Magic Bullet

Now, You know type of lecture I've been to :p [psst, its a pharmacology lecture :)]

What I still don't understand is; why haven't we just synthesised molecule that perfectly fits to a specific receptor? what else do we need to know in order to make a magic bullet?

We can now obtain a perfect picture of receptors, we already know their structures and where the ligand binds to. Although I am not sure whether we have figured where exactly the ligand needs to bind to in order to create a conformational change [1]. 

I wonder how small molecules are made? [2] Because if it is synthesised, then specific ligand molecules can be made. 

I remember there was an atomic 'story' of "The boy and the ball" [need to recheck this]; it was formed through manipulation of single atoms[don't know which ones exactly]. But, this same principle can be applied to the formation of more accurate drugs.

Problem with drugs:

1. administration --> it [sometimes] cannot directly get into the target tissue or organ. Therefore, it will need to take a round-about route [ex. blood system]. the effect: time, binds to other receptors, reduces the efficacy

2. side-effects --> because most receptors come from the same family

3. homeostasis--> the body's mechanism is to control for any change in body function, therefore, if a drug is introduced, the body will try and compensate for it

Solution

- something that is easy to administer, has little side effect and doesn't affect homeostasis!

OR maybe there is no Magic bullet, maybe the solution to our health problems lies in an area completely untouched by human mind...and what area would that be?

Footnote:

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