Lääkejohdannaiset

Lääkejohdannaiset, also known as drug derivatives, are chemical compounds that are structurally related to a parent drug molecule. These derivatives are often synthesized to modify the pharmacological properties of the original drug, such as its potency, selectivity, duration of action, or route of administration. The process of creating a derivative involves making specific chemical alterations to the parent compound.

These modifications can include adding or removing functional groups, changing the size or shape of the molecule, or altering its stereochemistry. The goal is typically to improve the drug's therapeutic index, meaning to enhance its beneficial effects while reducing its adverse effects. For instance, a derivative might be designed to be more easily absorbed by the body, to be metabolized more slowly to provide a longer-lasting effect, or to target a specific receptor with greater precision.

In some cases, derivatives are prodrugs, which are inactive compounds that are converted into the active drug form within the body through metabolic processes. This can be a strategy to improve bioavailability, reduce toxicity, or facilitate drug delivery to a particular site of action. The development and study of lääkejohdannaiset are a significant part of medicinal chemistry and drug discovery, aiming to optimize existing therapies and create new ones with improved characteristics.