GPCR Assay Strategy, Bias, and Translational Drug Discovery

This episode features Dr. Martin Marro, currently Executive Director and Head of Cell Pharmacology at Eli Lilly’s Obesity Research Group. Dr. Marro’s career spans big pharma and biotech, encompassing functional assay development, GPCR internalization research, and both small molecule and biologic drug discovery. He discusses his formative scientific experiences, critical decision points moving from academia into industry, and his role leading and shaping multidisciplinary teams for screening and innovative therapeutics targeting metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

The conversation explores the realities of using fluorescence-based assays, the challenge of translating in vitro pharmacology to in vivo models, lessons on bias agonism, and novel approaches in antibody discovery for GPCR targets. Dr. Marro’s path highlights the strategic and methodological pivots essential for driving projects into the clinic. For a deeper dive into modern GPCR research and tools, explore more episodes of the GPCR Podcast and discover Dr. GPCR Premium resources.

Why This Matters?

• How advanced assay design is essential for translating cell-based GPCR signals to therapeutic outcomes.

• Why strategic flexibility in exploring non-canonical signaling pathways is critical for GPCR-targeted drug discovery.

• What learning from “failed” screens can reveal about receptor pharmacology and species selectivity.

• The moment when bias agonism and receptor trafficking concepts shifted industry standards for functional assays.

• How integrating antibody-based modalities has expanded options for hard-to-drug GPCR targets.

• Why persistent scientific questioning and collaborative networks accelerate GPCR innovation across disease areas.

Who Should Listen?

This episode is relevant to anyone navigating the complex landscape of GPCR research and translational pharmacology.

• Those facing disconnects between in vitro functional data and in vivo efficacy in GPCR programs.

• Researchers refining strategies for high-throughput screening or exploring biased signaling.

• Teams expanding into antibody or biologic modalities for challenging GPCR targets.

• Scientists seeking practical advice on career pivots between academia, pharma, and biotech.

About the Martin Marro

Dr. Martin Marro leads the Cell Pharmacology group in the Diabetes, Obesity and Complications Therapeutic Area at Lilly's Seaport Innovation Center in Boston. His scientific training included a PhD at the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, followed by an industrial postdoctoral fellowship at GSK, where he entered the GPCR field and became proficient in aptamer selection and cell signaling assays.

Dr. Marro’s career advanced through roles at Novartis and Tectonic Therapeutic, contributing to projects across key therapeutic areas—spanning metabolic, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal diseases. With over two decades in drug discovery, he has established expertise in early phase functional assay development, small molecule and biologics research, and team leadership through high-profile programs. Awarded patents and a proven record in both target and pathway identification, his drive centers on integrating rigorous pharmacology with translational impact while cultivating innovation and scientific growth within his teams.

Guest on The Web

• LinkedIn