Introductory Chapter: The Modern-Day Drug Discovery (original) (raw)

This chapter outlines the evolution of drug discovery over five millennia, highlighting key developments from traditional medicines to modern pharmacological practices. It discusses the transition from ancient practices to modern methodologies, notably the rise of pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) modeling and its integration with innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence and real-world data. The significance of these advancements in optimizing drug dosing and trial design in current pharmaceutical practices is emphasized, demonstrating the need for continuous adaptation to enhance drug development efficacy.