Drug discovery and development
The latest chemistry news and research on drug discovery and development, including cancer drugs, antibiotics, vaccines and drug screening, from the Royal Society of Chemistry's magazine, Chemistry World
-
ResearchBenchmark flaws may be distorting AI drug-discovery leaderboards
Audit identifies subtle but consequential issues, such as conflicting labels and train–test leakage, in numerous benchmark datasets
-
FeatureCracking the ubiquitin code to unlock new drug targets
The approval of the first Protac cancer drug marks a turning point in medicine – but scientists are only beginning to decode the complex molecular language that makes it possible
-
OpinionChemistry contains multitudes
There’s room (and need) for all the various subspecies of chemical scientists
-
OpinionArtificial intelligence or clever artifice?
It’s important to be realistic about what AI can, and can’t, achieve, across the chemistry enterprise
-
ResearchStep forward for CAR-T therapy as it shows promise in solid bladder tumours
Animal tests show targeting bladder cancer specific protein can treat tumours and could cut need for surgery
-
ResearchCovalent drugs just got a new ‘spring-loaded’ warhead
Sulfur(IV) reagent allows late-stage installation of bicyclobutanes to drug molecules, expanding a limited tool box
-
BusinessOral cholesterol-lowering peptide approved after a decade in development
Merck & Co’s Lipfendra (enlicitide) employs 13 enzymes in biocatalytic synthesis
-
ResearchRe-engineered psychedelic drug retains therapeutic activity in mice, while limiting negative side effects
Rationally designed molecular structure targets a specific subset of serotonin receptors, and potentially offers a route towards safer psychedelic treatments
-
WebinarOne goal, three industries: retrosynthesis for pharma, agrochemicals and flavours & fragrances
Join us on 15 September as we explore the latest in AI-powered retrosynthetic software, evaluating its performance across three different industries
-
BusinessRegulators push Amgen to withdraw drug due to data manipulation
Questions raised over safety and efficacy of Tavneos (avacopan)
-
NewsAston University unveils new £6 million membrane research facility
The facility will investigate membranes for applications such as water purification and drug development
-
ResearchProtein wrappers designed by AI solve membrane proteins’ solubility problem
Protein sheaths encapsulate membrane proteins while preserving their structure and function making them easier to study
-
BusinessRewriting genetic medicine
Scribe Therapeutics will soon begin clinical trials for its epigenetic treatment to tackle ‘bad’ cholesterol
-
ResearchMetabolised antibiotics can drive antimicrobial resistance just as much as their parent compounds
Studies on wastewater show that antibiotic transformation products may play an underappreciated role in driving antimicrobial resistance
-
ResearchClever chemistry turns antibiotic-resistant bacteria’s own defences against them
Photosensitiser is activated by enzyme linked to resistance, making bacteria vulnerable to light therapy
-
OpinionWhat kinds of reactions do you do most?
Variety may be the spice of life, but there’s space for the boring but effective
-
OpinionGSK agrees $10 billion deal for Nuvalent cancer drugs
Deal includes two late-stage molecules to augment GSK’s renewed cancer therapy pipeline
-
NewsCroatian researchers thrust into limelight as their 1990s’ peptide discovery goes mainstream in the US
Trump administration hopes to approve peptides popular with MAHA wellbeing advocates. How are the researchers at the centre of this coping with sudden media fame?
-
NewsWhat kind of damage has RFK Jr’s health department inflicted on vaccine research in the US so far?
Since becoming health secretary in early 2025, Robert F Kennedy Jr has confirmed the worst fears of his critics
-
BusinessUS FDA commissioner Makary resigns amid chaos and questions
Marty Makary’s departure, amid reports that Trump planned to fire him, is the result of an ‘inherited crisis’ and ‘shifting FDA standards’, BIO says