Learning objectives
he 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 the drugs, the mechanism of action, the most important 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 drugs.
Adrenocortical steroids, synthetic analogues, inhibitors of the synthesis.
Estrogenic and progestinic substances. Androgenic substances.
Thyroid and antithyroid drugs.
Calcium homeostasis.
Hypoglycemic.
Anti-inflammatory agents.
Full programme
Antilipoproteinemic drugs and inhibitors of cholesterol synthesis: Bile acid sequestrants, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, fibrates, nicotinic acid.
Insulin and medications used to treat diabetes.
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.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Antipyretic analgesics. Anti-inflammatory analgesics. COX-2 inhibitors. Drugs for the treatment of arthritis. Antigout agents.
Bibliography
W.O. FOYE: “Principi di Chimica Farmaceutica”, Piccin.
G.L. PATRICK: "Introduzione alla Chimica Farmaceutica", EdiSES.
WILSON & GISVOLD: "Chimica Farmaceutica", casa Editrice Ambrosiana.
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.
