The aim of the book is to contribute to the understanding of drug design and the molecular mechanism through which they act in the human body. The author emphasizes the importance of pharmaceutical chemistry for the life of all of us and highlights how exciting it is to work in a field that combines the principles of chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, cell biology, and pharmacology.

The new edition includes developments in drug design, with an emphasis on research for the development of anticancer agents, as well as the use of antibodies and other biological therapies. Key terms embedded in the text, boxes, questions, bibliography, and case studies enrich the second edition of the book.