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Choosing not to overthink major career decisions, because as she puts it:  “A lot of friends of mine Maria Majellaro Now, she leads a team of talented chemists at Celtarys, developing fluorescent ligands GPCR on the company page . _______________ Keyword Cloud:   GPCR scientist network , career development

This conjugation is very useful for tagging biomolecules and can also be used to develop fluorescent Chapter Three - Bioconjugated Materials in the Development of Subunit Vaccines.

At one point, he even questioned whether research was the right career for him. Rather than focusing solely on explaining receptor behavior post hoc, his group began developing workflows Career Lessons for Young Scientists Carlsson’s journey holds several lessons for early-career researchers Modeling a Career on Your Own Terms Carlsson’s career shows that failures can evolve into strengths and For early-career researchers, the takeaway is direct: GPCR drug discovery will increasingly depend on

For Early-Career Scientists: Your pivotal moment might not feel like fireworks. Built to Inspire The story of Michelle Halls isn’t just about a career; it’s about a pattern.

Pipeline Efficiency Begins With the Chemistry Itself Drug discovery pipelines often stall not because the target is wrong—but because the chemical matter  interacting with that target lacks the right properties to produce meaningful pharmacology. We obsess over target validation, signaling pathways, expression patterns, and disease relevance. Yet, far less time is spent scrutinizing the structural logic and origin  of the molecules we screen in the first place. This lesson asks a deceptively simple question: What if our molecules—not our targets—are limiting discovery? In this lesson, you’ll gain: A strategic view of how chemical scaffolds shape pharmacologic outcomes An understanding of new chemical sources beyond natural agonist analogs Awareness of how GPCR allostery and biased signaling are redefining drug design The Long Arc of Chemical Pharmacology The early history of drug discovery was rooted in nature . Extracts from plants, fungi, bacteria, and environmental microorganisms provided the first potent modulators of physiology. Opium, for example, was used for dysentery and relief of suffering as early as the 3rd century BC; its derivatives — morphine, codeine, papaverine — became cornerstones of modern therapy.  The natural world still holds enormous untapped potential . Less than ~15% of higher plant species, <5% of bacterial and fungal species, and only a fraction of marine organisms have been meaningfully explored.  Yet natural-product scaffolds come with costs: they are structurally complex, expensive to modify, often unpredictable in IP , and sometimes more difficult to optimize for modern pharmacokinetics.  Still, nature remains a treasure map — just one that requires more strategic navigation. The key question Terry raises: If natural scaffolds provided our starting pharmacology, what new scaffolds will define the next 50 years? Building on Known Pharmacology Medicinal chemists learned early that modifying endogenous molecules — hormones, neurotransmitters, and metabolic signals — could yield new drug effects. Adenine-derived scaffolds enabled selective adenosine receptor antagonists; tryptophan modifications led to somatostatin receptor ligands.  From these efforts emerged the concept of privileged structures : chemical backbones that show repeat utility  across GPCR classes and receptor families. Indoles, benzodiazepines, phenethylamines — each recurs because it “fits” biology well.  This was more than trial-and-error. It was early structure-based pharmacology. Dr. Kenakin highlights how hybrid molecules  — combining two pharmacophores into one scaffold — enable dual-modality treatments with unified pharmacokinetics  (instead of juggling two separate drugs with mismatched ADME profiles).  And occasionally, new chemistry emerges from an unexpected source: Side effects. Diuretic action discovered in sulfanilamide derivatives led to furosemide; sedative effects of early antihistamines helped launch antipsychotics.  Lesson:  The structure-response relationship is rarely linear — and observing the unexpected is part of the craft. Informatics Expands the Search Space for Chemical Drug Matter Advances in chemoinformatics  introduced large-scale similarity mapping, such as SEA (Similarity Ensemble Approach), which compares the chemical similarity of ligands , not the protein sequence of targets.  This is a philosophical shift: Instead of asking, “Which proteins are related?” We ask, “Which molecules behave as if they belong together?” This approach reveals: Hidden target overlap New therapeutic hypotheses “Off-target” effects that may be on-target opportunities This expands drug matter beyond the familiar and encourages deliberate exploration of chemical novelty, rather than incremental tuning of existing scaffolds. The molecule, not the receptor, becomes the guiding principle. Allostery and Biased Signaling Change the Game The most profound change in GPCR drug discovery is our expanding understanding of allosteric receptor function . GPCRs are not simple on/off switches. They are allosteric machines , able to shift conformational states in response to multiple binding influences.  This enables: Positive Allosteric Modulators (PAMs) — enhance natural signaling Negative Allosteric Modulators (NAMs) — attenuate signaling Biased agonists  — favor one intracellular pathway over another These are not analogs of natural transmitters. They are structural strategies for tuning physiology. This reroutes discovery toward: Functionally selective ligands Better therapeutic windows More predictable clinical behavior Allosteric modulation allows us to work with  biology’s dynamic systems instead of forcing orthosteric competition. Biologics Are Now Chemical Drug Matter, Too Proteins, peptides, and antibodies are no longer niche. They are mainstream pharmacology. They offer high specificity , favorable safety , and unique mechanisms , including GPCR modulation through agonism, internalization, or ligand scavenging.  Advances in formulation and delivery have overcome earlier pharmacokinetic limitations. Peptide GPCR therapies now address obesity, diabetes, cancer, neuroendocrine disorders, inflammatory diseases, and more.  The boundary between “small molecule” and “biologic” has blurred. What matters now is not the category , but the fit: Does the chemical matter support the therapeutic mechanism? Does it interact with the receptor in a way that biology can use? Core message: The receptor is only half the story. The molecule is the other half. Why Terry’s Corner Terry’s Corner is a continuously growing knowledge platform built for scientists who want sharper decision-making power in discovery pharmacology. Subscribers gain weekly lectures led by Dr. Terry Kenakin, monthly AMA discussions, and on-demand access to a library of expert GPCR teaching sessions. Members can also propose new topics, ensuring relevance to real-world discovery problems. This is strategic, method-proven insight for discovery teams, pharmacologists refining core skills, and R&D leads who need clear reasoning in a rapidly changing field. GPCR innovation is accelerating. Those who learn now will shape the drugs others spend the next decade trying to understand. 40 years of expertise at your fingertips: Explore the full library ➤ Subscribe to the Kenakin Brief to stay in the know ➤

Recent studies have revealed that PGs play pivotal roles in embryo development, ciliogenesis, and organ During development, PGE2 signaling regulates embryogenesis, hepatocyte differentiation, hematopoiesis advances in understanding the functions and mechanisms of prostaglandin signaling in ciliogenesis, embryo development

Someone with strong assay development skills as well as strong data analysis and interpretation skills There’s comradery and open exchange in our team and I strive to provide learning opportunities for career development.”

December 2021 "Drug development is rarely trivial. typically require years to uncover the mechanisms of disease before they can even dare to contemplate the development Nevertheless, researchers have a host of new technologies at their disposal to develop targeted therapies Modern drug development approaches include a range of techniques leveraging structural biology, immunology

Today, InterAx Biotech is pleased to announce that Carola Weiss has joined the company as VP Business Development Carola Weiss’ professional career brings deep expertise in business development, marketing & sales, licensing

A number of strategies have been applied to develop CB2 ligands to achieve closer to 'drug-like' properties We review the current state of CB2 ligand development and progress in optimising physicochemical properties

A number of strategies have been applied to develop CB2 ligands to achieve closer to 'drug-like' properties We review the current state of CB2 ligand development and progress in optimizing physicochemical properties

(Nasdaq: TRVN), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel patients with central nervous system (CNS) disorders, today announced it is advancing TRV045 into clinical development TRV045 is the Company’s novel S1P1 receptor modulator being developed as a potential treatment for diabetic

fibrosis, cancers, cardiovascular diseases and neuropathic pain, making it a promising target for drug development This article provides an extensive review on the current status of ligand development targeting LPA receptors

January 2022 Exscientia and Sanofi Establish Strategic Research Collaboration to Develop AI-driven Pipeline Sanofi and Exscientia announced today a groundbreaking research collaboration and license agreement to develop

Career opportunities:  A curated list of new positions, including a Research Associate, a Senior Research This isn’t just information; it’s a strategic framework for your career. translational pharmacologists, biotech drug discovery teams, and decision-makers who need fast, curated, career-relevant Corner, Yamina's Corner, biotech, systems thinking, signal transduction, operational excellence, drug development , pharmaceutical, scientific career Hashtags: #DrGPCR #GPCR #DrugDiscovery #Pharmacology #Biotech

December 2022 Sosei Heptares Enters Antibody Discovery Agreement with Twist Bioscience to Discover and Develop (“the Company”; TSE: 4565), the world leader in GPCR-focused structure-based drug design (SBDD) and development

June 2022 "We’re delighted to welcome Dr Ed Brennan as our new Vice President, Head of Clinical Development Dr Brennan has extensive experience across all phases of clinical development, and across multiple therapeutic

November 2021 Twist Bioscience Launches Revelar Biotherapeutics to Develop and Commercialize Novel COVID Executive Leadership Team Established with Demonstrated Success in Clinical, Regulatory and Commercial Development has launched Revelar Biotherapeutics, Inc., an independently operated, new biotechnology company to develop

to Win: The IP One Gamble After the success of their cAMP assay, Trinquet’s team took a risky bet: develop For Early-Career Scientists: If you want to work in product R&D, learn this: real innovation happens access to GPCR innovators, exclusive deep-dives, and practical tools to accelerate your research or career

. ✅ Practical ways  to integrate kinetics, allostery, and bias into smarter development decisions. ✅ The real friction point lies downstream : translating receptor–ligand interactions into actionable development How CRO Communication Impacts GPCR Drug Development Success Even the best science falters without operational Direct input  on future sessions—so topics match the hurdles your team faces in discovery and development

Career opportunities:  New openings for a postdoctoral research position in GPCR biochemistry and biophysics Learn how his research aims to develop models that can distinguish between active and inactive ligands This isn’t just a newsletter; it's a strategic tool for your career and your science. translational pharmacologists, biotech drug discovery teams, and decision-makers who need fast, curated, career-relevant

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

training planted the seeds for what would later become Blue Therapeutics, a startup he co-founded to develop behavior computationally predictable, Ajay and his team are working to reduce the time and cost of developing about drug development. He also underscores the value of developing cross-functional skills — including communication, strategy Ajay's career is proof that in science, the detours are often the real path forward

Hello GPCR Enthusiasts, Interpreting binding data isn’t optional—it’s career-defining. wrong interpretation doesn’t just waste time; it costs viable compounds, credibility, and millions in development Career opportunities:  Postdocs in GPCR biophysics and assay development; industry scientist roles at Tailored job opportunities and career matchmaking. Aside from his vast experience in drug development, not to mention his extensive publication record,

Industry insights:  New alliances, pipeline shifts, and platform tech that could reshape metabolic drug development Career opportunities:  Discovery biology roles and training paths in GPCR signaling. From cAMP to femtomolar ligands, she unpacks a career at the edge of precision signaling. . • Assay Development Gets Real : Fluorescent tools and real-world biology don’t always match. University access are coming—grandfather pricing ends in 2026. • Inclusive Growth : More access for developing

This is a story about how chronic pain doesn't just shape lives — it reshapes careers. His interest in model development, in capturing the lived human experience through preclinical systems Building a Career from the Inside Out Now back in med school, Serafini aims to follow the physician-scientist

If you’re building tools or careers in GPCR science, this is your playbook. Originally developed as ultra-bright lanthanide probes, the team realized they could tune these molecules Mini Timeline 🎯 Early 2000s: Trinquet leads IP1 & Tag-lite development 🧪 Mid-2010s: Rare-earth scaffold For Early-Career Scientists: Don’t confuse “final product” with overnight success. Product development isn’t just about science.

Sometimes when you’re in the field you forget the importance GPCRs holds in drug development as a whole She gave us an overview of the drugs she has participated in developing throughout her career, highlighting scientists felt like a dream come true, and Maria enjoyed giving advice to those who are starting their careers Xiaoyu Zhang showed great insight into new ligands for new E3 ligases for PROTAC development.

Maria Majellaro Maria’s career didn’t start with a desire to launch a company. Over time, she developed a fascination with how molecules influence biology and how that chemistry could The academic group Maria worked with had developed a technology that allowed for flexible, fast synthesis access to customized, reliable assay tools without the delays and frustrations that often plague probe development

Career opportunities:  Snapshot of roles spanning PhD entry points to senior translational pharmacology—Protein If you need to brief leadership, plan experiments, or time a move in the market or your career, Premium Aside from his vast experience in drug development, not to mention his extensive publication record, GPCR science — in one membership. 🎓 Full GPCR University + 🔬 200+ expert talks 🗞️ Weekly research, careers matchmaking 💡 Support open resources for the global GPCR field 🧠 Designed for researchers at every career