Structure‐Based Organic Synthesis of Drug Prototypes: A Personal Odyssey

A “reorientation” of the concept of total synthesis of natural products emphasizes a biology-inspired, chemistry-driven approach without compromising the sanctity of basic research and the noble objectives of co-worker training in an academic setting. Structure-based organic synthesis provides a unique framework to capitalize on data gleaned from the bioactivity of natural products in conjunction with X-ray crystallography, molecular modeling, and NMR spectroscopy for the design and synthesis of new drug prototypes.