Fragment-based drug design

Fragment-based drug design is a method used by scientists to develop new medicines. It involves identifying small chemical pieces (fragments) that can attach to a target molecule, such as a protein involved in a disease. These fragments are easier to find and study than larger, more complex molecules. Once identified, they are combined or optimized to create a more effective drug that binds strongly to the target. This approach helps accelerate the discovery of new treatments by efficiently exploring many potential starting points in the development process.