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Tackling the GPCR Imprecision Problem: Strategic Planning for Sustainable Progress in Complex Systems. In the high-stakes world of GPCR drug discovery , breakthrough science isn't enough. You can have the most brilliant minds and cutting-edge assays, but if your science isn't continuously integrated with your GPCR operational strategy and investment goals, even the most promising program can falter. This fundamental disconnect between the lab and the boardroom  is precisely where programs get stuck—not because of bad science, but because companies find themselves throwing more money and people at problems that could be solved with better systems. This reactive approach, driven by a "go fast" mindset, burns through precious capital and time, leaving both scientific teams and investors frustrated. Companies find themselves throwing more money and people at problems that could be solved with better systems . This reactive approach, driven by the prevailing wisdom of "going fast" and focusing only on the science, burns through precious capital and time, leaving both scientific teams and investors frustrated. This belief that we don't have time to build better systems is a costly miscalculation. It reminds me of a conversation I recently overheard: my oldest child complaining about having to do 'everything at the same time ,' only for the youngest to wisely respond, 'No, you just need to do one thing at a time .' This simple truth applies profoundly to the "go fast" culture in biotech. We believe we don't have time to build better systems, but in reality, our most brilliant and expensive minds are stuck with low-impact tasks due to a lack of systems thinking . My perspective on this challenge is shaped not by a 40-year journey at the bench, but by an expertise in systems thinking  and operational discipline . My work isn't just  about the latest and best assay; it's about the framework that ensures the right assay data leads to the right decision. This is the critical piece that often gets lost in the "go fast" culture—the integration of science with strategy and flawless execution. I’ve lived this firsthand, not just in theory, but by building these systems from the ground up. I understand that embracing a systematic approach can feel daunting, especially with the pressure to move quickly. At Dr. GPCR, we recognized this core problem. Our Chief Brainstorm Officer, Attila Foris , is building a system so transparent that anyone joining the company can integrate seamlessly. Every time a problem arises, we trace it back to its root cause, implementing changes that prevent its recurrence. This iterative process of continuous, planned improvement ensures you're always addressing the next critical area. This is the essence of de-risking GPCR programs through operational excellence. This kind of continuous improvement doesn't happen organically; it demands intentional planning and a systematic approach, ensuring every step forward is strategic and sustainable. The Role of Systems Thinking in GPCR Drug Discovery Systems thinking is the intentional practice of seeing the entire GPCR program as a single, interconnected entity. It's the opposite of a reactive approach, where problems are solved in isolation. It’s the fundamental framework for building your Precision Blueprint , ensuring every scientific detail, operational process, and strategic decision aligns to create a seamless, predictable pathway to success. What You'll Learn in This Series Over the next five bi-weekly installments, " The GPCR Precision Blueprint " series will unpack how to bridge this critical gap. I'll show you how to transform your drug discovery process from a series of disconnected efforts into a seamless, predictable, and de-risked pathway. Part 1: The GPCR Imprecision Problem : I'll reveal why reliance on hiring more people over investing in robust systems thinking  is a multi-million dollar mistake. We'll look at how overlooked operational details, such as misaligned data from diverse GPCR assay types or communication gaps in cross-functional collaboration , lead to critical costs. Part 2: The Data Disconnect : Discover how fragmented, unmanaged GPCR data  cripples scientific progress and strategic decision-making. Learn how to build an integrated data pipeline  that transforms this chaos into a strategic asset. Part 3: The Financial Friction : Explore how a lack of precise alignment between GPCR scientific milestones  and financial realities creates significant risk. Learn to tie your program's progress directly to your funding runway, incorporating crucial early commercial and medical foresight. Part 4: The Investor Imperative : Understand what investors truly prioritize beyond just great science. Learn to translate your program’s internal operational precision into a compelling, de-risked narrative  that builds confidence and secures critical venture capital . Part 5: Your Precision Blueprint : I'll tie it all together, providing a concise, actionable guide for implementing this holistic approach within your own GPCR operational strategy , emphasizing that precision is a continuous, intentional journey towards predictable success. The GPCR Precision Blueprint is more than a concept. If you're ready to move beyond the articles and build these systems for your own GPCR program, let's connect. I work with biotechs, VCs, and CROs to implement the framework that ensures every step forward is strategic and sustainable, offering precision scientific and operational guidance  to accelerate discovery . 🚀 Book your free 30-minute strategy call Let’s unlock the momentum your GPCR program needs. 👉 https://calendly.com/drgpcr/yamina-corner Or explore how we can work together: 👉 Yamina.org

Watch Episode 172 What happens when the career you planned no longer feels right? For Catherine Demery, it meant rewriting everything on her own terms. She entered undergrad set on becoming a pharmacist. After excelling in the PCAT and gaining admission to pharmacy school at the University of Michigan, it seemed like her path was locked in. But something shifted. “I kind of had an identity crisis because I think I realized in that moment that I didn't want to be a pharmacist but I had tailored four years of my life to doing so. " Two weeks before orientation, Catherine deferred her acceptance. It was a bold, uncertain move—but one that became the catalyst for a new trajectory. She found herself drawn toward the science behind the drugs, rather than their clinical application. That insight eventually led her into industry. Learning the Lab, Learning Herself During her time at the contract research organization (CRO) in Ann Arbor, Catherine was immersed in analytical work under stringent GLP/GMP standards. It was here that the disciplined structure of industry science helped her re-find purpose and build confidence for what came next. “This wasn’t with much foresight for a couple years down the road. It was mostly just because, I need to be back in the lab.” In that environment, every project brought new challenges—deadlines, documentation, and deliverables for paying clients. Catherine’s methodical retention of those skills later gave her a solid foundation in her academic work, even when expectations were looser in academia. The Spark of Addiction Science After two years in industry, Catherine enrolled in a master’s program in pharmacogenomics at Manchester University. There, she chose to write a review on genetic variation in susceptibility to alcoholism and opioid addiction—a decision that would reshape her academic ambitions. “...I had a light bulb moment where I felt for the first time in my life, I understood why people pursued a PhD. I was staying up super late. I was excited to work on this, till 2 or 3 a.m.” That project was her lightbulb moment. She finally understood what it meant to be driven  by a research question, not just assigned to one. For the first time, she saw herself as a future researcher, not just a technician or a student. A Detour Through Immunology Her growing interest in addiction led her to the NIH’s Perinatology Research Branch in Detroit. While her work there focused on immunological changes in pregnancy—not addiction—it was a valuable chapter. She gained exposure to in vivo models, immunology, and complex study design, while also getting closer to patient-centered research. “It really forced me to kind of patch up all my immunology holes and then apply them. I came away from that job with just a whole new appreciation for immunology and for pregnancy. It was really, really fascinating… and just eye opening to a part of the world that I don’t think I would have put that much thought into ever again.” This experience sharpened her conceptual range and prepared her for the next step. Returning to the Opioid Questions That Mattered Now, as a PhD candidate in the Traynor and Anand labs at the University of Michigan, Catherine is focused on the mechanisms of opioid-induced respiratory depression, particularly involving fentanyl and xylazine. Her current work examines how these substances, when used alone or together, impair breathing in mice. She uses whole-body plethysmography and pulse oximetry to dissect the specific ways these drugs impact the respiratory cycle. It’s rigorous pharmacology, but deeply tied to urgent public health needs. And it’s also deeply personal. "I've always been really passionate and somewhat sensitive to people who struggle with opioid abuse. I had a few friends who became addicted and, really sadly, many of whom actually passed away as a result of an overdose. And so, that certainly shaped my interests and passions as a scientist." What Can You Learn from Catherine’s Story? A career pivot is not a failure—it’s a refined strategy Industry can build skills that academia often overlooks Your passion might not come first—it might come from doing the work The most impactful science is often personal Technical discipline is transferable—even across research cultures _______ Keyword Cloud : #XylazineResearch #OpioidPharmacology #muOpioidReceptor #RespiratoryDepression #AddictionScience #DrGPCRecosystem #FentanylOverdose

Exploring the kinetic factors that enhance in vivo efficacy beyond traditional potency metrics, as presented by Dr. GPCR. Hey GPCR Fans, This week's breakthroughs are crucial for staying ahead in the rapidly evolving landscape of GPCR research and drug discovery. Dr. Terry Kenakin's insights on target residence time can reshape how you evaluate and advance lead compounds, potentially saving your team from costly late-stage failures. That's exactly what Dr. GPCR delivers every week: practical tools and critical intelligence to elevate your science and sharpen your decisions. Breakthroughs this week: Novo Nordisk cuts Ozempic® cost; Nxera launches obesity pipeline; Superluminal–Lilly cardiometabolic partnership; New GPCR allosteric sites; GPCR signaling potentiation by ATP and sugars. 🔍 This Week in Dr. GPCR Premium: Sneak Peek Get a glimpse of the in-depth intelligence available exclusively to our Premium Members this week: Industry insights:  Discover the latest strategic moves in the pharmaceutical sector, from new pipelines targeting obesity to significant collaborations in cardiometabolic disease, and gain insights into novel approaches in neurodegeneration and antibody therapeutics. Upcoming events:  Stay informed about key global conferences and symposia focusing on GPCRs, neuropharmacology, drug discovery, and biophysics, ensuring you don't miss crucial networking and learning opportunities. Career opportunities:  Explore a selection of high-level job openings in high-throughput screening, research, biologics development, clinical operations, and biostatistics within leading organizations. Must-read publications:  Stay updated on cutting-edge research, including the potentiation of GPCR signaling by ATP and sugar monophosphates and the identification of a novel allosteric site on the vasopressin V2 receptor. Terry's Corner - Unlock the Power of Target Residence Time in Your GPCR Drug Discovery Pipeline Gain a critical edge by understanding the in vivo efficacy drivers overlooked by traditional potency metrics. Are your promising in vitro results failing to translate into real-world clinical success? Dr. Terry Kenakin’s latest insights delve into target residence time, revealing why kinetic persistence often trumps binding affinity for in vivo efficacy. Discover how factors like restricted tissue diffusion and receptor density can dramatically alter drug action, potentially unlocking the true potential of your lead compounds. Problem Solved:  Eliminate the blind spots in your drug evaluation process, moving beyond simple potency measures to understand the dynamic interactions that govern in vivo effectiveness. Competitive Edge:  Identify high-value compounds that might be missed by traditional screening methods, gaining a first-mover advantage in developing more effective therapeutics. Threat Avoided:  Prevent costly late-stage failures by incorporating kinetic modeling early in your pipeline, ensuring your candidates have the persistence needed for clinical impact. ➡️  Premium Members get 50%+ discount when they join Terry’s Corner. Access this week’s key insight ➤ Dr GPCR Podcast – Decoding the Deadly Duo: Xylazine, Fentanyl, and Respiratory Depression Understand the synergistic mechanisms driving the escalating opioid crisis and the crucial role of GPCR pharmacology. The opioid crisis is evolving with the dangerous combination of fentanyl and the veterinary sedative xylazine. This week’s featured podcast episode with Catherine Demery explores the distinct yet lethal mechanisms by which these drugs impair respiration. Learn how fentanyl slows inhalation via opioid receptors, while xylazine prolongs exhalation through alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, creating a synergistic effect that drives overdose deaths. Catherine’s research, blending GPCR signaling studies with public health data, offers critical insights into this urgent crisis. Problem Solved:  Gain a deeper understanding of the pharmacological underpinnings of opioid overdose, informing the development of more effective intervention strategies. Competitive Edge:  Stay informed on emerging public health threats and the scientific research aimed at addressing them, positioning your work at the forefront of critical biomedical challenges. Threat Avoided:  Recognize the growing prevalence and dangers of xylazine-laced opioids, enabling you to contribute to solutions and understand the broader impact on public health. Listen now to understand how two mechanisms intersect—and why pharmacologists are critical in addressing this crisis ➤ Call for Papers – GPCRs: Signal Transduction Volume II With over 21,000 views  and 7,785 downloads  from Volume I, the Signal Transduction  Research Topic is back. Volume II invites experts to deepen our collective understanding of GPCR pathways in health and disease. Manuscript summary deadline: 24 September 2025 . Final submissions: 12 January 2026 . Why contribute: Join a global, like-minded GPCR community. Shape the next generation of cellular biochemistry research. Amplify your work with high-impact visibility. Submit your paper today to secure your work in Volume II ➤ Why Dr. GPCR Premium Membership Gives You an Edge Every week, Premium delivers noise-free intelligence : expert-led courses, classified industry insights, curated events, exclusive job opportunities, and insider commentary. Designed for GPCR scientists and translational teams, Premium keeps you informed on the science, careers, and business moves shaping drug discovery. Unlike fragmented feeds and endless searches, Premium is structured to help you move faster, smarter, and with greater clarity. FAQ: Premium Membership 🔹 What’s included? The complete Weekly News digest, curated jobs, upcoming events, classified GPCR publications, exclusive on-demand expert lectures, and member-only discounts. 🔹 Who is it for? GPCR scientists, translational pharmacologists, biotech discovery teams, and decision-makers who need career-relevant intelligence to stay ahead. 🔹 Why now? The pace of GPCR innovation is accelerating. Those who act on the right signals today will lead tomorrow’s breakthroughs—and avoid delays others won’t see coming. 👉 Don’t Fall Behind—Access the Edge You Need 👉 Already a Premium Member? Access this week’s full Premium Edition here ➤ What our members say 🗣️ “The best pharmacology teacher teaming up with the best GPCR community platform to help train and inspire the next generation of scientists.” — Dr. GPCR University Course Attendee Ready to gain a competitive advantage? 🚀 Upgrade to Premium Membership Today!  🚀 👉 Become a Premium Member Today ➤

Discover the Dr. GPCR Ecosystem, where we connect and empower the GPCR community in the United States. Home: About We dream of a world where the vast majority of us lead fulfilling and healthy lives. Sign Up Today! We aspire to provide opportunities to connect, grow, and thrive as a great GPCR Community. Strategic Partners What did you miss from the Dr. GPCR Ecosystem? GPCR Courses GPCR Flash News GPCR Weekly News Dr. GPCR Podcast Our Vision Closing the gap ( between academia and industry ) and accelerating drug discovery. Home: Contact Best Value Premium Yearly $249.99 $ 249.99 Every year Valid until canceled Select Become a Premium member and be part of the vision

Explore the world of GPCRs with Dr. GPCR Podcast! Join industry leaders as they share insights, stories, and groundbreaking discoveries, enriching our understanding of GPCRs. Delve into the science behind these vital components shaping our collective knowledge. In each episode, we chat with an expert about their career trajectory, discoveries, and how their research contributed to the shared pool of knowledge about GPCR biology. At the high of the pandemic, the Dr. GPCR Podcast was created with three major goals in mind: Share the latest scientific discoveries in the GPCR field through discussions with experts Provide researchers with a different outlet to make their work known and Inspire young scientists to work on GPCRs. Dr. GPCR’s mission is to bring together the GPCR community from all corners of the world to connect, exchange, and collaborate to improve human health through a better understanding of GPCR biology. So far we have recorded and released over 156 episodes and hosted GPCR specialists from all over the world, including Dr. Bryan Roth, Dr. Robert Lefkowitz, Dr. Fiona Marshall, Dr. Sam Hoare, Dr. Graciela Pineyro, Dr. Debbie Hay, Dr. Randy Hall, tributes to Dr. Marc Caron with over 30 guests including Dr. Kathleen Caron, Dr. Brian Kobilka, and many other amazing scientists. Latest Podcast Episodes More podcast episodes What others are saying about this podcast Really enjoyable science podcast! Dr. Yamina Berchiche interviews leading GPCR scientists on this vibrant, entertaining podcast. I really appreciate the way the podcast educates and mentors, particularly towards junior scientists but also to the community as a wholen Yamina is a great interviewer, getting insight and personal history from her guests. Am very grateful for Dr GPCR livening up the week in these difficult times! Sam @Pharmamechanic I think it's really well done. I'm genuinely interested to see how it evolves and grows over time, as I feel it has the potential to develop into something even more impactful. Anonymous This came at just the most perfect time. I hadn't heard a scientific talk outside my lab since February and was starved to hear someone else talk passionately about GPCRs. I've listened to the episodes multiple times and it's just like being at a conference getting new ideas. I just couldn't be happier y'all created this podcast. Anonymous Great initiative, thanks. Carrier paths, choosing research topics, switching fields, late start, failures and successes. Anonymous I enjoy the breadth of questioning that goes beyond just the science, and reveals a bit about the scientists as individuals/mentors/people. Anonymous Listen and subscribe where you get your podcasts

Explore GPCRs in clear, expert-led chats. Whether you’re a scientist, student, or just curious, you’ll hear about new discoveries, career stories, and the latest GPCR news. Jump in and get inspired! Strategic Partners Dr. GPCR Podcast Episodes Read what others are saying about the podcast: Dr. GPCR Reviews Thanks for listening to this podcast episode This short survey will help us understand your needs to bring you exciting and informative content; this short survey should take 5 minutes to fill. Listen and subscribe where you get your podcasts