Emerging Landscape of Computational Modeling in Pharmaceutical Development

J Chem Inf Model. 2022 Mar 14;62(5):1160-1171. doi: 10.1021/acs.jcim.1c01580. Epub 2022 Feb 28.

Abstract

Computational chemistry applications have become an integral part of the drug discovery workflow over the past 35 years. However, computational modeling in support of drug development has remained a relatively uncharted territory for a significant part of both academic and industrial communities. This review considers the computational modeling workflows for three key components of drug preclinical and clinical development, namely, process chemistry, analytical research and development, as well as drug product and formulation development. An overview of the computational support for each step of the respective workflows is presented. Additionally, in context of solid form design, special consideration is given to modern physics-based virtual screening methods. This covers rational approaches to polymorph, coformer, counterion, and solvent virtual screening in support of solid form selection and design.

Keywords: artificial intelligence; computational chemistry; crystal structure prediction; preclinical and clinical development; process chemistry; quantum mechanics.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Drug Design
  • Drug Development*
  • Drug Discovery*
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations

Substances

  • Pharmaceutical Preparations