David A. Colby

David A. Colby is a Professor of Medicinal Chemistry and Research Professor at the University of Mississippi's School of Pharmacy, leading the Department of BioMolecular Sciences. He directs the Colby Lab, focusing on drug design using natural products and fluorine chemistry to address unmet medical needs in neurodegenerative disorders and addiction. His work includes developing synthetic methods for complex organic molecules and dietary supplements. Dr. Colby previously held positions at Purdue University and has earned a Pharm.D. from the University of Iowa and a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of California, Irvine.

His research integrates medicinal chemistry, natural products isolation, and fluorine chemistry to create novel drug candidates. Notable areas include the synthesis of difluorinated compounds for pharmaceutical applications, structural analogues for activity studies, and the use of trifluoroacetate-release strategies for molecular remodeling. His lab collaborates with NIH and industry partners, commercializing discoveries through major international companies.

Key achievements include the synthesis of eburnamonine derivatives targeting cancer stem cells and brain tumors, and the development of GABAB receptor agonists for addiction therapy. His methods for α-fluorination and difluoromethylation have advanced organic synthesis. Grants and industry funding support his work on drug stability, metabolic pathways, and neuropharmacological agents.

• Education: Pharm.D. (University of Iowa, 2001), Ph.D. (UC Irvine, 2006)
• Labs/Teams: Colby Lab, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Grants: NIH-funded projects, private industry partnerships
• Commercialization: Patented difluorinated compounds and synthesis methods

Current efforts focus on translating bioactive natural products into clinical therapies and advancing fluorine-based drug discovery platforms.