DrugBank

The DrugBank logo

DrugBank is a comprehensive, freely accessible, online database containing information on drugs and drug targets. It is widely used by researchers, educators, and healthcare professionals for its detailed drug data and bioinformatics resources.

Overview

DrugBank combines detailed drug data with comprehensive drug target information. It is designed to facilitate drug discovery, drug design, and drug development processes. The database includes information on:

• Chemical structure
• Pharmacology
• Mechanism of action
• Drug interactions
• Pharmacokinetics
• Pharmacodynamics

History

DrugBank was first released in 2006 by the University of Alberta in Canada. It was developed as part of a research project led by Dr. David Wishart. Since its inception, DrugBank has undergone several updates and expansions, with the latest version containing information on over 13,000 drug entries.

Features

DrugBank provides a variety of features that make it a valuable resource for the scientific community:

Drug Data

DrugBank contains detailed information on both approved drugs and experimental drugs. Each drug entry includes data on its chemical properties, pharmacological classification, and therapeutic uses.

Target Information

The database includes information on drug targets, such as proteins, enzymes, and receptors. This information is crucial for understanding the mechanism of action of drugs and for identifying potential drug interactions.

Bioinformatics Tools

DrugBank offers a range of bioinformatics tools that allow users to search and analyze drug data. These tools include:

• Chemical similarity search
• Substructure search
• Pharmacophore search

Applications

DrugBank is used in various fields, including:

• Pharmaceutical research
• Clinical research
• Education
• Healthcare

Researchers use DrugBank to identify potential drug candidates, study drug interactions, and explore the pharmacogenomics of drugs. Educators use it as a teaching tool to explain drug mechanisms and interactions.

Access

DrugBank is freely accessible to the public. Users can access the database through its website, where they can search for specific drugs or browse through the database's extensive collection of drug information.

Related pages

• Pharmacology
• Drug discovery
• Bioinformatics
• Pharmacogenomics