The book “Multiple Ligands in Drug Discovery” edited by Norbert Handler, Helmut Buschmann, Raimund Mannhold, and Jörg Holenz is a comprehensive compilation that provides a current overview for medicinal chemists. The book discusses the effects of aiming for multiple targets on the entire drug development process, presenting both theoretical and practical aspects.

In today’s pharmaceutical industry, the focus on drug selectivity has become increasingly important. Traditional drug development usually involves targeting a single protein or receptor in order to achieve a desired therapeutic effect. However, this approach often leads to limited efficacy or unwanted side effects. The concept of developing drugs with multiple targets, also known as polypharmacology, has gained momentum in recent years. By targeting multiple proteins or receptors, drug selectivity can be improved, leading to enhanced therapeutic outcomes.

The book explores various strategies and approaches for achieving drug selectivity. It discusses different design approaches, merged multiple ligands, and discovery technologies that can be employed in the drug development process. The authors provide a wide range of successful examples of unselective drugs taken from major disease areas, highlighting the potential of targeting multiple targets in drug discovery. The book also covers the challenges and limitations associated with developing drugs with multiple targets.

One of the key strengths of this book is its broad view of an emerging new paradigm in drug development. It not only presents the theoretical principles behind polypharmacology but also provides practical insights and examples. This makes it a valuable resource for medicinal and pharmaceutical chemists who are interested in expanding their knowledge and understanding of drug selectivity.

By reading this book, medicinal chemists can gain a deeper understanding of the benefits and challenges associated with developing drugs with multiple targets. They can learn about the latest design approaches and discovery technologies that can be used in this context. The book also serves as a source of inspiration, providing a wide range of successful examples of unselective drugs taken from different disease areas. This can help researchers in exploring new therapeutic possibilities and developing innovative drugs that can target multiple proteins or receptors.

Overall, “Multiple Ligands in Drug Discovery” is an essential handbook for medicinal and pharmaceutical chemists. Its comprehensive coverage of the topic, practical insights, and successful examples make it a valuable resource for anyone involved in drug discovery and development. Whether you are an experienced researcher or a student starting your career in medicinal chemistry, this book will provide you with the knowledge and inspiration to enhance your work in the field.

Order your copy of “Multiple Ligands in Drug Discovery” today and embark on a journey to explore the possibilities of targeting multiple proteins or receptors in drug development. By gaining a deeper understanding of drug selectivity and the different strategies available, you can contribute to the development of more effective and safer drugs for the benefit of patients worldwide.