CH2MIM-The Uses of Metals in Medicine

Module Provider: Chemistry
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites: CH1OR1 Shape, Structure and Reactivity in Organic Chemistry and CH1IN4 Inorganic Chemistry for Biological Sciences
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Katja Strohfeldt-Venables
Email: K.Strohfeldt@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module introduces the concepts and general principles relating to metallo-therapeutic drugs, metal-based diagnostic agents, drug discovery and development, and treatments for metal and heavy metal poisoning. Thus, the course will include bioinorganic chemistry and aspects of pharmacology and pharmacy practice related to metallotherapeutic drugs and metal-based diagnostic agents. By discussing case studies for the discovery and development of metallotherapeutic drugs, this module will consolidate the students’ knowledge of the drug discovery process, and introduce new opportunities that have arisen in the post-genomic era.

Aims:

1. To introduce concepts of bioinorganic chemistry of pharmaceutical relevance;


2. To consider risks and advantages associated with metal-based drugs;


3. To discuss concepts and principles related to the study of metallotherapeutic drugs and metal-based diagnostic agents, including their syntheses, analyses, quality assurance, biological activities, modes of action, stabilities and metabolism;


4. To further illustrate the process of drug discovery and development using selected case studies;


5. To introduce treatment regimes for metal and heavy metal poisoning.

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the Module the student will be expected to:

• Describe key concepts of bioinorganic chemistry that are relevant to pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry, for example principles of inorganic chemistry reactions and redox systems.


• Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms of action, uses, and limitations of the major groups of metallotherapeutic drugs and diagnostic agents, with reference to a range of disease states.


• Explain mechanisms of toxicity of metallotherapeutic drugs and the approaches used to minimise / circumvent toxicity


• Outline methods for the preparation and analysis of common metallotherapeutic drugs and diagnostic agents


• Discuss how selected drugs were discovered and developed, and use this to illustrate some of the principles of drug design and development, and outline new opportunities for drug discovery


• Suggest methods for treating metal and heavy metal poisoning

Additional outcomes:

Through problem-based learning and self-directed learning the student will develop communication skills and the development of self-learning skills for lifelong learning. Through directed reading the student will learn to survey, retrieve and organise published relevant material from electronic and other sources.

Outline content:

1. Synthesis, Analysis and Development of Metallotherapeutic drugs: The following concepts will be discussed with reference to specific classes of metallotherapeutic drugs, e.g. lithium, calcium, iron, aluminium, arsenic, silver, gold, platinum and titanium based drugs.
   
   
   
   1. Choice of metal for incorporation within the metallotherapeutic drug, and an overview of the bioinorganic chemistry of the metal. Discussion ofwhy metal-based drugs are important: opportunities, risks, advantages and limitations.
   
   
   2. Therapeutic properties of metallotherapeutic drugs, to include examples of recommended therapies for common diseases such as cancer, hypertension, asthma, osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease (using the BNF as a guide). Bioavailability and metabolism of metallotherapeutics. Safe handling / administration of metallotherapeutics in the pharmaceutical setting. Expected side effects.
   
   
   3. Chemical methods for the synthesis and analysis of commonly encountered metallotherapeutic drugs.
   
   
   4. Drug Discovery and Development: Case studies involving the development of metal-based drugs (for example i) the transition metal-based anti-cancer drugs cis-platin, carbo-platin, oxali-pl