Our research is focused on the design and synthesis of small molecules for relevant therapeutic targets. To achieve these goals, novel chemical methodologies are developed and applied to library synthesis, while focusing on structure-activity relationships, metabolic stability studies and identification of the possible metabolites for the most promising leads.

Cancer

This line of research is focused on the discovery of novel and more selective anticancer drugs by designing and synthesising small molecules that target the tumor suppressor protein p53, as well as G4 structures in oncogene promoter regions of human cancer cells. Ongoing funded projects: PTDC/QUI-QOR/29664/2017 and PTDC/QUI-QOR/1304/2020.

Infectious Diseases

Alternatives to effectively treat tuberculosis and malaria are urgently needed. In our group we have been developing with success ester prodrugs of pyrazinoic acid that addressed efficiently pyrazinamide resistance in M. tuberculosis, and small molecules with dual stage activity for blood and liver stages of malaria. Ongoing funded project: PTDC/SAU-INF/28080/2017.

Therapeutic tools

This line of research is focused on maximizing the specificity and targetability of our hit compounds. In collaboration with the group of Advanced Technologies for Drug Delivery we are associating our most promising hits with nanodelivery systems. Ongoing funded project: PTDC/MED-QUI/31721/2017.