Chinese plants for modern drug discovery campaigns

China is getting into focus for building up and conducting pharmaceutical R&D and outsourcing activities. The reason for turning towards China is mostly politically or economically motivated. Scientific aspects often do not play an important role, but China with its huge plant biodiversity
is an ideal site for drug discovery and development starting with natural compounds.
This article gives an overview about advantages and disadvantages of natural product strategies in drug
discovery. The authors describe how to deal with small molecules from plants as valuable source for successful drug discovery campaigns and how to meet the demands and standards of Western pharmaceutical industries.


Chimica Oggi/CHEMISTRY TODAY, Volume 25, Number 5, Insert: Outsourcing from China Authors: Dr. Christian Haug, Dr. Nicole Feling, Dr. Kai Lamottke