Utility of NMR in lead optimization: fragment-based approaches
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 28, 2026

NMR-Based Fragment Screening in a Minimum Sample but Maximum Automation Mode
Published on: June 4, 2021
1Global Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Abbott Park, IL 60064, USA. jeff.huth@abbott.com
Abstract:
NMR has proven to be a valuable tool for identifying small molecule drug leads that serve as starting points for lead optimization programs. In addition, NMR screening can also be applied during lead optimization in order to improve the pharmacokinetic properties of a compound. In this paper we review the NMR methods that can be used for this purpose. Several examples are then summarized to demonstrate the usefulness of fragment-based approaches in optimizing the physical properties of potential drug candidates.
Related Concept Videos
Applications Of NMR In Biology
The...
Insensitive Nuclei Enhanced by Polarization Transfer (INEPT)
Other Nuclides: 31P, 19F, 15N NMR
While fluorine-19 and phosphorous-31 have high natural abundances (100%) and positive gyromagnetic ratios, nitrogen-15 has a low natural abundance and a negative gyromagnetic ratio. However, nitrogen-15 is still preferred over nitrogen-14 (which has a high...
Drug Discovery: Overview
Chemical Shift: Internal References and Solvent Effects
The internal reference compound generally used in NMR spectroscopy is tetramethylsilane (TMS). TMS is preferred because it is chemically inert, soluble in NMR solvents, and easily removable. Also, the highly shielded methyl protons in TMS yield an intense...
Ligand Binding Sites
Protein-ligand interactions are quite specific; even though numerous potential ligands surround a cellular protein at any given time, only a particular ligand can bind to that protein. Moreover, a ligand binds only to a dedicated area on the surface of the protein, known as the...

