Revolutionizing Drug Discovery: A Comprehensive Review of Computer-Aided Drug Design Approaches

Abstract: Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD) has significantly advanced the drug discovery process, offering tools to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. This review explores essential CADD methodologies, including molecular docking, virtual screening, ADMET profiling, homology modeling, and Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) models. Molecular docking predicts interactions between drugs and targets, while virtual screening evaluates large compound libraries to identify promising candidates. ADMET profiling assesses pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties early in development. Homology modeling constructs three-dimensional protein models to aid target identification, and QSAR models predict biological activities based on chemical structures. These integrated approaches streamline drug development, providing a robust framework for modern pharmaceutical research.