves, while others created fertilizers from fish bones. The top challenge projects showcased sustainable chemistry practices for a greener future.
A female graduate student at FEFU has developed a new synthesis method for marine organic substances related to fascaplysin. The method allows for the production of compounds with higher activity than natural fascaplisin, promising for medicinal applications.
Researchers have discovered a new form of DNA, called the i-motif, which forms in the nuclei of human cells. The i-motif is a four-stranded 'knot' that plays a crucial role in gene expression and cell life cycle.
The KU center will continue to enable researchers to make breakthroughs in cancer, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease, and bacterial infections. The $10.8 million grant supports research at KU and regional institutions, including core labs for genomic analysis, lab-on-a-chip devices, and molecular probe synthesis.
Scientists discovered a new binding motif that enables positively charged amino acids to bind with negatively charged terminal groups in peptides or proteins. This discovery may help rationalize why certain peptides easily pass through cell membranes and aid in designing efficient transport of drug molecules.
A special focus issue on immunotherapy has been published in Future Medicinal Chemistry, discussing the discovery and development of novel immunotherapeutic agents for use as anti-inflammatories and cancer treatments. The issue addresses recent scientific advances and challenges in this rapidly evolving field.
The World Health Organization predicts 135.5 million dementia cases by 2050, yet all neurodegenerative diseases are incurable. This Special Focus issue addresses challenges and advancements in therapy.
Researchers successfully synthesized Zika virus from a viral sequence detected in infected tissue, allowing them to induce microcephaly in pregnant mice and study its transmission by mosquitoes. This breakthrough helps advance research into the mysterious emergence of Zika virus, which causes devastating foetal brain infections.
A team of scientists from Kyoto University has developed a simpler approach to drug discovery using decision trees, achieving high predictive ability with reduced data sets. The new method could lead to significant cost savings in the drug development process.
Researchers have developed a chemical-biological strategy for microRNA target identification using photo-clickable miRNAs. This approach enables the identification of target genes associated with miRNAs without disrupting their function, revealing new insights into miRNA-involved cellular regulation pathways.
A new review of scientific literature on curcumin finds limited evidence to support its therapeutic benefits for cancer and Alzheimer's disease. The compound is unstable under physiological conditions and not readily absorbed by the body, making it a poor therapeutic candidate.
A Japanese research team has found that 2-aminobutyric acid (2-AB) can effectively increase glutathione levels in the body, a major antioxidant component. The study suggests that 2-AB could be used as a biomarker for early detection of oxidative stress and potentially treat conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and heart failure.
Researchers at the University of Bonn present a new scaffold concept that combines structural key compounds and reaction criteria for a more consistent definition. The analog series-based scaffolds (ASB) framework provides a unique insight into compound diversity and structure-activity relationships.
A recent study published in Nature Neuroscience has made significant progress in understanding the role of proteins in synaptic transmission. The researchers identified two variations of a protein called Unc13 that work separately to regulate synaptic function, paving the way for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Researchers have discovered a new class of antimicrobial materials that use carbon nanodots to kill drug-resistant bacteria. The materials, which include molecules such as PAMAM, exhibit greater efficacy against certain strains of E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, and may also enhance the effectiveness of existing antibiotics.
Scientists have designed a new vaccine that increases anti-nicotine antibodies, delaying nicotine's effects in mice. This approach shows promise for reducing cravings and aiding smokers in quitting
Scientists at Nagoya University have made a breakthrough in synthesizing cyanohydrins, useful molecules that are precursors to carboxylic acids and amino acids. The new method uses a chiral catalyst to produce optically active cyanohydrins with high yield and efficiency.
Researchers identify five chemicals that trigger rice plants to fend off white-backed planthoppers, reducing the need for pesticides. The chemicals, phenoxyalkanoic acid derivatives, have shown potential in controlling insect pests and protecting ecosystems.
A special issue of Future Medicinal Chemistry explores the diverse field of chemical biology, highlighting its expanding scope and sub-disciplines. The issue features reviews, opinion pieces, and primary research papers on topics such as protein-protein interactions, epigenetic modulators, and tissue regeneration.
A themed issue of Future Medicinal Chemistry highlights academia's role in drug discovery, discussing industry-academia alliances and novel models. The issue features expert commentaries on bridging the translational research gap and implementing open innovation platforms.
Matthew Disney, a professor at Scripps Research Institute, has won the Tetrahedron Young Investigator Award for his exceptional creativity and dedication to organic synthesis and bioorganic and medicinal chemistry. The award recognizes his lab's work on tackling difficult problems in biomedical science.
Researchers will investigate three projects: one on menopausal symptoms, another on biological activity of botanicals, and a third on interactions with prescription drugs. The goal is to determine the safety and efficacy of botanical dietary supplements as alternatives to hormone therapy.
Foreign chemical and pharmaceutical companies face challenges in China due to economic downturn, overcapacity, and tightening regulations. Despite uncertainty, company heads remain confident in their long-term success in the country, which represents 50% of the Asian chemical market.
Researchers discuss emerging antischistosomal drug candidates and address clinical resistance concerns. Praziquantel, the current 'wonder drug,' is being reevaluated due to its drawbacks and potential for clinical resistance.
The Mainau Declaration 2015 on Climate Change states that nations must limit future global emissions and approve a new international agreement. The declaration warns of the consequences of unchecked climate change, which will overwhelm the Earth's ability to satisfy humanity's needs, leading to wholesale human tragedy.
Scientists design a peptide that binds to ghrelin and Y2 receptors, reducing appetite in obese mice. The compound shows promise as an obesity treatment targeting the complex system of hormones regulating appetite.
Researchers identified 422 structural clusters of naturally-derived fragments with diverse properties, suitable for chemical biology and drug discovery. These fragments could serve as the starting point for a highly diverse library with minimal structural complexity.
Revolution Medicines has developed a unified 'building blocks' approach for synthesizing multiple classes of complex natural chemicals that could be valuable backbones for new medicines. The company's technology can produce a broad range of molecules, including those with diverse types of chemical bonds and highly complex cyclic struct...
Haibo Ge, a chemist at IUPUI, has received a $600,000 NSF award to support his research on efficient methods for preparing organic molecules with potential impact on medicinal and agricultural chemistries. The grant also supports the development of an interdisciplinary course linking organic and medicinal chemistry.
Understanding the structure and movement within molecular factories in microorganisms enables researchers to design and engineer systems for producing novel drugs. The discovery provides a blueprint for redesigning microbial assembly lines, holding promise for developing new medicines.
The study found that average waiting times for Nobel prizes are increasing exponentially, with average age at which laureates receive the award also rising. This trend threatens to undermine the prestigious award, as the predicted average age among prizewinners could even exceed life expectancy by the end of this century.
The pharmaceutical industry is turning its attention to hearing loss, a condition affecting 36 million Americans. Researchers are developing potential therapies targeting the inner ear and central nervous system, with several drug candidates already advancing through clinical testing.
Five chemists from Indonesia, Jamaica, Nigeria, Uzbekistan and Yemen are being honored with Elsevier Foundation Awards for Early Career Women Scientists in the Developing World. The winners were selected for their impressive accomplishments in applying chemistry to pharmaceutical science.
Researchers have developed a novel compound that protects mice against developing movement problems associated with Parkinson's disease. The compound, known as '12g', effectively prevented motor deficits linked to PD and showed promise as a potential new therapy.
The 2014 Congressional agenda will shape public health, energy, and pharmaceutical research through key legislation. Modernization of the Toxic Substances Control Act and new energy bills are expected to have significant implications.
Chi-Huey Wong, a professor of chemistry at The Scripps Research Institute, has been awarded the 2014 Wolf Prize in Chemistry for his groundbreaking work on synthesizing complex carbohydrates and glycoproteins. His research methods have led to breakthroughs in understanding cancer progression and developing vaccines and therapeutics.
Researchers have found that bisphenol A impairs the function of vital proteins in cells, suggesting a potential health risk. The study also discovered alternative compounds with promising applications in cancer treatment.
Researchers at Cardiff University have created a peptide linked to a light-responsive dye that triggers cell death in cancerous cells. The new pathway activation technology, called transient photoactivation, enables scientists to precisely define the area where peptides should act, leading to more effective treatment strategies.
The American Chemical Society has inducted scientists from DuPont, Merck & Co., Inc., Pfizer, and Vertex into its Heroes of Chemistry program. These innovators have developed groundbreaking products that protect the global food supply, treat HIV-1 infection, and provide personalized medicine for lung cancer and cystic fibrosis patients.
Researchers have identified a group of compounds that work against human rhinovirus, Coxsackie virus, poliovirus, and enterovirus-71, blocking the ability of these viruses to multiply. These broad-spectrum antiviral drugs hold promise for treating infections like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The GHIT Fund will screen Japanese pharmaceutical companies' and research institutes' compound libraries for new treatments of malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected diseases like leishmaniasis and sleeping sickness.
Scientists have developed a new method to study mechanochemical synthesis, allowing for the observation of complex chemical transformations in real-time. This breakthrough could lead to more environmentally friendly chemical production and optimize processes in various industries.
A lack of access to clean water and sanitation affects 2.6 billion people, causing preventable illnesses and deaths. Women in developing countries can play a key role in addressing this issue if given the chance.
Many pharmaceutical companies are making progress in embracing green chemistry principles, reducing waste generation and operating more environmentally friendly ways. The American Chemical Society's Green Chemistry Institute is helping its members share best practices and compare progress.
The ACS Presidential Sessions emphasize communicating science to the public, with speakers including Roger Tsien, Laura Kiessling, Samuel Stupp, J. Craig Venter, Carolyn Bertozzi, and Paul Raeburn. The sessions also explore innovative chemistry applications, such as producing fuels directly from sunlight.
Researchers at Harvard University and BASF are working on creating nanoscale particles of drugs to overcome hydrophobic drug compounds. The symposium aims to discuss efficient creation and delivery of these tiny particles for targeted treatment, addressing major challenges in modern medicine.
University of Houston students Nicholas Eastham and Thomas Markovich have been named Barry M. Goldwater Scholars, while Mason Biamonte and Abdulrahman Ibrahim received honorable mentions for their outstanding research work. The scholarships recognize academic merit and provide funding for further research and education.
Dr. A.K. Ganguly, a renowned pharmaceutical researcher, received the Topliss Award Lecture at the University of Michigan for his lifetime contributions to medicinal chemistry. His lecture discussed lessons learned in drug discovery, highlighting approaches taken at Schering-Plough and ongoing work at Stevens.
Researchers have discovered a promising new treatment for prion diseases, a group of untreatable brain disorders. The compound, derived from aminothiazoles, has shown to reduce abnormal prion protein in laboratory mice and cell cultures.
A national research team led by UC San Diego scientists created the first lipidome of human plasma, discovering hundreds more fats than previously known. The findings reveal lipids' diverse roles beyond energy storage and cell membrane building, including signaling molecules that may play a role in diseases like diabetes and cancer.
Researchers at NYU have developed a method to prevent the growth of crystals that form cystine kidney stones by using a synthetic inhibitor. This breakthrough may lead to a new approach to preventing cystine stones and offers hope for individuals affected by this disease.
Researchers at UC San Diego identified misfolding of neuroligin-3 due to gene mutations, leading to trafficking deficiencies and abnormal neuron communications. The findings advance understanding of autism causes and may offer new drug therapies.