What Role Does the Shikimic Acid Pathway Play in Drug Development?
The shikimic acid pathway is a target for drug development, especially in designing antibiotics and antivirals. For instance, the pathway's intermediates are used in synthesizing the antiviral drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu). While these drugs are not inherently toxic, their development involves assessing potential toxicological effects, ensuring they are safe and effective for human use.
