Successful implementation of automation in medicinal chemistry

Automation in medicinal chemistry is often seen simply as a part of the com binatorial chemistry technologies used to meet the need for large, diverse screening collections for lead generation. However, the application of auto mation to the lead optimization phase of drug discovery offers the prospect of reduced cycle times via increased efficiency in target compound prepara tion. The realization of this goal requires the integration of efficient pr ocesses with equipment capable of delivering quality compounds and, of cour se, the skilled medicinal chemists.