We are constantly advancing our capabilities to create new potential therapies for the future.

In recent years, advancements in predictions, structure-based design and imaging together with automation 1, artificial intelligence and machine learning, have become important enablers to gain speed and improve the success rates of small molecule lead optimisation. This includes utilising high-throughput screening, ensuring multifaceted characterisation of the molecules’ engagement with their targets and having deep expertise in chemical synthesis.

At AstraZeneca, we combine our unique range of knowledge, skills and experience across multiple disciplines to keep discovering and developing potential new small molecule therapeutics. The rapid advancement of biopharmaceutical research and technology opens up possibilities for innovative and creative new approaches to developing small molecule drugs. They can also be designed to engage biological targets by various modes of action and their distribution can further be tailored, for example to allow for systemic exposure with or without brain penetration. Defined as any organic compound with low molecular weight, small molecule drugs have some distinct advantages as therapeutics: most can be administered orally and they can pass through cell membranes to reach intracellular targets. Small molecule drugs have been the mainstay of the pharmaceutical industry for nearly a century. Partnerships, alliances and recognition.

Molecular activity synonym