Check out the next episode of our podcast, Under the Surface! In episode 2, Fun with Pharmacophores, we talk to Dr. Scott Rowland about pharmacophore-based techniques and their role in understanding receptor–ligand interactions, and ultimately, how they contribute to the design of new drugs.

Recently retired, following decades in the pharmaceutical industry, Scott tells us about his journey through the field and his deep appreciation for collaborative science. Scott hasn’t completely hung up his abacus just yet though, and he tells us about his recent consultative adventures too! How have we managed to fit all of this in one episode? It’s a mystery. Takeaways:

• Dr. Scott Rowland has over 20 years of experience in drug discovery.
• Structure-based drug design is now widely accepted but still has untapped potential.
• Collaboration between medicinal chemists and computational chemists is crucial for success.
• 3D structures provide valuable insights for drug design.
• Team dynamics play a significant role in the drug discovery process.
• Consulting allows for flexibility and creativity in biotech startups.
• Pharmacophores are essential for understanding drug interactions.
• The concept of pharmacophores is evolving and is not static.
• Pharmacophore efficiency could be a new metric in drug design.
• The future of drug discovery relies on collaboration and innovative thinking.