Infectious Diseases: Small Molecule Drugs

This lecture covers the molecular and chemical basis of infectious diseases, focusing on small molecule drugs used in the treatment of conditions like pneumonia, cholera, and botulism. It discusses the global mortality rates due to infectious diseases, the mechanisms of viral and bacterial injuries, the components of viruses and bacteria, and the development of antiviral and antibacterial agents. The lecture also explores the discovery of COX2 inhibitors, the differences between COX1 and COX2, and the development of selective COX2 inhibitors. It concludes with the lessons learned from the COX2 story, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in drug discovery.