Our lab operates at the intersection of targeted drug discovery and molecular imaging. We follow a simple but ambitious philosophy: we design high-affinity, ligand-based small molecules and then deploy radiolabeled beacons to visualize exactly how they engage their targets in real time. By bridging precision chemistry with translational imaging, we create therapies where you can see the cure at work.
We are currently leveraging this platform across three core pillars to combat cardiovascular disease, Pancreas dysfunction, and irreversible blindness.
GCK-IV Kinase Inhibition: Targeted Ischemia-Reperfusion
Using a novel Glycosylated-Pyrimidine strategy, our lab developed Glu2Py—a first-in-class, highly water-soluble GCK-IV (MAP4K4) inhibitor demonstrating sub-50 nM binding affinity. Systematic SAR investigations and molecular docking provided atomic-level rationales for experimental trends. In an ex vivo mouse model of global ischemia-reperfusion injury, Glu2Py significantly minimized myocardial necrosis and reduced infarct size. Its superior solubility enables rapid intravenous delivery in emergency cardiac settings. (Manuscript under peer review in RSC Medicinal Chemistry).
MyoTracer: Seeing the Infarct in Real Time
Detecting non-viable cardiac tissue with precision remains a critical diagnostic challenge. When myocardium dies, structural proteins like cardiac myosin become uniquely accessible to circulating agents. Our novel radiotracer, ⁹⁹ᵐTc-MyoTracer, exploits this specific biomarker to achieve exquisitely targeted SPECT imaging of infarcted tissue within viable cardiac muscle. Designed for rapid acute-phase evaluation, this molecular imaging platform bridges the gap between necrotic tissue identification and therapeutic intervention. Large animal validation is currently underway to support translational progress toward clinical adoption. (Recently published in Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters; DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2026.130736).
INDIE: Intercepting Blindness Before It Becomes Irreversible
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) affects over 196 million people worldwide, yet effective therapeutic options remain severely limited. INDIE is a target-driven platform designed to halt dry AMD before permanent vision loss occurs. Mechanistically, INDIE intercepts a lethal cellular cascade directly inside Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) cells, interrupting the progression from Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress to lysosomal destabilization, and ultimately blocking ferroptosis (iron-dependent programmed cell death). By preserving RPE cell integrity against oxidative stress and metabolic collapse, INDIE aims to break the degenerative cycle and protect central vision.
If you want to work on problems that matter, with chemistry, imaging, and biology all under one roof, this is the laboratory for you.
Areas of Research / Expertise
| Medicinal Chemistry and SAR |
Theranostic Agent Design |
| Small Molecule Drug Discovery |
Nanomedicine and Drug Delivery |
| SPECT / PET Nuclear Imaging |
ER Stress and Ferroptosis Biology |
| Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry |
Medicinal Chemistry and SAR |
Research Programs / Active Projects
99mTc-OM-DTPA: Cardiac Myosin SPECT Imaging
Preliminary data published in Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2026
Novel radiolabeled cardiac myosin-targeting agent exploiting membrane-disruption-dependent access in necrotic myocardium for specific SPECT/CT imaging of infarcted tissue.
ZRIP (99mTc-ZRIP): Quantitative Pancreatic SPECT Imaging
NIH R21 In Preparation NIDDK / NIBIB
First kit-based 99mTc radiopharmaceutical for functional SPECT imaging of the pancreas via innovative zinc-chelating chemistry.
INDIE: Interceptor of AMD (Age-related Macular Degeneration)
BrightFocus Standard Award Submitted FFB BFTRP LOI Submitted 2026
First-in-class indolinamide intercepting the ER Stress to Lysosomal Destabilization to Ferroptosis cascade rescuing RPE viability from 100% to 20% mortality.
Research Highlights / Graphical Abstracts