The document discusses the stages of drug discovery, including identifying a target such as a protein, receptor, or enzyme. Small molecule modulators are identified that can modify the function of the target protein. These molecules undergo preclinical trials in animals to test if the treatment works and is safe enough for human testing.

2. Medical Science Chemical Science
Pharmaceutical Science

7. Stages of Drug Discovery

8. Target
Molecular recognition site to which drug
binds
Target may be
Protein molecule
A receptor
Enzyme
Transport molecule
Ion channel
Tubulin
Immunophilin

9. Identification of small molecule
modulators of protein function
The process of transforming these into
high- content lead series.

11. Preclinical trial
A laboratory test of a new
drug or a new medical device,
usually done on animal
subjects, to see if the hoped-
for treatment really works
and if it is safe to test on
humans.