A drug-like molecule that is synthetically stable and feasible, which also fulfills specific characteristics. 

Chemical Lead

The process of determining a chemical lead.

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- 1: Target Identification
- 2: Target Validation
- 3: Lead Identification
- 4: Lead Optimization 
- 5: Product Characterization
- 6: Formulation and Development

Steps in Drug Discovery and Development

Deore, A., Dhumane, J., Wagh, R., & Sonawane, R. (2019). The Stages of Drug Discovery and Development Process. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Development, 7(6), 62-67. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.22270/ajprd.v7i6.616

The Stages of Drug Discovery and Development Process

3: Lead Identification

The process of determining a drug target. The methods behind this process can draw from disciplines like biology, biochemistry, genetics, or biophysics.

1: Target Identification

The process of certifying a target of a small molecule. In other words, it is looking into the functional role of a target and seeing if a drug works in a clinical setting. 

2: Target Validation

The characterization of a new drug molecule after it shows potential. Properties of characterization are based on early stages of pharmacological studies. Characterization covers molecule size, shape, strength, weakness, use, toxicity, and biological activity. 

5: Product Characterization

The characterization of physicochemical properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), with the purpose of producing an optimal drug dosage that is also bioavailable and stable. This also covers the path of intake.

6: Formulation and Development

The iterative process of designing and refining a drug candidate after identifying a chemical lead. The purpose is to keep favorable properties in lead compounds while filtering out or improving upon unfavorable ones.

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