D3 PLATFORM
D3 Platform
The chemical focus of the CNPD3 is on unique natural products, and the goal is to fully exploit the biosynthetic and therapeutic potential of untapped biodiversity for drug discovery. Candidate compounds are investigated for further development through interactive chemistry and pharmacology efforts. The center embraces all aspects of natural products research from discovery, biosynthesis and chemical synthesis, assay development, screening and target identification to drug development.
CNPD3 FOCUS AND RESEARCH
CNPD3 FOCUS AND RESEARCH
Microbial Genomics & Synthetic Biology
CNPD3 FOCUS AND RESEARCH
Molecular Diversity and Screening
CNPD3 FOCUS AND RESEARCH
Molecular Pharmacology
CNPD3 FOCUS AND RESEARCH
AI-based and Structure-based Drug Design & Optimization
CNPD3 FOCUS AND RESEARCH
Synthetic Chemistry
CNPD3 Focus and Research
PROTAC & Targeted Therapeutics
CNPD3 FOCUS AND RESEARCH
Botanical Translational Science
CNPD3 FOCUS AND RESEARCH
Animal Models of Disease
A New Wave of MEDICINE
Dr. Hendrik Luesch
Answering the Call
In an ocean of possibilities, Dr. Hendrik Luesch is answering the call to make the next great drug discovery. His work takes him below the surface of the sea, where new medicines harbor hope for a healthier tomorrow.
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CNPD3 Seminar series
CNPD3 Seminar Series | Dr. Junmei Wang
Wednesday, December 3, from 10 – 11 a.m. in C1-15 Dr. Wang’s presentation title is “Computer-Aided Drug Design in the Era of AI.”
CNPD3 Seminar Series | Dr. Jian Tang
Thursday, November 20, from 10 – 11 a.m. in C1-17 Dr. Tang’s presentation title is “Geometric Deep Learning for Protein Design.”
CNPD3 Seminar Series | Dr. Yifan Wang
Thursday, October 30, from 10 – 11 a.m. in CG-022 Dr. Wang’s presentation title is “From Structure to Catalysis: Illuminating Unusual Heme Enzymes in RiPP Biosynthesis.”
CNPD3 Seminar Series | Dr. Daniel Flaherty
Wednesday, October 22, from 10 – 11 a.m. in C1-15 Dr. Flaherty’s presentation title is “Validation of Therapeutic Targets for Antibiotics and Inflammatory Pain.”
DEPARTMENT NEWS
New medicinal chemistry space ushers in era of synergy and teamwork
A 14,500-square-foot integrated drug discovery lab will house some of UF’s medicinal chemistry faculty.
Dr. Chris McCurdy named associate editor for ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science
The appointment with ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science begins Oct. 1, 2025.
Dr. Oliver Grundmann named a fellow of the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology
He was presented with this recognition on Sept. 18 at the North American Congress of Clinical Toxicology Annual Meeting in Chicago.
Three medicinal chemistry graduate students win college awards
The UF College of Pharmacy awarded three medicinal chemistry graduate students with the college’s top honors in 2025-26.