In the initial phases of drug discovery where compound potency and selectivity are major considerations, data derived by biologists is of prime importance to the chemists.

This short course will be a mixture of talks, tutorials and case histories involving GPCRs (G protein coupled receptors), enzymes and ion channels.

The course will discuss:

• The techniques and data that biologists use to assess potency and selectivity of agonists, antagonists and enzyme inhibitors.
• The ‘rules’ under which such data is collected – and what happens if these rules are not obeyed.
• Distinguishing between potency and affinity.
• Equilibrium and kinetic assays.
• How kinetic assays can seriously improve your project.
• Translating in vitro data to the in vivo environment.