The Magic Methyl and Its Tricks in Drug Discovery and Development

One of the key scientific aspects of small-molecule drug discovery and development is the analysis of the relationship between its chemical structure and biological activity. Understanding the effects that lead to significant changes in biological activity is of paramount importance for the rational design and optimization of bioactive molecules. The "methylation effect", or the "magic methyl" effect, is a factor that stands out due to the number of examples that demonstrate profound changes in either pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic properties. In many cases, this has been carried out rationally, but in others it has been the product of serendipitous observations. This paper summarizes recent examples that provide an overview of the current state of the art and contribute to a better understanding of the methylation effect in bioactive small-molecule drug candidates.