Pyrimidine Scaffolds in Modern Medicinal Chemistry: A Review of Biological Activities and Therapeutic Potential

Authors

• Mohamed Tamer, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
• Wesam S. Shehab, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt AND College of Pharmacy, Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad, 10070, IraqFollow
• Doaa A. Elsayed, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt AND Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad, 10021, Iraq
• Abd-ElNasser A. Mohamed, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, EgyptFollow
• Ali M. Al-Erian, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
• Mostafa I. Abdelglil, College of Pharmacy, Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad, 10070, Iraq
• Maysa M. Mohamed, Viral Media Lab, Egyptian Organization for Biological Products & Vaccines (VACSERA), Giza, 12654, Egypt AND Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad, 10021, Iraq

Abstract

Pyrimidine derivatives represent an important class of nitrogen-containing heterocycles that play a central role in medicinal chemistry due to their structural diversity and broad spectrum of biological activities. Compounds containing the pyrimidine nucleus have been widely reported to exhibit antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective properties. The versatility of the pyrimidine scaffold arises from its ability to accommodate various substitutions and fused ring systems, which enables the modulation of physicochemical and pharmacological properties. This review summarizes recent advances in the synthesis of pyrimidine and fused pyrimidine derivatives, highlighting representative synthetic strategies and modern methodologies. In addition, the major pharmacological activities of pyrimidine-based compounds are discussed according to therapeutic areas with emphasis on structure–activity relationship (SAR) trends and key molecular targets. The advantages, limitations, and current challenges associated with pyrimidine scaffolds in drug discovery are also addressed. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the synthetic approaches and biological potential of pyrimidine derivatives and highlights future perspectives for the development of pyrimidine-based therapeutic agents.

Recommended Citation

Tamer, Mohamed; Shehab, Wesam S.; Elsayed, Doaa A.; Mohamed, Abd-ElNasser A.; Al-Erian, Ali M.; Abdelglil, Mostafa I.; and Mohamed, Maysa M. (2026) "Pyrimidine Scaffolds in Modern Medicinal Chemistry: A Review of Biological Activities and Therapeutic Potential," Al-Farahidi Biomedical Journal: Vol. 2: Iss. 1, Article 3.
Available at: https://fbmj.uoalfarahidi.edu.iq/journal/vol2/iss1/3