Medicinal Chemistry of Polyphenols : their potential use as bioactive compounds
Introduction :
A team from the Department of Medicinal Chemistry is expert in the extraction of natural active substances as well as in the development and synthesis of analogues. These new synthesized compounds can prove to be highly advantageous to companies interested in identifying new molecules of therapeutic and cosmetic value.
The department has patented a number of inventions related to the use of polyphenol derivatives in pharmacy and cosmetology which in turn have led to the commercialization of active polyphenols in cosmetology. These factors may differentiate the department from other laboratories and can potentially lead to reduced lead times necessary for synthesizing or extracting new molecules.
A Novel Family of Chemicals to Fight Microbial Resistance
Breaking a vicious circle: the search for novel antimicrobial agents
Since the introduction of antimicrobial agents, micro-organisms have developed numerous defences rendering them resistant to these drugs. Antimicrobial resistance, in particular multi-drug resistance, is increasing at an alarming rate and severely compromises our ability to deal with infectious diseases. Over the last three decades, numerous efforts have been devoted to the research and development of generations of new antibiotic drugs.
A team of researchers involved in organic synthesis managed by Dr Jean-Noël DENIS at the Molecular Chemistry Department of Grenoble who contributed to the development of Taxotere and taxol, the anticancer blockbusters, has recently discovered a novel family of indole derivatives revealing significant potential as antimicrobial agents, particularly with regards to their resistance-reversing effects. The development of these molecules as new drug candidates has recently been funded by the National Research Agency (l'Agence Nationale de la Recherche).
