Preparing scientists to explore the molecules in complex living systems and how molecules influence health and disease
Associate Director Adam Renslo, PhD
Roles
- Associate Director, Chemistry and Chemical Biology Graduate Program
- Vice Dean of Entrepreneurship and Industry Relations
- Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, UCSF School of Pharmacy
Joint appointment
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, UCSF School of Pharmacy
Faculty affiliations
Other graduate program affiliations
About my work
In UC San Francisco’s Renslo Lab, scientists synthesize small organic molecules to better understand the biology of disease and to produce more effective therapeutics. “Small” molecules comprise the active ingredients of the majority of drugs used to treat human disease. The reason small molecules are so effective is that they are the correct size to interact with the enzymes and receptors that mediate biological processes, including disease.
An effective drug must possess a variety of favorable properties, including:
- Sufficient potency to exert the desired effect at a tolerable dose.
- Selectivity for the desired biological target(s) over the multitude of other “off-targets” present in a complex organism.
- Sufficient stability and persistence in the body so that the drug can reach its intended target.
Contact info
Genentech Hall Box 2280
600 16th St Rm N572B
San Francisco CA 94143
FedEx only: use zip 94158
415-514-9698
