Learning objectives
The course aims at providing the necessary methodological tools for
understanding the molecular basis of drug action, with particular
reference to the drugs included in the program.
Knowledge and understanding: the relationships between chemical
structure and pharmaceutical, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic
properties,the study of the chemical and physico-chemical properties of
t h e d r u g s , t h e m e c h a n i s m o f a c t i o n , t h e m o s t i m p o r t a n t
biotransformations and metabolic considerations, the classification of the
drugs and the nomenclature.
Applying knowledge and understanding: through the frequency of the
course the student will be able to apply his knowledge to the
interpretation of the mechanism of action and the pharmacological profile
of the drugs and their metabolic characteristics, the discussion of the
structure-activity relationships, the definition of a correct nomenclature
according to international rules, the ability to communicate with people
with scientific training in different areas such as pharmacology,
pharmaceutical technology, biotechnology.
Communication skilles: being treated the acquisition of a formally correct
language, is stimulated the ability to express the contents in a clear and
straightforward way.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of organic chemistry, biochemistry, physiology,
pharmacology.
Course unit content
Cholesterol, hypercholesterolemia and dyslipidemia. Antilipoproteinemics
d r u g s .
Adrenocortical steroids, synthetic analogues, inhibitors of the synthesis.
Estrogenic and progestinic substances. Androgenic substances.
Thyroid and antithyroid drugs.
Calcium homeostasis.
Full programme
Antilipoproteinemic drugs and inhibitors of cholesterol synthesis: Bile acid
sequestrants, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, cholesterol absorption
inhibitors, fibrates, nicotinic acid.
Corticosteroids: Biosynthesis of corticosteroids. Development of
corticosteroid drugs. SAR.
Thyroid function and thyroid medications.
Calcium homeostasis: pharmacological therapies for osteoporosis, for
hyperparathyroidism, for hypoparathyroidism, for hypercalcaemia.
Female sex hormones: estrogenic and progestinic substances.
Male sex hormones: androgenic substances.
Bibliography
W.O. FOYE: “Principi di Chimica Farmaceutica”, Piccin.
G.L. PATRICK: "Introduzione alla Chimica Farmaceutica", EdiSES.
Teaching methods
Through oral lessons will be presented and discussed matters relating to
the course content.
Assessment methods and criteria
The module Supplement to Medicinal Chemistry is part of the integrated
course Supplement to Medicinal Chemistry/Biotechnology Drugs.
The achievement of the objectives of the course is checked by oral
examination. The mark will be averaged with that relating to the part of
biotechnology drugs.
Through questions regarding the course topics will be determined
knowledge and understanding of the student.
Through questions about the connections between different topics, the
interpretation of the action and the pharmacological profile of drugs, the
structure-activity relationships and structure-pharmacokinetic properties
will be cheked the skills of the student.
It will also evaluate the student's ability to communicate knowledge and
skills in verbal form through the use of an appropriate language.
Other information
Lectures are conducted with the aid of slides whose contents are
available to students. The teaching material available online is not a
replacement but a supplementary of reference texts, and a guide to a
better understanding of the topics to be studied.
