Hit-to-lead chemistry

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-005325",
  "term": "Hit-to-lead chemistry",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "The process in drug discovery that transforms a compound identified in a primary screen, known as a 'hit', into a more promising 'lead' compound. This stage involves synthesizing and evaluating analogues of the hit to improve its potency, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic properties. The goal is to develop a chemical series with a clear structure-activity relationship suitable for further development into a drug candidate.",
  "subject": "Chemistry and Human Health",
  "see_also": [
    "lead"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2013, 85, 1725. 'Glossary of terms used in medicinal chemistry. Part II (IUPAC Recommendations 2013)' on page 1737 (https://doi.org/10.1351/PAC-REC-12-11-23)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/hit-to-lead-chemistry/"
}