Nicholas Cosford

Nicholas Cosford, Ph.D.[La Jolla]

  • Research

    Dr. Cosford’s laboratory uses medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, rational drug design and microfluidic approaches.

  • Biography

    Dr. Cosford joined Sanford-Burnham faculty in January 2008.

Publications

 

View All Publications

Nicholas Cosford's Research Focus

Bone Mineralization Disorders, Cancer, Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases, Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders

We are interested in investigating the interactions of small molecule compounds with therapeutically important proteins and cellular signaling pathways. One aspect of our research emphasizes the use of medicinal chemistry and chemical biology approaches to probe intracellular pathways that regulate cell survival and cell growth. Another area of active research is the development of synthetic chemistry methodology using microfluidic technology for the rapid synthesis of biologically active small molecules. Therapeutically, we are primarily focused on the discovery and optimization of compounds that have the potential to treat cancer, CNS diseases and infectious diseases.

About Nicholas Cosford

Experience

Dr. Cosford joined Sanford-Burnham faculty in January 2008. Prior to that he was Project Manager for the Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics from 2005 to 2008 and has been Director of Medicinal Chemistry at Sanford-Burnham La Jolla site since 2006. Dr. Cosford has over 15 years experience leading small-molecule drug discovery projects in the pharmaceutical industry, and more recently at Sanford-Burnham. At Sibia Neurosciences and at Merck Research Laboratories he directed multidisciplinary research teams focused on small molecule hit-to-lead optimization and was responsible for moving several lead compounds through to the clinical phase. Examples include taking a nicotinic receptor agonist (Altinicline, SIB-1508Y) from initiation of research through to Phase II clinical; taking mGluR5 negative allosteric modulators from HTS hits through in vivo proof-of-concept to IND status; and design, synthesis and optimization of an mGluR5 PET tracer clinical candidate. Dr. Cosford’s research in the areas of medicinal chemistry and small molecule synthesis has resulted in more than 50 peer reviewed scientific publications, 21 issued patents, and more than 25 additional patent applications pending. In 2006 Dr. Cosford received the FRAXA Research Foundation Award for Outstanding Contributions to Fragile X Research.

Become a Partner / Donate
Your support is crucial in turning hope into healing. Your support is crucial in turning hope into healing. Learn More
Social Media

Sign In Skip Navigation Links Skip navigation links
Our Mission
Research
Talent
Technology
Training & Education
Our Supporters
Privacy Policy