An Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry is the leading text for university courses on this subject. Renowned for being a textbook loved equally by both students and lecturers, it presents complete coverage in an accessible and engaging style. The text begins with the essential biochemistry on which an understanding of medicinal chemistry is built, introducing the structure and function of important drug targets. It then explores how drugs interact with the body and the consequences of those reactions. There is a section on general principles and strategies involved in discovering and designing new drugs, and another on useful 'tools of the trade'. The text ends with a contemporary look at specific topics within medicinal chemistry, for example, antiviral and anticancer agents; cholinergics and anticholinesterases; and antiulcer agents.Learning features throughout An Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry help to unlock this fascinating subject. A glossary helps to familiarise the language of medicinal chemistry. Boxes present in-depth material and explore how concepts are applied in practice. Key points summarise sections within chapters, providing a basis for revision, and questions at the end of chapters and on the accompanying Online Resource Centre allow the reader to test their understanding and develop molecular modelling skills.

Author Biography

Dr. Graham Patrick gained his BSc Honours at Glasgow University, winning the McKay-Smith Prize for Chemistry. He completed his PhD with Professor Kirby and Professor Robins studying the biosynthesis of gliotoxin and related fungal metabolites. Following this, he worked in the pharmaceutical industry as a research chemist and radiochemist on a variety of projects that included topic areas such as opioids, antibacterial agents and antidepressants. His academic career has included positions at Leeds and Strathclyde Universities as well as the Australian National University. He joined the University of Paisley (now the University of the West of Scotland) in 1990, teaching medicinal chemistry and drug design.