Small molecules and their impact in drug discovery: A perspective on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the Bayer Chemical Research Laboratory

Hartmut Beck; Michael Härter; Bastian Haß; Carsten Schmeck; Lars Baerfacker

doi:10.1016/j.drudis.2022.02.015

Small molecules and their impact in drug discovery: A perspective on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the Bayer Chemical Research Laboratory

Drug Discov Today. 2022 Jun;27(6):1560-1574. doi: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.02.015. Epub 2022 Feb 21.

Authors

Hartmut Beck¹, Michael Härter², Bastian Haß³, Carsten Schmeck², Lars Baerfacker²

Affiliations

¹ Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Wuppertal, Germany. Electronic address: hartmut.beck@bayer.com.
² Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Wuppertal, Germany.
³ Digital & Commercial Innovation, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Berlin, Germany.

PMID: 35202802
DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.02.015

Abstract

The year 2021 marks the 125th anniversary of the Bayer Chemical Research Laboratory in Wuppertal, Germany. A significant number of prominent small-molecule drugs, from Aspirin to Xarelto, have emerged from this research site. In this review, we shed light on historic cornerstones of small-molecule drug research, discussing current and future trends in drug discovery as well as providing a personal outlook on the future of drug research with a focus on small molecules.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence; Drug discovery; Medicinal chemistry; New modalities; Small molecule therapeutics; Societal impact.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Anniversaries and Special Events*
Drug Discovery
Pharmaceutical Research*
Small Molecule Libraries / chemistry

Substances

Small Molecule Libraries