Nick Barlow

Nick Barlow is a Research Fellow in Medicinal Chemistry at Monash University, leading a drug discovery group focused on peptide chemistry and small molecule drug development. His work bridges fundamental and translational research, targeting drug mechanisms involving peptidases, proteases, and GPCRs. He currently oversees diabetes research programs investigating melanocortin receptors' role in glucose control and has developed technologies enhancing membrane permeability of chemical tools and bioactive peptides.

Barlow's team has advanced three peptide drug candidates to preclinical stages over the past five years, establishing startup companies for commercialization. His research contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals addressing good health and well-being (SDG 3). Recent collaborations include projects on HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibition and cardiovascular disease mechanisms.

Key projects include the 2021-2023 'Lead optimisation of novel inhibitors of IRAP' funded by Australian Research Council. His publications span peptide design, enzyme inhibition, and immunomodulatory mechanisms, reflecting expertise in drug delivery systems and fragment-based approaches.