Molecular recognition is a fundamental aspect of all life processes. The phenomenon provides a handle to the chemist for selective interference, which medicinal chemistry intensively employs by drug binding into small protein pockets. However, 80% of all proteins thus remain beyond reach – and an extension towards specific recognition of protein surfaces, nucleic acid grooves and membranes by artificial drugs is desperately needed – a largely unexplored research area. In conjunction with international colleagues, our group is currently pursuing a new strategy: We are designing receptor molecules tailored for the prominent classes of biomolecules, which do not bind to protein active sites, but to protein surfaces, nucleic acid grooves and membranes. These synthetic gripping devices are subsequently used to modulate biological processes. Reversible enzyme inhibition has now been realized for the first time with amino acid selective polymers. New ligands for DNA’s major groove can read its base sequence and may one day shut down problematic genes. Finally, an artificial signal in form of a messenger compound can now be transmitted through a membrane by means of specifically designed transmembrane units. It is envisaged that one day it will counteract signaling disorders in the human body. The author foresees a wide-open door, requiring a close interdisciplinary collaboration between chemists, biologists and medical scientists.