Drug design, biotechnology and medicinal chemistry: applications to infectious diseases

current drug design strategies are based on the understanding of the physio-pathology of diseases, biochemical pathways and selection of molecular targets. Modernbiotechnological tools have provided valuable information to facilitate the discovery ofnew drug candidates. Medicinal chemistry has a vital role in a variety of processes aimedat the identification of bioactive substances and the development of lead-compoundswith optimized pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties. the present paperpresents some fundamental aspects of biotechnology and medicinal chemistry as usefultools in the design of new chemical entities for the therapy of infectious diseases. KeywoRds: Drug design, Medicinal chemistry, Infectious diseases, Molecular modeling,enzymes, Inhibitors.