Identified a development candidate for the treatment of migraine and neuropathic pain. Accomplished in vivo proof-of-concept in rat models for migraine and nociception. A peptide with improved potency, and extended duration of action, over previous peptide and small molecule clinical candidates. Received SBIR funding for the development of an extended-release formulation, Sept. 2021. Clinical candidate chosen by the NIH for evaluation in the non-addictive pain program. identified a novel amylin-CGRP dual agonist as an anti-obesity agent with CV benefits.

Preliminary report generated to advise on viability of case.

Intellectual Property Expert Witness:Expert witness for a case involving a peptide therapeutic for metabolic disorders. Report generated to cover peptide chemistry, target-related pharmacology and physiology, and compound formulation. Deposed and prepared as a trial witness.

A virtual company developing a gene therapeutic for the treatment of osteoarthritis using a novel liposome scaffold.Accomplished the production of drug substance, in vitro, and in vivo studies to achieve pre-clinical proof of concept.Also managed budgets, licensing agreements and intellectual property portfolio.

Program co-leader for multidisciplinary teams (research, legal, clinical, regulatory and development groups) that delivered molecules for clinical evaluation in obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular, inflammation and neuroscience. GLP-1, amylin, leptin, calcitonin and exendin were among the peptide hormones of interest.Managed chemists in lead finding and developing structure activity relationships.Responsible for assessing technologies with R&D groups that could enhance the delivery of drug candidates by various modes (systemic, nasal, oral, etc).Project leader for the identification and development of peptide candidates with increased duration of action (once-weekly) and oral bioavailabilityEvaluated novel compounds/biology for identifying new therapeutic candidates.Identifed development candidates for cardiovascular,depression,inflammation and anti-obesity indications.Anti-obesity compound in Phase II.Nominated compounds for Phase I clinical studies to affect depression and cardiovascular disease.

Designed and synthesized novel small molecule libraries in CV/metabolic disease programs. Worked closely with computational groups in the design and analysis of library diversity using proprietary methods

Designed and synthesized novel small molecule libraries for partnered SAR program collaborations in Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular, inflammation and obesity. Worked closely with computational groups to design and analyze library diversity.

Designed, synthesized and optimized leads of novel peptides, peptide mimetics and small molecules for diabetes and obesity programs. Optimized both potency and synthetic procedures of several compound classes.

De novo protein design