Emerging Topics in Metal Complexes: Pharmacological Activity

Due to their pharmacological potential, metal complexes and compounds have been arousing the interest of many research centers worldwide. The structure and properties of many metal coordination compounds make them therapeutically effective. They are used not only in the treatment of some modern-age diseases but also in clinical diagnostics. Currently, metal complexes and compounds (such as polyoxometalates) are prominent players in medicine and medicinal chemistry.

Despite the progress in the knowledge of the pharmacological activity of certain metals and their complexes, further studies are still needed, as the mechanisms of action of the potential drugs containing metal ions are not sufficiently recognized yet. Moreover, the side effects of the use of metal coordination compounds in the treatment of some diseases (mainly cancer) and resistance to treatment are a serious problem in modern medicine. Therefore, there is a constant search for new therapeutics based on metal complexes that would ensure better treatment results and contribute to a significant slowdown in the progression of diseases. The therapeutic targets, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetics of metal-containing compounds have to be clarified in detail with reference to metal-based drugs, which may guarantee potential clinical success.