#chirality

Episode 3: Beyond Borders: Comparing How Global Agencies Regulate Chiral Drugs

Leave a Comment / Chiral science, Chirality, Regulatory Affairs / By / , / May 14, 2025

“Science may be universal, but regulation wears many faces. Let’s journey through the world of chiral drug approval across continents.” Introduction The 1990s witnessed a revolutionary shift in the regulatory treatment of chiral drugs, spurred by major agencies like the U.S. FDA and European Medicines Agency (EMA). However, the global regulatory landscape was -and still is -far from homogeneous. While scientific consensus around the importance of stereochemistry has largely been achieved, regulatory expectations, procedural details, …

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Episode 1: When Mirror Images Mattered: A Historical Prelude to Chiral Drug Regulation

Leave a Comment / Chiral science, Chirality, Regulatory Affairs / By / , / May 7, 2025

“Before the world looked closely at molecular mirror images, the pharmaceutical landscape was filled with blind spots -this is the story of how chirality found its voice.” Introduction The phenomenon of chirality, where molecules exist as non-superimposable mirror images, permeates the natural world. In biological systems, chirality is fundamental: proteins, enzymes, and receptors are inherently stereospecific, responding differently to the two mirror-image forms, or enantiomers, of a compound. In pharmacology, these subtle molecular differences can …

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Chiral Analysis: Mapping the Essentials

Leave a Comment / Chiral science / By / , / April 24, 2025

Chirality: it’s everywhere – shaping how molecules behave, how medicines work, and even how scents and flavors hit our senses. Prelude In fields like pharmaceuticals and environmental science, understanding chirality isn’t just important – it’s essential. Many biologically active compounds are chiral, and their mirror-image forms (enantiomers) can have dramatically different effects. One enantiomer (the eutomer) might deliver the desired therapeutic benefit, while the other (distomer) could cause unwanted side effects – or worse, toxic …

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Chiral Pharmacology: The Mirror Image of Drug Development

Leave a Comment / Chiral Pharmacology, Chiral science / By / , / April 15, 2025

Abstract Chiral pharmacology, which studies how different enantiomers (mirror-image forms of molecules) affect the body, has truly changed the landscape of pharmaceutical science. It highlights the importance of stereochemistry – the three-dimensional structure of molecules – in making drugs safer and more effective. Today, over half of modern medicines are chiral, but in the past, many were given as racemic mixtures (a blend of enantiomers), leading to unpredictable results. This article delves into the fascinating …

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Part 5. The Future of Chirality: Challenges and Innovations

Leave a Comment / Chiral science, Chirality / By / / April 12, 2025

As the study of chirality enters its next phase, it remains at the forefront of scientific exploration, bridging disciplines such as chemistry, biology, pharmacology, and material science. The journey from its foundational discoveries to the transformative breakthroughs in asymmetric synthesis and pharmaceutical applications has established chirality as a fundamental concept in understanding and manipulating molecular asymmetry. This final chapter provides a holistic summary of chirality’s journey, its underpinnings, and where it is headed in the …

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P4. Catalysts of Change: Advancements in Asymmetric Synthesis

1 Comment / Chiral science, Chirality / By / , / April 12, 2025

Asymmetric synthesis is a cornerstone of modern chemistry, enabling the creation of enantiomerically pure compounds essential for pharmaceuticals, materials science, and biotechnology. From early challenges in chiral synthesis to groundbreaking innovations in catalysis, this chapter explores the transformative advancements in asymmetric synthesis, highlighting the scientists, their discoveries, and the profound impact on science and industry. The Challenge of Selectivity in Synthesis Synthesis of chiral compounds was once a formidable challenge. Early chemists struggled with racemic …

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P3. Chirality in Medicine: From Discovery to Disaster

Leave a Comment / Chiral science, Chirality / By / / April 6, 2025

The intersection of chirality and medicine is a compelling narrative that reveals both the promise and peril of molecular asymmetry. From its earliest applications in pharmacology to the tragic consequences of overlooking enantiomeric differences, the role of chirality in medicine underscores the profound impact of stereochemistry on human health. This chapter delves into the breakthroughs, challenges, and lessons learned as chirality became a cornerstone of drug development. Early Discoveries: The Physiological Impact of Chirality The …

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P2. The Building Blocks of Stereochemistry

Leave a Comment / Chiral science, Chirality / By / / April 3, 2025

Lead The story of chirality gained momentum in the late 19th century, as chemists began unraveling the structural principles behind molecular asymmetry. Pioneers like Jacobus Henricus van’t Hoff and Joseph Achille Le Bel laid the groundwork for modern stereochemistry by introducing three-dimensional molecular models. Their work bridged theoretical chemistry and practical applications, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of how molecular structure governs behavior in biological and chemical systems. This chapter explores the breakthroughs, …

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P1. The Origins of Chirality: From Light to Life

Leave a Comment / Chiral science, Chirality / By / / April 9, 2025

Lead Chirality – a concept rooted in the mirror-image asymmetry observed in nature – stands as a cornerstone of chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences. This journey begins in the early 19th century, where the interplay of physics, chemistry, and biology unveiled the mysterious world of chiral molecules. These pioneering explorations profoundly changed our understanding of molecular structures and their pivotal roles in biological and pharmaceutical applications. Étienne-Louis Malus: The First Step into the Polarized World In …

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The Future of Chiral Resolution: Green Chemistry and Sustainable Practices

Leave a Comment / Chiral resolution, Chiral Separation / By / , , / March 27, 2025

Lead Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important consideration across many industries, and chiral resolution is no exception. The separation of enantiomers, essential in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other sectors, has traditionally relied on methods that consume large amounts of energy, solvents, and other resources. As industries become more aware of the environmental impact of these processes, there is a growing movement toward more sustainable and eco-friendly practices in chiral resolution. 1. Why Sustainability is a Growing …

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