New insights into antihistamine binding could lead to more effective treatments

Even if two molecules have the exact same chemical formula and the same number and types of bonds, their three-dimensional arrangements can still be different. While some people might mistakenly disregard this as a minor detail, even simple changes in the position or orientation of a functional group can dramatically affect the biological properties of a molecule, sometimes rendering an otherwise benign substance into a highly toxic one. Thus, the study of such possible molecular variants, called "geometric isomers," is essential in the field of drug development.