We and our partners use cookies and other tracking technologies to collect data relating to you to perform analytics, improve your experience of using our website, provide you with personalized ads and content based on your interactions with these and other websites and allow you to share content on social media. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you consent to this and to the sharing of this data with our partners. You can change your consent preferences at any time in the “Cookie Settings” section at the bottom of our website. Review our Cookie Notice to learn more about our practices.
Small-Molecule Drug Discovery and Development
Small-molecule drugs are organic compounds with low molecular weight—typically less than 900 daltons—that help to regulate biological processes and diagnose, treat or prevent diseases. Many are derived from natural sources, including tree bark, plants, fungi, bacteria and marine organisms. In contrast, biologic drugs are larger in size—typically greater than 1 kilodalton—and are developed from blood, proteins, viruses and living organisms.
Because of their low weight, small-molecule drugs can pass through cell membranes, interact with proteins and enzymes inside cells and disrupt certain processes. They target immune cell protein-to-protein interactions to modulate immune function and counteract pathological mechanisms.
Small-molecule drugs are chemically derived and make up 90% of pharmaceutical drugs,1 including aspirin, antihistamines, and other tablets/capsules that are typically found in our medicine cabinets. They are often taken orally and typically stable at room temperature.
References
1. Govardhanagiri S, Bethi S, and Nagaraju G P. Small Molecules and Pancreatic Cancer Trials and Troubles. IN: Breaking Tolerance to Pancreatic Cancer Unresponsiveness to Chemotherapy. Cambridge, MA, USA: Academic Press; 2019. p. 117-131.
