Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) in Drug Discovery and Development

Review Article

Abstract

Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis represents a cornerstone approach in modern drug discovery and development. QSAR methodologies establish mathematical correlations between molecular structures and their biological activities, enabling the prediction of compound properties and behaviors. Recent advances in computational capabilities, coupled with the emergence of sophisticated machine learning algorithms, have revolutionized traditional QSAR approaches. The integration of deep learning architectures, including graph neural networks and convolutional neural networks, has enhanced the accuracy and predictive power of QSAR models. Modern QSAR implementations incorporate multidimensional molecular descriptors, quantum mechanical calculations, and multi-omics data to provide comprehensive insights into structure-activity relationships. The evolution from classical linear regression models to advanced neural networks has facilitated the handling of complex, non-linear relationships between molecular features and biological responses. Contemporary QSAR applications extend beyond pharmaceutical research into toxicology, environmental science, and materials development. The incorporation of explainable artificial intelligence techniques has improved model interpretability, while active learning approaches have optimized experimental design and data collection. Cloud computing and big data integration have enabled the processing of larger molecular datasets, leading to more robust and generalizable models. These methodological advances, combined with improved molecular representation techniques and hybrid modeling approaches, have positioned QSAR as an indispensable tool in rational drug design and chemical property prediction.