The program aims to establish Singapore as a world renowned centre for medicinal chemistry research and to promote collaborative research between academia, research institutes and pharmaceutical companies. Since its inception in early 2004, the program has gathered a core of researchers from NUS and industry (e.g. Merlion Pharmaceuticals) specialising in various phases of the drug discovery process, specifically in lead selection, synthesis and optimization.

In addition, the programme is committed to manpower training in all areas of medicinal chemistry. Accordingly, an integrated broad-based graduate program in medicinal chemistry (Graduate Program in Medicinal Chemistry) has been launched in the academic year 2004/05 with a pool of 12 students in its very first intake. The course-base requirements encompass modules in organic synthesis, lead optimization, molecular biology, computer-aided drug design, pharmacology and toxicology. Laboratory rotations and internship during their studies are added features of the program. In this way, a pool of competent graduates in medicinal chemistry will be available to support R&D needs of the pharmaceutical industry.