Descriptif

The vast majority of drugs used today are purely “organic” compounds – they do not contain any metal atoms. However, due to their different kinetic, geometric and electronic properties, metal complexes can undergo reactions which are not possible with organic agents. With the exception of cisplatin and its derivatives, metal-containing drugs, particularly organometallic compounds, have been, until very recently, largely neglected by both the pharmaceutical industry and academia. Over the last few years, however, things have changed, and significantly! Indeed, “inorganic drug candidates” are beginning to enter clinical trials, with more promising lead structures in the pipeline.

This course will cover the latest advances in the field of medicinal inorganic chemistry with an emphasis on the discovery of new inorganic compounds with proven anti-cancer activity, enzyme inhibition or anti-malarial properties. Moreover, the specific mechanism of action of the metal-based drugs will be presented in detail.

Language course: English
Credits ECTS: 5