Lead compounds extensive screening

Ehrlich s approach to developing arsphenamine involved extensive screening studies on each newly prepared compound. Information gained from earlier screens helped determine the structure of the next compound to be synthesized. This iterative method is the predominant method for modem lead optimization in medicinal chemistry. Under his method, Ehrlich s antibacterial research continued to progress and ultimately resulted in the discovery of the sulfa drugs. 

Despite the extensive use of ADME-PK screens in drug discovery, there is no one correct or standardized workflow for drug discovery. Often, ADME screening strategies are dictated by specific needs of the discovery program (i.e., therapeutic area, competitive landscape), recent precedent (i.e., success, failure), and/or the chemistry and disposition of a series of lead compounds. 

---