Foreword

Infectious diseases caused by neglected tropical pathogens continue to present significant global health challenges, especially in regions with limited economic and healthcare resources. The chemical structures of therapeutic agents targeting these diseases often rely heavily on heteroatom-rich scaffolds, notably structures that contain nitrogen, which provide a foundation for improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.

This volume presents a comprehensive account of the critical advancements in medicinal chemistry aimed at addressing Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and related infections, emphasizing the significance of innovative strategies in drug design, scaffold-hopping methodologies, and target-based approaches utilizing both natural and synthetic compounds. Particular emphasis is placed on the incorporation of heteroatoms to improve solubility, lipophilicity, and hydrogen bonding capacity, as well as to optimize the ADME/Tox profiles of prospective drug candidates. Moreover, the distinctive biological functions of several chemical scaffolds offer molecular mimicry of natural metabolites, thereby facilitating the identification of agents with broad-spectrum bioactivity and enhanced therapeutic indices.

In addition to reviewing the core structures and biological targets, this work explores diverse synthetic methodologies employed to expand the drug-like chemical space. It highlights the significance of Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) studies in optimizing lead compounds for efficacy and selectivity. Through the integration of classical medicinal chemistry with emerging approaches, including computational modeling and high-throughput screening, new avenues are being unveiled for addressing diseases that have historically been neglected due to limited commercial interest.

KEY FEATURES

1. Comprehensive insights into innovative compounds for NTDs and related infectious diseases.

2. Integration of natural products, synthetic compounds, and drug repurposing approaches.

3. Insights into target-based drug design and mechanistic pathways.

4. Application of advanced computational, experimental, and screening techniques.

5. Multidisciplinary strategies to address drug resistance and improve therapeutic outcomes.

It is our firm belief that this volume will stand as a valuable reference and an enduring source of inspiration for medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, and global health researchers committed to overcoming the burden of neglected diseases through advances in molecular innovation.