Phillips Exeter Academy

Biochemistry Medicinal Drugs

CHE470

Biochemistry Medicinal Drugs

Medicinal chemistry provides a bridge from the periodic table to the array of natural and synthesized biologically active agents available today. The ongoing development of medicinal drugs aims to integrate new scientific discoveries with precision-based strategies for treating individuals as well as large populations. A key goal in the design of new drugs for the pharmaceutical industry is to treat symptoms without the harm of side effects. Moreover, the scaleup and production of medicines are dependent on public health investment, while social and economic factors underpin access. This course will take a deeper look at the major classes of pharmaceutical drugs, including hypertension, high cholesterol, oncology, depression, diabetes, asthma and vaccines. How companies currently distribute drugs, determine pricing and ensure equity of access will be examined. Widely used compounds such as nicotine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, contraceptives, cannabinoids and pain suppressors will be explored based on their chemical structure and its relationship to function. Lab activities will provide experience with computational drug design, controlled-release drug delivery systems, pharmacokinetics and nuclear medicine.