Medicinal Chemistry India

doi:10.1515/ci.2014.36.2.20b

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Medicinal Chemistry India

Published/Copyright: March 27, 2014

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From the journal Chemistry International Volume 36 Issue 2

The Medicinal Chemistry India project, a pilot study aimed at improving the educational aspects of medicinal chemistry as applied to drug discovery, held at Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai, India during 11-15 February.2013, was a resounding success. A total of 112 students from industry and academia attended this short course. Industry and academic experts from the US participated in the interactive teaching sessions and discussions. The key organizing and supporting teams include Dr. Balu N. Balasubramanian (previously at Bristol-Myers Squibb, now at Pharma Innovation Sourcing Center, LLC), Dr. William Greenlee (previously at Merck, now at Medchem Discovery LLC) and Dr. Tom Perun from IUPAC Division of Chemistry and Human Health. The ACS Division of Medicinal Chemistry was officially represented by Dr. Joel Barrish (2013 MEDI Chair), Professor Craig Lindsley (MEDI Long-Range Planning Committee, Editor-in-Chief of ACS Chemical Neuroscience), Dr. Nick Meanwell (MEDI Long-Range Planning Committee), and Dr. William Greenlee (MEDI Councilor), all of whom made presentations for the course. The faculty also included Professor Phil Bowen (Mercer University), who currently teaches an ACS Short Course on medicinal chemistry, and several other members of the MEDI Division. A range of topics from fundamentals of medicinal chemistry, to understanding the importance of chemical structure modifications as applied to a) interactions with biological targets, including receptors and enzymes, to elicit desired pharmacological response; b) improve the drugability characteristics such as minimizing any associated toxicology, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic profile, as well as solubility and stability requirements, were covered. Industry experts also presented case histories of projects to illustrate the nuances involved in the discovery and fine tuning of lead optimization process towards successful clinical and commercial medicines. The four-day course also offered ample opportunities for the participants, from diverse research and academic institutions, to interact in a very productive manner. Each attendee received a certificate of completion signed by representatives of the organizing team, the University and the ACS MEDI Division and IUPAC Division.

In addition, a set of local experts from industry and academia were also present at select sessions with the aim of becoming future lecturers at these sessions. The program was sponsored by grants from IUPAC, ACS Medicinal Chemistry Division, ACS Innovative Grants, Department Science and Technology, India as well as Indian pharmaceutical companies and Contract Research Organizations. Positive feedback from the attendees and their organizations not only warrants the continuation of this program but also highlights the importance of expansion of this program to other Asian and African countries.

For more information, contact Task Group Chair Balu Balasubramanian

<neel.balu@gmail.com>

www.iupac.org/project/2012-032-2-700

Published Online: 2014-03-27

Published in Print: 2014-03

Articles in the same Issue

https://doi.org/10.1515/ci.2014.36.2.20b