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Principles of Biomedical Sciences and Industry Improve your product development skills to bring new ideas to biomedicine The development of innovative healthcare products, such as biodegradable implants, biopharmaceuticals, or companion diagnostics, requires a multi-disciplinary approach that incorporates scientific evidence with novel and innovative ideas to create new and improved products and treatments. Indeed, product development and the integration of science with commercial aspects have become key challenges for scientists working in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and medtech industries. Using a multi-pronged approach to development, Principles of Biomedical Sciences and Industry combines ideas and methodologies from four of the central areas of focus in the biomedical arena: pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, biomaterials, and medical devices. In doing so, the book covers the entire product lifecycle, from translating a scientific idea into a prototype to product development, launch, and management. Principles of Biomedical Sciences and Industry readers will also find: Several case studies from the most important product categories (pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, medical devices, combination products) Chapters dealing with toxicology and safety risks in development, as well as regulatory approval Key business aspects including how to secure funding, managing intellectual property, and price regulation in the market An ideal resource for teachers and students that conveys the information in an easily-digestible format Ideal for advanced students and young professionals pursuing a career in the biomedical and healthcare industries, Principles of Biomedical Sciences and Industry is an essential reference for those in pharmaceutical industry, biotechnologists, medicinal chemists, bio-engineers, pharma engineers, and management consultants.

Learn to master a powerful technology to enable a faster drug discovery workflow The ultimate dream for medicinal chemists is the ability to synthesize new drug-like compounds with the push of a button. The key to synthesizing chemical compounds more quickly and accurately lies in computer-controlled technologies that can be optimized by machine learning. Recent developments in computer-controlled automated syntheses that rely on miniature flow reactors—with integrated analysis of the resulting products—provide a workable technology for synthesizing new chemical substances very quickly and with minimal effort. In Flow and Microreactor Technology in Medicinal Chemistry, early adopters of this ground-breaking technology describe its current and potential uses in medicinal chemistry. Based on successful examples of the use of flow and microreactor synthesis for drug-like compounds, the book introduces current as well as emerging uses for automated synthesis in a drug discovery context. Flow and Microreactor Technology in Medicinal Chemistry readers will also find: Numerous case studies that address the most common applications of this technology in the day-to-day work of medicinal chemists How to integrate flow synthesis with drug discovery How to perform enantioselective reactions under continuous flow conditions Flow and Microreactor Technology in Medicinal Chemistry is a valuable practical reference for medicinal chemists, organic chemists, and natural products chemists, whether they are working in academia or in the pharmaceutical industry.

Formulation is a key step in the drug design process, where the active drug is combined with other substances that maximise the therapeutic potential, safety, and stability of the final medicinal product. Regulatory and quality demands, in addition to advances in processing technologies, result in growing challenges as well as possibilities for the field. Following on from Pharmaceutical Formulation, which covered traditional dosage forms such as tablets and capsules, this volume expands upon those formulations to cover a more diverse range of less common dosage forms. Novel routes of administration are covered from inhalational, dermal and transdermal formulations to ocular, oral suspensions, vaccines and nanoparticle drug delivery. The methods through which these formulations are processed and manufactured is also covered, providing essential knowledge to ensure quality, efficiency, and acceptable costing. Specialised Pharmaceutical Formulation is an essential, up to date resource for students and researchers working in academia and in the pharmaceutical industry and will equip readers with the ability to effectively and reliably produce products which can be approved, manufactured and made available to administer to patients.

This book offers a comprehensive review of the latest developments, challenges and trends in C1-based (one-carbon based) bioproduction, and it presents an authoritative account of one-carbon compounds as promising alternative microbial feedstocks. The book starts with a perspective on the future of C1 compounds as alternative feedstocks for microbial growth, and their vital role in the establishment of a sustainable circular carbon economy, followed by several chapters in which expert contributors discuss about the recent strategies and address key challenges regarding one or more C1 feedstocks. The book covers topics such as acetogenic production from C1 feedstocks, aerobic carboxydotrophic bacteria potential in industrial biotechnology, bioconversion of methane to value-added compounds, combination of electrochemistry and biology to convert C1 compounds, and bioprocesses based on C1-mixotrophy. Particular attention is given to the current metabolic engineering, systems biology, and synthetic biology strategies applied in this field.

How to Design and Implement Powder-to-Tablet Continuous Manufacturing Systems provides a comprehensive overview on the considerations necessary for the design of continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. The book covers both the theory and design of continuous processing of associated unit operations, along with their characterization and control. In addition, it discusses practical insights and strategies that the editor and chapter authors have learned. Chapters cover Process Analytical Technology (PAT) tools and the application of PAT data to enable distributed process control. With numerous case studies throughout, this valuable guide is ideal for those engaged in, or learning about, continuous processing in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Discusses the development of strategy blueprints in the design of continuous processes Shows how to create process flowsheet models from individual unit operation models Includes a chapter on characterization methods for materials, the use of statistical methods to analyze material property data, and the use of material databases Covers the evolving regulatory expectations for continuous manufacturing Provides readers with ways to more effectively navigate these expectations

Principles of Parenteral Solution Validation: A Practical Lifecycle Approach covers all aspects involved in the development and process validation of a parenteral product. By using a lifecycle approach, this book discusses the latest technology, compliance developments, and regulatory considerations and trends, from process design, to divesting. As part of the Expertise in Pharmaceutical Process Technology series edited by Michael Levin, this book incorporates numerous case studies and real-world examples that address timely problems and offer solutions to the daily challenges facing practitioners in this area. Discusses international and domestic regulatory considerations in every section Features callout boxes that contain points-of-interest for each segment of the audience so readers can quickly find their interests and needs Contains important topics, including risk management, the preparation and execution of properly designed studies, scale-up and technology transfer activities, problem-solving, and more

Learn about the analytical tools used to characterize particulate drug delivery systems with this comprehensive overview Edited by a leading expert in the field, Characterization of Pharmaceutical Nano- and Microsystems provides a complete description of the analytical techniques used to characterize particulate drug systems on the micro- and nanoscale. The book offers readers a full understanding of the basic physicochemical characteristics, material properties and differences between micro- and nanosystems. It explains how and why greater experience and more reliable measurement techniques are required as particle size shrinks, and the measured phenomena grow weaker. Characterization of Pharmaceutical Nano- and Microsystems deals with a wide variety of topics relevant to chemical and solid-state analysis of drug delivery systems, including drug release, permeation, cell interaction, and safety. It is a complete resource for those interested in the development and manufacture of new medicines, the drug development process, and the translation of those drugs into life-enriching and lifesaving medicines. Characterization of Pharmaceutical Nano- and Microsystems covers all of the following topics: An introduction to the analytical tools applied to determine particle size, morphology, and shape Common chemical approaches to drug system characterization A description of solid-state characterization of drug systems Drug release and permeation studies Toxicity and safety issues The interaction of drug particles with cells Perfect for pharmaceutical chemists and engineers, as well as all other industry professionals and researchers who deal with drug delivery systems on a regular basis, Characterization of Pharmaceutical Nano- and Microsystems also belongs on bookshelves of interested students and faculty who interact with this topic.

An important resource that puts the focus on understanding and handling of organic crystals in drug development Since a majority of pharmaceutical solid-state materials are organic crystals, their handling and processing are critical aspects of drug development. Pharmaceutical Crystals: Science and Engineering offers an introduction to and thorough coverage of organic crystals, and explores the essential role they play in drug development and manufacturing. Written contributions from leading researchers and practitioners in the field, this vital resource provides the fundamental knowledge and explains the connection between pharmaceutically relevant properties and the structure of a crystal. Comprehensive in scope, the text covers a range of topics including: crystallization, molecular interactions, polymorphism, analytical methods, processing, and chemical stability. The authors clearly show how to find solutions for pharmaceutical form selection and crystallization processes. Designed to be an accessible guide, this book represents a valuable resource for improving the drug development process of small drug molecules. This important text: Includes the most important aspects of solid-state organic chemistry and its role in drug development Offers solutions for pharmaceutical form selection and crystallization processes Contains a balance between the scientific fundamental and pharmaceutical applications Presents coverage of crystallography, molecular interactions, polymorphism, analytical methods, processing, and chemical stability Written for both practicing pharmaceutical scientists, engineers, and senior undergraduate and graduate students studying pharmaceutical solid-state materials, Pharmaceutical Crystals: Science and Engineering is a reference and textbook for understanding, producing, analyzing, and designing organic crystals which is an imperative skill to master for anyone working in the field.

Examining the implications and practical implementation of multi-disciplinary International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) topics, this book gives an integrated view of how the guidelines inform drug development strategic planning and decision-making.• Addresses a consistent need for interpretation, training, and implementation examples of ICH guidelines via case studies• Offers a primary reference point for practitioners addressing the dual challenge of interpretation and practical implementation of ICH guidelines• Uses case studies to help readers understand and apply ICH guidelines• Provides valuable insights into guidelines development, with chapters by authors involved in generating or with experience implementing the guidelines• Includes coverage of stability testing, analytical method validation, impurities, biotechnology drugs and products, and good manufacturing practice (GMP)

Comprehensive Medicinal Chemistry III, Eight Volume Set provides a contemporary and forward-looking critical analysis and summary of recent developments, emerging trends, and recently identified new areas where medicinal chemistry is having an impact. The discipline of medicinal chemistry continues to evolve as it adapts to new opportunities and strives to solve new challenges. These include drug targeting, biomolecular therapeutics, development of chemical biology tools, data collection and analysis, in silico models as predictors for biological properties, identification and validation of new targets, approaches to quantify target engagement, new methods for synthesis of drug candidates such as green chemistry, development of novel scaffolds for drug discovery, and the role of regulatory agencies in drug discovery. Reviews the strategies, technologies, principles, and applications of modern medicinal chemistry Provides a global and current perspective of today's drug discovery process and discusses the major therapeutic classes and targets Includes a unique collection of case studies and personal assays reviewing the discovery and development of key drugs

Stressing strategic and technological solutions to medicinal chemistry challenges, this book presents methods and practices for optimizing the chemical aspects of drug discovery. Chapters discuss benefits, challenges, case studies, and industry perspectives for improving drug discovery programs with respect to quality and costs.• Focuses on small molecules and their critical role in medicinal chemistry, reviewing chemical and economic advantages, challenges, and trends in the field from industry perspectives• Discusses novel approaches and key topics, like screening collection enhancement, risk sharing, HTS triage, new lead finding approaches, diversity-oriented synthesis, peptidomimetics, natural products, and high throughput medicinal chemistry approaches• Explains how to reduce design-make-test cycle times by integrating medicinal chemistry, physical chemistry, and ADME profiling techniques• Includes descriptive case studies, examples, and applications to illustrate new technologies and provide step-by-step explanations to enable them in a laboratory setting

Pharmaceutical process research and development is an exacting, multidisciplinary effort but a somewhat neglected discipline in the chemical curriculum. This book presents an overview of the many facets of process development and how recent advances in synthetic organic chemistry, process technology and chemical engineering have impacted on the manufacture of pharmaceuticals. In 15 concise chapters the book covers such diverse subjects as route selection and economics, the interface with medicinal chemistry, the impact of green chemistry, safety, the crucial role of physical organic measurements in gaining a deeper understanding of chemical behaviour, the role of the analyst, new tools and innovations in reactor design, purification and separation, solid state chemistry and its role in formulation. The book ends with an assessment of future trends and challenges. The book provides a valuable overview of: both early and late stage chemical development, how safe and scaleable synthetic routes are designed, selected and developed, the importance of the chemical engineering, analytical and manufacturing interfaces, the key enabling technologies, including catalysis and biocatalysis, the importance of the green chemical perspective and solid form issues. The book, written and edited by experts in the field, is a contemporary, holistic treatise, with a logical sequence for process development and mini-case histories within the chapters to bring alive different aspects of the process. It is completely pharmaceutical themed, encompassing all essential aspects, from route and reagent selection to manufacture of the active compound. The book is aimed at both graduates and postgraduates interested in a career in the pharmaceutical industry. It informs them about the breadth of the work carried out in chemical research and development departments, and gives them a feel for the challenges involved in the job. The book is also of value to academics who often understand the drug discovery arena, but have far less appreciation of the drug development area, and are thus unable to advise their students about the relative merits of careers in chemical development versus discovery.

This book discusses voltage-gated ion channels and their importance in drug discovery and development. The book includes reviews of the channel genome, the physiological bases of targeting ion channels in disease, the unique technologies developed for ion channel drug discovery, and the increasingly important role of ion channel screening in cardiac risk assessment. It provides an important reference for research scientists and drug discovery companies.

'Concise and easy to read, the book quickly introduces basic concepts, then moves on to discuss target selection and the drug discovery process for both small and large molecular drugs.'—Doody's Reviews, May 2009'The second edition of a book that offers a user-friendly step-by-step introduction to all the key processes involved in bringing a drug to the market, including the performance of preclinical trials.'—Chemistry World, February 2009 The new edition of this best-selling book continues to offer a user-friendly, step-by-step introduction to all the key processes involved in bringing a drug to the market, including the performance of pre-clinical studies, the conduct of human clinical trials, regulatory controls, and even the manufacturing processes for pharmaceutical products. Concise and easy to read, the book quickly introduces basic concepts, then moves on to discuss target selection and the drug discovery process for both small and large molecular drugs. This second edition features many key enhancements, including Key Points, Chapter Summary, and Review Questions in each chapter, Answers to Review Questions provided in a book-end appendix, and one or two carefully selected'mini'case studies in each chapter. Richly illustrated throughout with over ninety figures and tables, this important book also includes helpful listings of current FDA and European guidelines and a special section on regulatory authority and processes in China. It is an indispensable resource for pharmaceutical industry and academic researchers, pharmaceutical managers and executives, healthcare clinicians, policymakers, regulators, and lobbyists with an interest in drug development. It is also an excellent textbook for students in pharmacy, science, and medicine courses.

This practice-oriented handbook surveys current knowledge on the prediction and prevention of adverse drug reactions related to off-target activity of small molecule drugs. It is unique in collating the current approaches into a single source, and includes several highly instructive case studies that may be used as guidelines on how to improve drug development projects. With its large section on ADME-related effects, this is key knowledge for every drug developer.

This first systematic overview for more than a decade is tailor-made for the medicinal chemist. All the chapters are written by experienced drug developers and include practical examples from real drug candidates. Following an introduction to global drug properties and their impact on drug research, screening and combinatorial chemistry libraries, this handbook demonstrates the best and fastest way to estimate those properties most relevant for the efficiency and pharmacokinetic performance of a drug molecule: lipophilicity,solubility, electronic properties and conformation.

The essentials of drug metabolism vital to developing new therapeutic entities Information on the metabolism and disposition of candidate drugs is a critical part of all aspects of the drug discovery and development process. Drug metabolism, as practiced in the pharmaceutical industry today, is a complex, multidisciplinary field that requires knowledge of sophisticated analytical technologies and expertise in mechanistic and kinetic enzymology, organic reaction mechanism, pharmacokinetic analysis, animal physiology, basic chemical toxicology, preclinical pharmacology, and molecular biology. With chapters contributed by experts in their specific areas, this reference covers: • Basic concepts of drug metabolism • The role of drug metabolism in the pharmaceutical industry • Analytical techniques in drug metabolism • Common experimental approaches and protocols Drug Metabolism in Drug Design and Development emphasizes practical considerations such as the data needed, the experiments and analytical methods typically employed, and the interpretation and application of data. Chapters highlight facts, common protocols, detailed experimental designs, applications, and limitations of techniques. This is a comprehensive, hands-on reference for drug metabolism researchers as well as other professionals involved in pre-clinical drug discovery and development.

Fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) is a new paradigm in drug discovery that utilizes very small molecules - fragments of larger molecules. It is a faster, cheaper, smarter way to do drug discovery, as shown by the number of pharmaceutical companies that have embraced this approach and the biotechnology companies who use fragments as their sole source of drug discovery. Fragment-Based Drug Discovery: A Practical Approach is a guide to the techniques and practice of using fragments in drug screening. The emphasis is on practical guidance, with procedures, case studies, practical tips, and contributions from industry. Topics covered include: an introduction to fragment based drug discovery, why using fragments is a more efficient process than predominant models, and what it means to have a successful FBDD effort. setting up an FBDD project library building and production NMR in fragment screening and follow up application of protein-ligand NOE matching to the rapid evaluation of fragment binding poses target immobilized NMR screening: validation and extension to membrane proteins in situ fragment-based medicinal chemistry: screening by mass spectrometry computational approaches to fragment and substructure discovery and evaluation virtual fragment scanning: current trends, applications and web based tools fragment-based lead discovery using covalent capture methods case study from industry: the identification of high affinity beta-secretase inhibitors using fragment-based lead generation With contributions from industry experts who have successfully set up an industrial fragment-based research program, Fragment-Based Drug Discovery: A Practical Approach offers essential advice to anyone embarking on drug discovery using fragments and those looking for a new approach to screening for drugs.

This first overview of mass spectrometry-based pharmaceutical analysis is the key to improved high-throughput drug screening, rational drug design and analysis of multiple ligand-target interactions. The ready reference opens with a general introduction to the use of mass spectrometry in pharmaceutical screening, followed by a detailed description of recently developed analytical systems for use in the pharmaceutical laboratory. Applications range from simple binding assays to complex screens of biological activity and systems containing multiple targets or ligands -- all highly relevant techniques in the early stages in drug discovery, from target characterization to hit and lead finding.

Advances that open new avenues in developing aminoglycoside antibiotics During the last twenty years, there have been numerous advances in the understanding of the chemistry, biochemistry, and recognition of aminoglycosides. This has led to the development of novel antibiotics and opened up new therapeutic targets for intervention. This is the first book to provide a complete overview of recent advances in the field and explore their tremendous potential for drug discovery and rational drug design. With chapters written by one or more leading experts in their specialty areas, the book addresses the chemistry, biology, and toxicology of aminoglycosides. Aminoglycoside Antibiotics: From Chemical Biology to Drug Discovery is a great resource for academic and industrial researchers in drug design and mechanism studies and for researchers studying antibiotic resistance, antibiotic design and synthesis, and the discovery of novel pharmaceuticals. It is also a valuable reference for graduate students in pharmacy, pharmaceutical science, biophysics, medicinal chemistry, and chemical biology.

A case history approach to drug synthesis and discovery Discover the origins of some of today's most popular drug therapies. Explore case histories and gain insight into major classes of antibiotics, antiviral drugs, analgesics, steroids, compounds designed to lower cholesterol, and more. Review the steps required for FDA approval. This is a great reference for students in medicinal chemistry, researchers in pharmaceuticals, and medical practitioners.

Divided into the three main sections of synthesis, analysis and drug development, this handbook covers all stages of the drug development process, including large-scale synthesis and purification of chirally pure pharmaceuticals. The two editors from academia and a major pharmaceutical company have assembled an experienced, international team who provide first-hand practical advice and report previously unpublished data. In the first section, the isolation of chiral drugs from natural sources, their production in enzymatic processes and the resolution of racemic mixtures in preparative chromatography are outlined in separate chapters. For the section on qualitative and quantitative analysis, enantioselective chromatographic methods are presented as well as optical methods and CE-MS, while the final section deals with the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and metabolic aspects of chiral drugs, devoting whole chapters to stereoselective drug binding and modeling chiral drug-receptor interactions. With its unique industry-relevant aspects, this is a must for medicinal and pharmaceutical chemists.

This handbook is the first to address the practical aspects of this novel method. It provides a complete overview of the field and progresses from general considerations to real life scenarios in drug discovery research. Starting with an introductory historical overview, the authors move on to discuss ligand-based approaches, including 3D pharmacophores and 4D QSAR, as well as the concept and application of pseudoreceptors. The next section on structure-based approaches includes pharmcophores from ligand-protein complexes, FLIP and 3D protein-ligand binding interactions. The whole is rounded off with a complete section devoted to applications and examples, including modeling of ADME properties. With its critical evaluation of pharmacophore-based strategies, this book represents a valuable aid for project leaders and decision-makers in the pharmaceutical industry, as well as pharmacologists, and medicinal and chemists.

From first principles to real-world applications -- here is the first comprehensive guide to drug discovery and development Modern drug discovery and development require the collaborative efforts of specialists in a broadarray of scientific, technical, and business disciplines--from biochemistry to molecular biology, organic chemistry to medicinal chemistry, pharmacology to marketing. Yet surprisingly, until now, there were no authoritative references offering a complete, fully integrated picture of the process. The only comprehensive guide of its kind, this groundbreaking two-volume resource provides an overview of the entire sequence of operations involved in drug discovery and development--from initial conceptualization to commercialization to clinicians and medical practitioners. Volume 1: Drug Discovery describes all the steps in the discovery process, including conceptualizing a drug, creating a library of candidates for testing, screening candidates for in vitro and in vivo activity, conducting and analyzing the results of clinical trials, and modifying a drug as necessary. Volume 2: Drug Development delves into the nitty-gritty details of optimizing the synthetic route, drug manufacturing, outsourcing, and marketing--including drug coloring and delivery methods. Featuring contributions from a world-class team of experts, Drug Discovery and Development: • Features fascinating case studies, including the discovery and development of erythromycin analogs, Tagamet, and Ultiva (remifentanil) • Discusses the discovery of medications for bacterial infections, Parkinson's disease, psoriasis, peptic ulcers, atopic dermatitis, asthma, and cancer • Includes chapters on combinatorial chemistry, molecular biology-based drug discovery, genomics, and chemogenomics Drug Discovery and Development is an indispensable working resource for industrialchemists, biologists, biochemists, and executives who work in the pharmaceutical industry.

This first systematic summary of the impact of fragment-based approaches on the drug development process provides essential information that was previously unavailable. Adopting a practice-oriented approach, this represents a book by professionals for professionals, tailor-made for drug developers in the pharma and biotech sector who need to keep up-to-date on the latest technologies and strategies in pharmaceutical ligand design. The book is clearly divided into three sections on ligand design, spectroscopic techniques, and screening and drug discovery, backed by numerous case studies.

This unique reference source, edited by the world's most respected expert on molecular interaction field software, covers all relevant principles of the GRID force field and its applications in medicinal chemistry. Entire chapters on 3D-QSAR, pharmacophore searches, docking studies, metabolism predictions and protein selectivity studies, among others, offer a concise overview of this emerging field. As an added bonus, this handbook includes a CD-ROM with the latest commercial versions of the GRID program and related software.

Chemogenomics brings together the most powerful concepts in modern chemistry and biology, linking combinatorial chemistry with genomics and proteomics. This first reference devoted to the topic covers all stages of the early drug discovery process, from target selection to compound library and lead design. With the combined expertise of 20 research groups from academia and leading pharmaceutical companies, this is a must-have for every drug developer and medicinal chemist applying the powerful methods of chemogenomics to speed up the drug discovery process.

The rational, structure-based approach has become standard in present-day drug design. As a consequence, the availability of high-resolution structures of target proteins is more often than not the basis for an entire drug development program. Protein structures suited for rational drug design are almost exclusively derived from crystallographic studies, and drug developers are relying heavily on the power of this method. Here, researchers from leading pharmaceutical companies present valuable first-hand information, much of it published for the first time. They discuss strategies to derive high-resolution structures for such important target protein classes as kinases or proteases, as well as selected examples of successful protein crystallographic studies. A special section on recent methodological developments, such as for high-throughput crystallography and microcrystallization, is also included. A valuable companion for crystallographers involved in protein structure determination as well as drug developers pursuing the structure-based approach for use in their daily work.

Lipases and Phospholipases are key control elements in mammalian metabolism. They share many common features that set them apart from other metabolic enzyme classes, most importantly their association with biological membranes. Their potential as drug targets for the treatment of metabolic diseases is widely recognized, and the first lipase inhibitor drugs have been successfully introduced. Providing drug developers with a firm foundation for lipase-centered drug design, the editors of this volume have assembled experts from different scientific disciplines to create a comprehensive handbook for all pharmaceutical chemists, biochemists and physiologists working with lipases. The authors examine fundamental aspects of lipase function in vitro and in vivo, explaining how this knowledge may be used to develop lipase assays. They also treat the physiological roles of lipases in normal and disordered metabolism, as well as strategies to target lipases for the treatment of diabetes, obesity and related disorders. Additional topics include the application of phospholipases for liposome-based drug delivery and their use as diagnostic tools.

Many times drugs work fine when tested outside the body, but when they are tested in the body they fail. One of the major reasons a drug fails is that it cannot be absorb by the body in a way to have the effect it was intended to have. Permeability, Solubility, Dissolution, and Charged State of Ionizable Molecules: Helps drug discovery professionals to eliminate poorly absorbable molecules early in the drug discovery process, which can save drug companies millions of dollars. Extensive tabulations, in appendix format, of properties and structures of about 200 standard drug molecules.

Quantitative studies on structure-activity and structure-property relationships are powerful tools in directed drug research. In recent years, various strategies have been developed to characterize and classify structural patterns by means of molecular descriptors. It has become possible not only to assess diversities or similarities of structure databases, but molecular descriptors also facilitate the identification of potential bioactive molecules from the rapidly increasing number of compound libraries. They even allow for a controlled de-novo design of new lead structures. This is the most comprehensive collection of molecular descriptors and presents a detailed review from the origins of this research field up to present day. This practically oriented reference book gives a thorough overview of the different molecular descriptors representations and their corresponding molecular descriptors. All descriptors are listed with their definition, symbols and labels, formulas, some numerical examples, data and molecular graphs, while numerous figures and tables aid comprehension of the definitions. Cross-references throughout, a list of acronyms and notations allow easy access to the information needed to solve a specific research problem. Examples of descriptor calculations along with tables of descriptor values for a set of selected reference compounds and an up-to-date reference list add to the practical value of the book, making it an invaluable guide for all those dealing with bioactive molecules as well as for researchers.