Drug Discovery

The overall objective of the course is to provide the student with a general comprehension of the elements involved in modern drug discovery. The course will therefore cover a mix of general topics, as well as specific example cases.

The majority of drug discovery programs are directed towards design of either biopharmaceuticals or small molecules acting selectively at specific targets. As an initial step, the target involved in a given disease has to be identified and validated. Subsequently, ligands designed and optimized to act selectively at the target are identified. During this lead optimization process a number of considerations, such as ADME, toxicology and production, have to be taken into consideration. Finally, the lead candidates have to show efficacy in relevant animal disease models before the final candidate can enter pre-clinical studies. In the this course, we will focus on the target identification and validation as well as drug discovery and lead optimization processes.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:

Knowledge

• Demonstrate comprehension of target identification and validation methods and processes
• Demonstrate insight into lead optimization methods and processes

Skills

• Ability to select important parameters for lead optimization and lead candidate progression
• Orally present a subject in the drug discovery area (however, this is not part of the assessment)

Competencies

• Conduct a valid scientific literature study in the area of drug discovery
• Write a scientifically-based report on drug discovery aspects using scientific literature