Cortisol & Glucocorticoids Part 2 of 3: Biochemistry, Structure, SAR & Drug Design

How do small structural changes to cortisol dramatically alter drug potency and side effects? In Part 2, we move from receptor biology into medicinal chemistry. We analyze cortisol’s structure and explore structure–activity relationships (SAR) that drive potency, selectivity, duration of action, and therapeutic use. Topics covered: Structure of cortisol Key functional groups and steroid backbone Structure–Activity Relationships (SAR) How synthetic glucocorticoids are modified Cortisol-based drugs Prednisone: prodrug activation and clinical use Why steroid tapering is essential Mechanism-based explanation of side effects