News & Events

When

Date - March 1, 2019
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

What

Assistant Professor
Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
The University of Oklahoma
Talk Title: Hit to lead evolution of small molecule PPARα agonists: New Visions for an Old Target

Abstract:

More than 40% of patients with retinal inflammatory diseases are refractory to the standard of care treatment, direct intraocular injection of anti-VEGF antibodies. The inability to effectively treat these diseases accounts for >20% of healthcare expenditures and impacts the quality of life of >30 million people in the United States alone. Considering population growth rates and aging demographics, the prevalence of retinal diseases continues to increase. Frontline approaches require frequent injections, are destructive, demand specialized facilities, suffer from poor response rates, and produce significant burdens on the healthcare system. We have commenced a research program aimed at developing non-invasive small molecule treatments that can supplant or complement current therapies to improve patient response and provide a more patient friendly treatment option. This seminar will provide an update on our progress towards developing systemically available peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha agonists as drug leads.