Dietary supplements, functional foods and their concentrated, sometimes purified, active forms, the so-called nutraceuticals are becoming increasingly popular everywhere. Small molecules that regulate signal transduction cascades and gene expression are tested by many pharmaceutical companies. A rapidly and exponentially growing industry (close to $30 billions in 1999 worldwide) exists to commercialize and exploit this interest. However, the scientific basis of action of such unproven products is in the very early stages of development. On the one hand, supporters claim “miracle cures.” On the other hand, opponents argue that such unproven agents cause more damage than good.
It is our goal to invite to this Conference leading scientists active in various fields needed to understand the mechanisms of biomedical activity of small molecules, with particular emphasis to nutraceuticals and natural products. How such knowledge can be used in intelligent new drug discovery also will be discussed. Chemists, molecular biologists, pharmacologists, toxicologists, physicians and regulators/government representatives will meet to discuss recent progress, successes and problems in this field. We believe that this unique and timely meeting will be of interest to scientists from academia and industry, regulators and industry management. Among invited and plenary speakers are many prominent scientists and representatives from top pharmaceutical companies and regulatory agencies.