As knowledge of biological systems has expanded and the number of techniques available for exploring and visualizing their components has increased, it has become possible to design drugs specifically for a given target. This unique insight has revolutionized the process of drug development for specific disease states.Smith and Williams' Introduction to the Principles of Drug Design and Action, 4th Edition provides a thorough introduction to the principles of rational drug design, including both novel and established approaches. The fourth edition of this popular textbook adopts a 'from the...

Focusing on the development of enzyme inhibitors as therapeutic drugs, Enzymes and Their Inhibitors: Drug Development provides a concise overview of the chemistry of major types of enzymes and their inhibitors. The opening chapters introduce readers to the structure, functions, mechanisms, and kinetics of enzymes, including their use as disease markers, analytical reagents, and in industrial processes. Subsequent chapters discuss the different types of enzyme inhibitors and the principles involved in developing them into effective drugs. This outstanding text, also valuable as a professional...

Current research suggests that neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and Creutzfeldt-Jabob may be linked to disorders in protein shape referred to as "protein misfolding." Continued study in this area could lead to promising advances in future treatment of these diseases. This groundbreaking text describes the latest findings regarding protein misfolding in the context of it being a marker, and perhaps a cause, in neurodegenerative diseases. Comprehensive coverage includes the diverse biochemical targets/markers for each disease, the currently limited...