Nicholas Cosford

Biography

Dr. Cosford obtained his B.A. in chemistry and Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Bath in England. As a medicinal chemist with over 20 years of experience leading small-molecule drug discovery and hit-to-lead optimization projects, he worked in both biotech and big pharma prior to joining SBP in 2008. At Sibia Neurosciences and at Merck Research Laboratories, he directed multidisciplinary research teams focused on small-molecule hit-to-lead optimization and was responsible for moving several lead compounds through to the clinical phase. Examples include taking a nicotinic receptor agonist from initiation of research through to Phase II clinical; taking mGlu5 negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) from HTS hits through in vivo proof-of-concept to Phase I/II (ongoing); design, synthesis and optimization of an mGlu5 PET tracer clinical candidate; and design, synthesis and optimization of an Akt allosteric inhibitor preclinical candidate that led to MK2206. To date, Dr. Cosford’s research has resulted in more than 90 peer-reviewed scientific publications, over 40 issued patents, and over 40 additional patent applications pending. In 2006, he received the FRAXA Foundation Award for Outstanding Contributions to Fragile X Research. His ongoing industry alliances include serving as a scientific advisor to CalAsia Pharmaceuticals, which seeks to accelerate academic discoveries into treatments for unmet medical needs, and to TumorGen MDx, where he has helped design a microchip to detect the presence of cancer stem cells.

Research Interest

We are interested in investigating the interactions of small molecule compounds with therapeutically important proteins and cellular signaling pathways. One aspect of our research emphasizes the use of medicinal chemistry and chemical biology approaches to probe intracellular pathways that regulate cell survival and cell growth. Another area of active research is the development of synthetic chemistry methodology using microfluidic technology for the rapid synthesis of biologically active small molecules. Therapeutically, we are primarily focused on the discovery and optimization of compounds that have the potential to treat cancer, CNS diseases and infectious diseases.