Medicinal chemistry is a scientific discipline focused on the discovery, design, synthesis, and modification of chemical compounds intended for use as drugs. This field applies principles of physical chemistry and organic chemistry to develop novel agents that interact specifically with biological targets, such as enzymes or receptors, within the body. The process involves creating chemical structures that exhibit high potency and selectivity while simultaneously minimizing toxicity. Researchers modify initial lead compounds to optimize their pharmacokinetic properties—including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion—thereby enhancing their therapeutic potential for the treatment of various diseases.