The drug discovery and development is the main AIM. The drug discovery and development process is designed to ensure that only those pharmaceutical products that are both safe and effective are brought to market. The drug discovery process begins with the screening of selected protein (drug target) leading to the identification of a chemical compound with biological activity(hit)
After confirmation of biological activity and chemical feasibility the hit becomes a lead structure which improved through lead optimization until it fulfills the criteria for a drug candidate, after clinical trials.
The advent of Molecular Biology, coupled with advances in biological screening and synthetic chemistry, has allowed a combination of both knowledge around the receptor and random screening to be used for drug discovery. These include cloning and expressing human receptors and enzyme informates that allow high -throughput, automated screening and application of combinatorial chemistry.
Substance which are useful in treating diseases may be obtained from several sources-mineral, plants, animals, micro-organism, biotechnological method and synthetic chemicals.
There are two distinct fields of pharmaceutical chemistry, Synthetic pharmaceuticals and analytical pharmaceuticals. Synthetic pharmaceutical chemists create new drugs and products in the most cost-effective way that produces the least amount of negative side-effect. Analytical pharmaceutical chemist design and apply methods of chemical analysis to a product to ensure that the drug is refined.
SCOPE
1.Quality control
Chemical analysis is done in quality control department to ensure the quality of raw materials, intermediate and finished products. The final product is tested to ensure that it is composed of essential components with in a pre-defined range.
2.Development of new products (Drug Manufacturing)
Analytical chemist also plays a role in the development of new product.
3.Diagnosis (clinic pharmacist or hospital pharmacist)
Chemical analysis is required in hospitals to diagnose the cause of any illness and to monitor the patient’s overall condition.
4. Farming (Soil Analyst)
Soil analysis is done to know the amount of essential nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) and other trace elements essential for plant growth. The result of this analysis influences the type and quantity of fertilizer to be used.
5.Chemical Research (in research field)
The data obtained through analysis with the application of analytical chemistry build up the foundation of chemical research as it is used by every chemist, either directly or indirectly.
6. Medical and Biological Research (Biological and Microbiological Field)
It provides information useful for understanding the vital processes. This helps to develop better quality medicines for curing various diseases.