HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS IN DRUG DISCOVERY: RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AND APPLICATIONS
Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS), Pallavaram, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India 600117
Heterocyclic compounds constitute a fundamental class of chemical entities extensively utilized in modern drug discovery due to their remarkable structural diversity and biological versatility. These compounds, characterized by the presence of at least one heteroatom such as nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur within a cyclic framework, exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities including antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and central nervous system effects. Recent advancements in synthetic methodologies, computational drug design, and high-throughput screening have significantly accelerated the identification and optimization of heterocyclic scaffolds for therapeutic applications. Furthermore, the integration of structure– activity relationship (SAR) studies and molecular modeling has enhanced the rational design of potent and selective drug candidates. Despite their advantages, challenges such as toxicity, metabolic instability, and synthetic complexity remain critical considerations. This review highlights recent developments, therapeutic applications, and future perspectives of heterocyclic compounds in drug discovery, emphasizing their indispensable role in pharmaceutical innovation.
16 , 1 , 2026
35 - 40
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