Recent advances in computer-aided drug design methods

Abstract

A number of computational advances have had significant impact on the field of computer-aided drug design over the last several years. These advances can be grouped into three basic areas: conformational modelling (of small molecules, macromolecules and their complexes), property modelling (of physical, biological and chemical properties) and molecular design (to optimise physical, biological or chemical properties). The current state of the art in each of these areas is introduced. Recent patents related to these three topics are critically reviewed and their impact on the field of computer-aided drug design is assessed.