Antiparasitic and Antibacterial Drug Discovery From Molecular Targets to Drug Candidates

Mainly addressing parasitic diseases but also focusing on diseases caused by bacteria, this much-needed reference and handbook provides a unique insight into the approach adopted by commercial science towards infectious diseases, including the work of medicinal chemists. Many of the authors are scientists with hands-on experience of drug discovery units within the pharmaceutical industry. In addition, the text covers efforts towards drug development in infectious diseases from academic groups and non profit organizations.

Prof. Dr. Paul M. Selzer studied Biology and Biochemistry at the University of Tuebingen, Germany, where he also received his PhD in Biochemistry on subjects related to the protozoan parasite Trypanosom brucei, the causative agent of sleeping sickness. As a selected participant for the famous MBL-Woods Hole, MA, USA summer course on "Biology of Parasitism" he strengthened his knowledge on parasites and established a world wide network with leading scientists in the field. This opened him the door for a 3 years post-doctoral fellowship at the well renowned laboratory of Prof. Dr. James H. McKerrow at the University of California, San Francisco, USA. In the following years, Dr. Selzer broadened his scientific and business knowledge as a researcher within diverse pharmaceutical companies like SmithKline Beecham, UK, Boehringer Mannheim, Germany, Hoechst Roussel Vet, Germany and finally Intervet, Germany, one of the leading animal health companies in the world. Very remarkable, Dr. Selzer functioned all the time as a teacher in Bioinformatics and Chemoinformatics at the University of Tuebingen in the department of Biochemistry, which just lately awarded him the title Professor for his achievements in teaching and research. In addition, Dr. Selzer is recommended for a honorary Professorship in the Department of Infection and Immunity at the University of Glasgow, UK. By today, Dr. Selzer is not only a manager in research at a global pharmaceutical company, but also an outstanding, international recognized scientist who is well respected among his colleagues.