ChemMedChem is a peer-reviewed scientific journal providing a platform for research in medicinal chemistry. It is published by Wiley-VCH and operates under the umbrella of Chemistry Europe, an organization that unites 16 European chemical societies. The journal’s mission is to disseminate high-quality research at the intersection of chemistry and medicine, with a particular emphasis on advancements in drug discovery. Since its inception in 2006, ChemMedChem has aimed to connect various scientific disciplines to foster innovation in the field.
The journal bridges the gap between chemical synthesis and biological understanding, addressing the broad spectrum of drug discovery, from the initial design of compounds to their eventual therapeutic application. It features original research and comprehensive review articles, offering both novel findings and overviews of established areas.
Scope and Focus of the Journal
ChemMedChem publishes scientific investigations in medicinal chemistry, showcasing how chemical principles are applied to medical challenges. The journal covers drug design and synthesis, including lead identification (finding promising compounds) and lead optimization (refining compounds for effectiveness and safety).
Research also extends to the pharmacological and toxicological profiles of novel compounds, analyzing how they interact with biological systems and potential adverse effects. Chemical biology and target validation are areas exploring the mechanisms by which drugs exert their effects and identifying specific biological targets. The journal features studies on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (ADMET properties), which describe how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and excretes drugs, and how drugs affect the body. Biophysical studies of drug-receptor interactions offer detailed insights into the molecular-level binding of therapeutic agents to their biological targets.
Beyond traditional small molecules, ChemMedChem has broadened its scope to include therapeutic macromolecules, peptides, peptidomimetics, and nucleic acid therapies. Since 2017, the journal has also embraced nanomedicine, publishing work on targeted drug delivery systems, theranostic nanoparticles that combine diagnosis and therapy, and specialized nanodrugs.
Assessing the Journal’s Influence and Quality
ChemMedChem maintains a strong standing within the scientific community, reflecting its commitment to rigorous peer review and impactful publications. As of 2024, ChemMedChem has an Impact Factor of 3.4, a figure published in the Journal Citation Reports by Clarivate Analytics.
The journal’s quality is upheld through its thorough peer-review process, where submitted manuscripts undergo evaluation by independent experts. This system ensures that only scientifically sound and well-substantiated research is published, maintaining high standards for accuracy and methodology.
The journal’s direction is guided by an international Editorial Board, which includes David Peralta as Editor and Karl-Heinz Altmann, Sangyong Jon, and Antonello Mai as Editorial Board Chairs. These experts contribute to the journal’s reputation by overseeing the content and upholding scientific integrity. ChemMedChem is indexed in major databases such as Scopus, Web of Science (SCIE), PubMed, and Embase, enhancing its visibility and accessibility to researchers worldwide.
A Guide for Prospective Authors
Researchers considering ChemMedChem for their work will find a journal for medicinal chemistry research. The journal accepts various article types:
- Full Papers: Provide comprehensive accounts of significant studies, offering detailed experimental procedures and extensive discussions of findings.
- Communications: Shorter, faster publications for rapid dissemination of novel and important results.
- Reviews and Minireviews: Offer comprehensive overviews of specific topics or recent advancements within the field.
- Concepts and Essays: Provide perspectives on emerging ideas or discussions on broader scientific themes.
Authors are expected to prepare their manuscripts following the journal’s specific guidelines, ensuring clarity, conciseness, and adherence to scientific standards. The submission process involves an online portal through Wiley-VCH. After submission, manuscripts undergo peer-review and editorial decision-making, which can lead to acceptance, revision requests, or rejection. Choosing ChemMedChem offers authors a specialized platform with a targeted readership interested in the interface of chemistry and medicine.