Organic and Medicinal Chemistry
Organic chemistry studies carbon-based compounds, focusing on their synthesis, structure, and reactions. Medicinal chemistry applies these principles to design and develop pharmaceutical drugs. Our scientists create new molecules, optimize drug properties, and understand how compounds interact with biological targets to treat diseases, bridging laboratory research with therapeutic applications.
Members
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Professor Altin Yavuzarslan’s research focuses on novel materials, 3D printing and advanced encapsulation systems.
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Professor Alzate-Sanchez works at the interface of polymer chemistry and materials science, developing cutting edge technologies based on macromolecules.
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Professor Booth leads research programs aimed at drug discovery and development for central nervous system disorders.
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Professor Kirss’s research interests are in synthetic and mechanistic chemistry of iron and ruthenium.
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The Lopez group uses quantum mechanical and machine learning techniques to identify next-generation organic materials for applications in renewable energy and photomedicine.
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Professor Makriyannis’s focuses on the discovery and development of novel compounds mainly targeting CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors as well as the enzymes modulating the function.
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The Manetsch Group focuses on conducting highly collaborative medicinal chemistry research aimed at addressing important unmet needs for human health.
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The O’Doherty Group research broadly encompass the discipline of organic synthesis toward designing, synthesizing and testing new anticancer, antibacterial and antiviral agents.
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Professor Ondrechen’s research spans theoretical and computational chemistry, computational biology, bioinformatics, protein design, and drug discovery.
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Professor Oyelaran’s research focuses on synthesis of carbohydrate antigens and developing a carbohydrate microarray platform and process for profiling anti-carbohydrate serum antibodies.
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The Peltier Group blends organic, inorganic, and materials chemistry to fabricate novel materials that address challenges in catalysis, energy, and sustainability.
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Professor Pollastri focuses on areas of research that will impact on treatment of human disease and on areas that will expedite the drug discovery process.
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Professor Weng investigates how plants create diverse specialized compounds, focusing on understanding and harnessing biosynthetic pathways for medicine, agriculture, and environmental applications.
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Professor Zhou’s research applies protein chemistry, analysis and engineering to biology and medicine.
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Professor Zhang’s focus is on integrating polymer chemistry with oligonucleotides and other bioactive building blocks in order to make them better biopharmaceuticals.
Center for Drug Discovery
The Center for Drug Discovery strives to discover safe and effective medications for medical problems including pain and inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, neuropsychiatric disorders, drug abuse and addiction, metabolic disorders, and cancer.
Interested in working with us?
In the news
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Research
The key to international space cooperation is developments in biotechnology, Northeastern researchers say
A new report from a group of Northeastern researchers explores across disciplines how biotech can ensure safe, sustainable life beyond Earth. -
Can we mimic the chemistry of the sun to take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere?
Steven Lopez’s research searches for a molecule that can create a new material to take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. -
Cannabis leads us to a revolutionary molecule for addressing pain management and opioid tolerance
Marijuana, pot, weed, mary jane, cannabis; whatever you call it or however you consume it, cannabis is treasured around the world. With the widespread legalization of medical marijuana in the United States — 38 states, three territories and the District of Columbia — there’s a buzz about it among scientists. -
Research
Deadly amoebic encephalitis and brain-eating amoebas in the crosshairs of Northeastern researchers
Northeastern researchers are targeting brain-eating amoeba that cause a rare, but deadly, infection -
Research
Researchers resurrect extinct gene in plants with major implications for drug development
A team led by Jing-Ke Weng, professor of chemistry, chemical biology and bioengineering, repaired a defunct gene in the coyote tobacco plant, turning back the evolutionary clock to pave a path forward for the development and discovery of new drugs. -
Research
This researcher wants to know why frogs are so good at tasting bitter things — and what it could mean for humans
Jing-Ke Weng, professor of chemistry, chemical biology and bioengineering, is conducting research with frogs that has the potential to help humans understand allergen detection.