What is a mimetic drug?

—Mimetics usually small molecules that resemble (or mimic) a domain of an endogenous compound or target

—3 general criteria for mimicry

—Structural

—Binding

—Functional

There three types of mimetics available:

o Modified proteins

(similar to endogenous protein with minor changes)

o Peptidomimetics

( molecules that no longer contain any peptide bonds but has the pharmacological activity of peptides)

o Non-protein mimetics

(non-protein small molecules that mimic endogenous secondary structure and binding characteristic)

Protein mimetics that are better tolerated, more effective and lower cost may be produced.