Isostere

Classical Isosteres are molecules or ions with similar shape and often electronic properties. Many definitions are available.[1] but the term is usually employed in the context of bioactivity and drug development. Such biologically-active compounds containing an isostere is called a bioisostere. This is frequently used in drug design:[2] the bioisostere will still be recognized and accepted by the body, but its functions there will be altered as compared to the parent molecule.

  1. ^ Richard Silverman, The Organic Chemistry of Drug Design and Drug Action, Second Edition, 2004
  2. ^ Nathan Brown. Bioisosteres in Medicinal Chemistry. Wiley-VCH, 2012, p. 237. ISBN 978-3-527-33015-7