Discoveries in Medicine and Friendship

In 1997 the Medicinal Chemistry Gordon Conference celebrated its fiftieth anniversary at Colby-Sawyer College in New London, New Hampshire. From its inception to date the conference has been one of the most important annual gatherings of medicinal chemists from industry, academe, and government. It provides a forum to discuss the chemistry and biology of therapeutic substances as well as the technology used in their discovery. Open discussion and free exchange of ideas about medicinal chemistry are central to the spirit of the conference and are the driving force behind its heavy oversubscription year after year. The format of the Medicinal Chemistry Conference has always provided a unique opportunity for experienced investigators to encourage and transfer knowledge to the next generation of scientists in the field of drug discovery.

Insight into the modern history of drug discovery and its dramatic contributions to the high quality of health care we enjoy today can be found by reviewing the past programs for this conference. Topics have covered progress in antibiotic research; new medicines for controlling high blood pressure, preventing ulcers, and managing cholesterol levels; advances in cancer chemotherapy; the latest methodology for drug discovery; and many other timely subjects. The conference provided a platform for early discussion of seminal work leading to the discovery and development of histamine-H2 antagonists for ulcer prevention. The discovery of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors was also presented here early in the evolution of this important treatment for high blood pressure. More recently the Medicinal Chemistry GRC has hosted important discussions about the discovery and use of HIV protease inhibitors and HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Conference participants have included many scientists recognized as innovators of these and other important discoveries, including winners of the Lasker Award and the Nobel Prize. It can be said truly that this conference has always been poised at the frontiers of science.

Gordon Research Conferences were not intended to be all work and no play. For many years a Thursday-evening skit performed by members of the conference highlighted the lighter side of annual proceedings. A more recent tradition pits scientists from the East and West coasts in an annual softball challenge for the coveted Krantz Cup. These activities and many informal opportunities for social interaction have created a spirit of camaraderie among Medicinal Chemistry Conference participants on which many enduring friendships and professional relationships have been built.

Perhaps this brief description of the Medicinal Chemistry Gordon Conference can best be summed up with the words of the conference anthem (sung to the tune of “Old Father Thames”):