New, simple and accessible method creates potency-increasing structure in drugs | Penn State University
www.psu.edu
Chemical structures called cyclopropanes can increase the potency and fine-tune the properties of many drugs, but traditional methods to create this structure only work with certain molecules and require highly reactive — potentially explosive — ingredients. Now, a team of researchers from Penn State has identified and demonstrated a safe, efficient and practical way to create cyclopropanes on a wide variety of molecules.
  • treefrog@lemm.ee
    6·
    11 months ago

    This is what has me excited.

    These structures can increase a drug’s potency, alter its ability to dissolve in the body, minimize its interactions with unintended targets, and otherwise fine-tune performance.

    So, they can minimize side effects. THC as an example, binds with the muscle tissue in the heart and causes it stress. This is not only a source of anxiety for many stoners, it also makes THC a less valuable medication for people with heart conditions.

    This breakthrough maybe can change situations like this for many many drugs and make doctors not have to prescribe two drugs to block the side effects of the first (there’s a medication currently in development for just blocking THC’s side effects on the heart).

    Additionally, when THC isn’t binding to targets where it creates side effects, more of the molecule is available for intended targets, thereby decreasing the amount needed (increased potency).

    Cool stuff.