SPECIFIC TOPICS OF ADVANCED MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY

The outcome of this course is the study of structure and reactions between drug molecules and macromolecular structures of the organism, because this leads not only to the elucidation of the chemical basis of activity for a bioactive compound, but it constitutes the safest way for the discovery of effective drug molecules. The nature of these bonds and the concept of drug-receptor interactions are presented. Another outcome is the knowledge of cannabinoids and their receptors, an important and recent discovery. Approaches for the discovery of cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists, as well as possible applications in conditions like pain, cardiovascular disorders, cachexia due to AIDS, appetite control, effect on the immune system are presented. From an educational viewpoint, cannabinoid receptors are an example of G-protein coupled receptors. The analysis and comprehension of this triple system of signal transduction as a means for drug design are a further outcome. Upon completion of this course, the student will learn how to design targeted radiopharmaceuticals specific for the detection or radiotherapy of various diseases.

This course deals with the chemical study of structure and reactions between drug molecules and macromolecular structures of the organism, because this leads not only to the elucidation of the chemical basis of activity for a bioactive compound, but it constitutes the safest way for the discovery of effective drug molecules. The nature of these bonds and the concept of drug-receptor interactions are presented. Part of this course deals with cannabinoids and their receptors, an important and recent discovery. Approaches for the discovery of cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists, as well as possible applications in conditions like pain, cardiovascular disorders, cachexia due to AIDS, appetite control, effect on the immune system are presented. From an educational viewpoint, cannabinoid receptors are an example of G-protein coupled receptors. The analysis and comprehension of this triple system of signal transduction as a means for drug design are are explained. Principles of design of targeted radiopharmaceuticals. Special topics on tumor imaging and radiotherapy with radiopharmaceuticals: a) targeted for metabolic processes, b) specific for transmembrane receptors (via bioactive peptides) and c) specific for cancer cells via antibody-antigen interactions. Diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals for the detection of neurological disorders (dopaminergic system).

10-07-2013