Xiaolin Cheng, PhD
Dr. Cheng’s research centers on computational drug discovery and design. His research utilizes a myriad of molecular modeling and simulation techniques (e.g., molecular dynamics, free energy calculations, etc.) and data analytics (e.g., machine learning, network analysis, etc.), to understand the molecular basis of drug action and to design rationally small-molecule therapeutics. Working at the interface between medicinal chemistry and structural pharmacology, Dr. Cheng’s goal is to bring a dynamics and systems perspective into the structure-based drug design paradigm. In this context, his laboratory is particularly interested in the design and discovery of allosteric and multi-target drugs for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.
Mitch A. Phelps, PhD
Dr. Phelps’ research aims to develop novel anticancer and immune-modulatory therapies and improve upon existing therapies through translational research. This includes clinical research studies that aim to evaluate the clinical pharmacology of novel or existing, FDA-approved therapies, or their combinations, in patients with various forms of hematologic and solid tumor malignancies. Dr. Phelps’ group uses quantitative bioanalysis and pharmacometric approaches (PK/PD modeling and simulation) to explore mechanisms of drug resistance, identify individual patient factors contributing to PK and PD variability, and individualize dosing regimens. Pharmacometric and quantitative approaches are also applied in preclinical in vitro and in vivo animal models to study effects observed in the clinic and to support development of novel, targeted agents (small molecules, oligonucleotides, and proteins) and/or novel drug delivery platforms (immunoliposomes, exosomes).