The ASPIRE Path in Molecular Medicine

My primary postdoctoral research project currently involves the design, synthesis, and preclinical evaluation of novel muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtype 1 (M1) positive allosteric modulators (PAMs). M1 PAMs have been pursued for a number of years as potential therapeutics for Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, and other neurological conditions. To achieve the aim of developing a suitable M1 PAM clinical candidate, the Lindsley lab has partnered with ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. and has internally assembled a team of chemists and biologists to which I was assigned upon joining. This has provided a fast-paced research environment where chemists are given rapid feedback on their drug candidates, allowing for quick turnaround in the drug development process. Given the objective of producing an M1 PAM clinical candidate as soon as possible, I believe that this research integrates well with goal of the APMM to guide trainees such as myself in the integration of clinical research into my ongoing education. Should any unforeseen developments occur in this project during my postdoctoral research tenure, I am confident that I will be able to develop and execute a suitable neuroscience-related translational project with the support of my PI and my clinical mentor, especially given the former’s history with drug development.