Research in the Division of Medicinal Chemistry

Within the Center for Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences research on medicinal chemistry is centered around two themes: receptor recognition and photochemistry of drugs. Extremely little is known about the conformation of receptor recognition sites. The approach that should lead to a more detailed knowledge is outlined. Similarly the interaction between enzymes and their inhibitors will be studied. The photochemistry of drugs can be useful (phototherapy) or harmful (phototoxicity). The phototoxicity of benzodiazepines was found to be attributable to the formation of oxaziridines on the N-oxide groups.