Fluorine in medicinal chemistry: Recent therapeutic applications of fluorinated small molecules

Advances in the development of newly developed fluorinated drugs, approved or in clinical trials, as organized by biological targets/disease states, are reviewed. In a few cases, compounds in early stages of development will be discussed, particularly where new promising targets are involved. Important topics such as anticancer and antiviral drugs were covered in the two previous reviews in this series. Included herein will be fluorinated drugs for treatment of diseases of the central nervous system, various cardiovascular diseases and obesity, antibacterial agents, and antifungal therapy.

Graphical abstractNew fluorine-containing drugs continue to be developed and marketed for a broad spectrum of applications. Expanded opportunities for the application of fluorine in medicinal chemistry have appeared with the identification of new targets for drug action. Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide