Chemistry between software, drug discovery discussed

Emerging technologies and new softwares has created a revolution in the field of innovation technology, said Vice-President of Schrodinger, USA, R Raghu, here, on Thursday.

Addressing the gathering during the opening of a three-day workshop on ‘Computational methods in small molecule and bio-pharmaceutical drug discovery’ at the Institution of Excellence, University of Mysore, Raghu said, “Disruptive innovation has gained significance nowadays. Minimum labour, emerging technology and continuous innovation of technology to achieve better could be termed as ‘disruptive innovation’. Knowledge, novelty and technology are the there main tools to strengthen the field of innovation”.

Drawing an analogy between drug discovery earlier and now, Raghu said: “New softwares have helped discovery of new drugs. The pharma companies are bagging contracts worth several crores of rupees and newer technologies has helped in accelerating the production. However, scientists should hone their skills on using better software for research activities.”

Research-friendly

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mysore K S Rangappa said, Schrodinger is a research-friendly organisation and has agreed to provide softwares to the university at 90 per cent discount rates. The research scholars, faculty and students should make judicious use of them.

S Kabilan from the Department of Chemistry, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, said: “Chemistry is playing a key role in the field of drug discovery. Knowledge on using various chemicals in different quantities and types is significant”. About 40 scholars from different places are attending the workshop.