[kritikas]

A lot of knowledge and a lot of luck will let you be successful. All of this costs money.

Insight into a novel target, mechanism or improved drug comes from understanding the field. Find a good lead small molecule or protein or … and hit the target. Or use a non-targeted approach. Make sure that you own the IP. Find a good animal model of the disease. Optimize your lead to a candidate with the desired properties. Test toxicology. Manufacture it reliably with a good formulation and stability. Test it in humans. Design and carry out your clinical trials properly. Show safety and efficacy. Have the proper paperwork. Get it approved. Sell it. Make a profit. Monitor safety and efficacy after launch. This is a partial list.

It takes a small army to make a successful drug. Your small part can contribute. There are many places to go wrong. In my experience, chemists and biologists working together perform most drug discovery. Lots of other people with different backgrounds are needed to make a drug. Work hard and become proficient in some aspect of drug discovery or development. Get a job in the industry. Enjoy your working life.