MEDICINAL ORGANIC CHEMISTRY GROUP
Meet the Team
Principal Investigators
Group Leader
Maria Santos
Santos leads a medicinal chemistry research team developing synthetic methods for bioactive molecules. Key achievements include discovering potent p53 activators, dual MDM2/MDM4 inhibitors, novel indole-based antimalarial scaffolds, and heterocycles that serve as NMDA receptor antagonists.
Senior Researcher
Alexandra Paulo
Paulo's research has consistently focused on discovering novel chemical tools and small molecules for innovative therapies. Currently, she develops selective anticancer and anti-infectious drugs by designing small molecules that target G-quadruplexes and modulate gene regulation in cancer cells.
Senior Researcher
Ana Paula Francisco
Francisco's research focuses on developing triazene-based anticancer agents. Being a part of various collaborative projects aimed at enhancing drug delivery systems to improve pharmacological profiles. Other interests include prodrug chemistry, optimizing bioactive molecules, and stability and metabolic studies of drugs and prodrugs.
Senior Researcher
Luís Constantino
Constantino focuses on xenobiotic metabolism and new drug delivery systems. His PhD explored amide metabolism by CYP 450, leading to an interest in prodrugs and their activation. Currently, he researches ester prodrugs for tuberculosis treatment and is knowledgeable pharmacy patents, with a strong passion for innovation.
