Unlocking therapeutic potential: the role of adamantane in drug discovery

The unique structural and physicochemical properties of adamantane and its derivatives have attracted considerable attention in the field of medicinal chemistry. Substituting phenyl rings for adamantane or its derivatives has provided a promising strategy to introduce lipophilicity and escape the ‘flat land’ of modern drug discovery. Additionally, the unique three-dimensional structure of adamantane facilitates the precise positioning of substituents allowing for a more effective exploration of drug targets. Evidently, we have seen an increased use of adamantane in pharmaceutically relevant molecules. The following Account highlights our group’s research in five drug discovery programs over the past 15 years showcasing the use of adamantane and its analogues in these studies.