What Are the Implications of Biological Synthesis for Drug Development?
In drug development, understanding biological synthesis is critical for predicting a compound's pharmacokinetics and potential toxicity. By elucidating metabolic pathways, researchers can design drugs with favorable metabolic profiles, reducing the risk of adverse effects. This knowledge also aids in identifying potential drug-drug interactions and in the development of prodrugs, which are inactive compounds that become active after metabolic conversion. Ultimately, insights into biological synthesis enhance the safety and efficacy of pharmaceuticals.