How could it be an advantage to take away the inactive component of a chiral compound, but retain the same amount of the active component?

On a theoretical basis, a single enantiomer might provide superior therapy because it:

  • reduces the dose given, and thereby reduces the metabolic load
  • reduces interpatient variability in metabolism/response
  • simplifies dose–response relationships
  • removes an inactive/undesirable ‘impurity’
Last updated: 31.07.2008
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