Making new drugs via combinatorial chemistry

Article Abstract:

Combinatorial chemistry could revolutionize the development of new drugs and the investigation of the function of proteins. Combinatorial chemistry is a new technique that allows researchers to synthesize many variations of a chemical at one time, test them for biological activity and isolate those most active. Split synthesis uses small beads to build small quantities of a large number of compounds. Parallel synthesis uses beads or solution and is used to create large quantities of a small number of chemicals. This technique has not resulted in any marketable drugs, but some are being tested in humans. One problem with split synthesis in particular is the inability to identify some compounds since they are present in such small quantities. A solution is to use chemical tags or radiofrequency chips that can include information about the synthetic process as well as identifying the chemical.

Product development, Drugs, Synthetic drugs

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New Paradigms Sought to Explain Occupational and Environmental Disease

Article Abstract:

Specialists in occupational disease discussed new theories about the causes of occupational diseases at a recent meeting of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Many theories of occupational disease have been replaced by the exertion theory. Workers who undergo brief periods of extreme exertion but have long recovery periods may not develop musculoskeletal disorders related to the workplace. Others who experience low levels of exertion constantly may have a higher risk. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has issued a report to guide future research in occupational disease.

Conferences, meetings and seminars, Occupational diseases, Work-related injuries, Work related injuries

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Leptin Passes Safety Tests, but Effectiveness Varies

Article Abstract:

Researchers discussed the use of leptin to treat obesity at a meeting of the American Diabetes Association in June, 1998. Leptin is a natural human protein produced by body fat that regulates body weight. A study of 58 lean people and 70 obese people showed that recombinant human leptin caused weight loss in some and had few side effects. All of the participants were also on a reducing diet. However, not everyone who took the protein lost weight. Obesity is a complex disease, particularly in diabetics.

Health aspects, Drug therapy, Obesity, Leptin

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