ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Pharmaceutical chemistry

Okay kiddo, let's talk about pharmaceutical chemistry which is all about making medicines that can help people feel better when they're sick.

Firstly, let's talk about chemistry. You know how different toys are made with different materials like plastic or metal? Well, chemistry is like the science that helps us understand what those materials are made of and how they behave.

Now, when it comes to medicines, scientists use chemistry to make tiny molecules that can help fight diseases or relieve symptoms. These tiny molecules are called drugs.

Scientists study how different drugs work in the body and which diseases they can help treat. They also make sure that the drugs are safe for people to take by testing them in labs and on animals before giving them to people.

Pharmaceutical chemistry involves a lot of experiments and calculations. Scientists use special instruments and techniques to create and test new drugs. They also need to figure out the best way to deliver the drugs to the body, like in the form of a pill or a liquid.

Once the scientists have made a new drug, they need to get it approved by the government before it can be sold to people. This is to make sure that the drug is safe and effective.

So, pharmaceutical chemistry is all about using chemistry to create medicines that can help people feel better when they're sick. It involves a lot of experiments, testing, and calculations to create safe and effective drugs.