Professor Lee Kyung Honored for 30 Years of Small Molecule Drug Research

Professor Lee Kyung, a leading figure in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology, has been honored with the 25th Korea L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award for her three-decade dedication to discovering new drug candidates based on small molecule compounds. While the current trend in drug development leans towards biologics like peptides and protein-based drugs, Professor Lee champions the enduring potential of small molecules, which are often perceived as traditional medicines like aspirin.

She points out that less than 15% of targeted proteins identified for therapeutic development have resulted in marketable drugs, leaving a vast 85% as unexplored territory. Small molecules offer distinct advantages, including superior cell penetration due to their size, allowing precise delivery deep into tumor microenvironments and potentially crossing the blood-brain barrier. Their simpler structures also lead to more predictable interactions within the body, contributing to their established safety and efficacy. Furthermore, their predominantly oral dosage form enhances patient convenience, and their synthesis allows for cost-effective mass production.

“

The remaining 85% of target proteins are still unexplored areas.

Despite the perceived simplicity of small molecules, their development is fraught with challenges. Professor Lee notes that "nine out of ten times, you face unexpected results or failure" in drug discovery. Identifying a new compound is only the first step; understanding its precise mechanism of action within the body remains a significant hurdle. She stresses the importance of meticulously analyzing even seemingly failed data, viewing medicinal chemistry as a discipline that uses the language of chemistry to understand life phenomena.

“

In medicinal chemistry, you face unexpected results or failure more than nine out of ten times.

Professor Lee encourages aspiring female scientists to persevere, stating, "If you continue to push forward with your research without excessive impatience, you will reach places that seemed unattainable." She believes that advancements in AI and interdisciplinary collaboration can unlock new avenues. Even compounds that initially appear to lack efficacy can be transformed into novel targeted therapies through subtle structural modifications or by targeting new proteins, revealing unexpected mechanisms of action.

Her recent research has yielded promising results in developing inhibitors for the KRAS protein, implicated in pancreatic, lung, and colon cancers. Her approach extends beyond directly attacking target proteins to encompass the surrounding microenvironment and regulatory factors, further expanding the application of small molecule-based therapies. This innovative strategy aims to tackle cancer by exploring broader mechanisms and leveraging small molecules for next-generation treatments.

“

If you continue to push forward with your research without excessive impatience, you will reach places that seemed unattainable.