Chiral molecules in hypertension: focus on S-amlodipine.

Stereochemistry is now influencing most areas of pharmacotherapy. The chirality that is inherent in the enzyme systems of living organisms’ results in an abundance of enantiopure organic molecules in the living world. In addition to the optical properties first noticed by Pasteur, stereospecific interactions at recognition sites result in differences in both biological and toxicological effects. With chirality becoming so important in pharmacotherapy, the need to develop chirally pure molecules has greatly increased. The pharmaceutical industry has recognised and accepted the need for developing chirally pure molecules. Research into new chemical entities that can interact specifically with enzyme families may potentially lead to new therapies for complex disease processes.