Introduction to Drug Hunting
Introduction to Drug Hunting
This course is part of Drug Hunting: The Science of Making New Medicines Specialization
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What you'll learn
The different steps of preclinical drug discovery and clinical trials; introduction to the subject of drug hunting.
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There are 3 modules in this course
This course introduces and summarizes the different steps of preclinical drug discovery, wrapping up with a brief description of the subsequent clinical trials and the importance of competitive intelligence in project strategy. It provides a high-level overview for those interested in a more general understanding of the topic and forms the foundation for a more in-depth exploration of topics covered in other courses in this series.
Target audience: This course is suitable for life scientists, clinicians, and individuals from fields that support drug discovery (e.g., patents, finance, licensing, etc.) interested in learning more about the pharmaceutical/biotechnology sector. Advanced undergraduate coursework or practical familiarity/working knowledge in biological sciences and organic chemistry is recommended.
Welcome to the course. By the end of this course students will be able to: Describe at a general level the process of drug discovery and development. Explain how potential drug targets and molecules are identified and evaluated, including the importance of biological activity, pharmacokinetics, and safety. Recognize some of the potential preclinical and clinical hurdles a new drug candidate must overcome.
What's included
6 videos4 readings3 assignments1 discussion prompt
6 videos•Total 37 minutes
- Welcome•1 minute
- Interview with Pam Ting•17 minutes
- Drug discovery and development•6 minutes
- Unmet medical need and key scientific questions•4 minutes
- Target selection•5 minutes
- Assays & Screening•5 minutes
4 readings•Total 40 minutes
- The process of drug research•10 minutes
- Read the three documents below, each of which describes an unmet medical need.•10 minutes
- A drug target and pathway example•10 minutes
- Recent advances in phenotypic drug discovery•10 minutes
3 assignments•Total 90 minutes
- Assessment•30 minutes
- Knowledge Check•30 minutes
- Knowledge Check•30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
- Unmet Medical Needs•10 minutes
What's included
4 videos4 readings4 assignments
4 videos•Total 22 minutes
- In vitro pharmacology•5 minutes
- Pharmacokinetics•5 minutes
- Lead Selection•5 minutes
- In vivo pharmacology•6 minutes
4 readings•Total 40 minutes
- Concepts of potency and efficacy•10 minutes
- Understanding ADME•10 minutes
- Understanding target engagement of a compound•10 minutes
- Biomarkers•10 minutes
4 assignments•Total 120 minutes
- Assessment•30 minutes
- Knowledge Check•30 minutes
- Knowledge Check•30 minutes
- Knowledge Check•30 minutes
What's included
6 videos1 reading6 assignments1 discussion prompt
6 videos•Total 26 minutes
- Preclinical PK/PD•5 minutes
- Lead Optimization•5 minutes
- Preclinical Safety•5 minutes
- Clinical Trials•5 minutes
- Competitive Intelligence•4 minutes
- Farewell•1 minute
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
- Drug Choice•10 minutes
6 assignments•Total 180 minutes
- Assessment•30 minutes
- Knowledge Check•30 minutes
- Knowledge Check•30 minutes
- Knowledge Check - Clinical trials•30 minutes
- Knowledge Check - Routes to approval•30 minutes
- Knowledge Check•30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
- Safety is relative•10 minutes
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- Status: Free Trial
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- Status: Free TrialU
University of California San Diego
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- Status: PreviewU
University of Glasgow
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- Status: Free TrialN
Novartis
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Reviewed on Aug 24, 2024
succinct, well explained, quick to move through the modules
Reviewed on Nov 20, 2024
Great introduction - accessible and clear, even for a none scientist
Reviewed on Mar 31, 2025
This coarse is really beginner's friendly and easy to understand.
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