Richard B. Silverman

Richard B. Silverman is the Patrick G. Ryan/Aon Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Department of Molecular Biosciences at Northwestern University's Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, and in the Department of Pharmacology at the Feinberg School of Medicine. His research focuses on the rational design, synthesis, and molecular mechanisms of action of potential medicinal agents targeting neurological disorders and cancer.

Dr. Silverman earned his B.S. from Pennsylvania State University in 1968 and his Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1974. After postdoctoral training at Brandeis University with Professor Robert H. Abeles, he joined Northwestern University where he has held various professorial positions, culminating in his current named professorship. His academic journey includes progression from Assistant Professor (1976) to Associate Professor (1982), Professor (1986), Charles Deering McCormick Professor of Teaching Excellence (2001-2004), John Evans Professor of Chemistry (2004-2015), and finally the Patrick G. Ryan/Aon Professor (2015-present).

His research program centers on central nervous system disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and neuropathic pain, with additional focus on cancer (melanoma and hepatocellular carcinoma). The Silverman Lab employs sophisticated approaches to drug discovery, using computer modeling based on X-ray crystal structures for reversible inhibitors and designing mechanism-based inactivators for specific enzyme targets. The lab has isolated numerous enzymes from overexpressed cells and developed important collaborations in X-ray crystallography and preclinical studies.

Analysis of Dr. Silverman's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on enzyme-targeted therapeutics across multiple disease areas. His work demonstrates exceptional expertise in designing selective inhibitors for neuronal nitric oxide synthase, ornithine aminotransferase, and GABA aminotransferase. The research shows sophisticated understanding of enzyme mechanisms, with emphasis on selectivity, metabolic stability, and therapeutic application across neurological disorders and cancer.

• 2024 Esselen Award for Chemistry in the Public Interest of the American Chemical Society
• 2024 Abeles and Jencks Award for the Chemistry of Biological Processes
• 2023 National Academy of Sciences, Member
• 2021 Tetrahedron Prize for Creativity in Organic Chemistry
• 2017 Creative Invention Award of the American Chemical Society
• 2014 Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors
• 2014 Northwestern University Trustee Medal for Faculty Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Dr. Silverman has mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who have established successful careers in academia and industry. His lab has received substantial research funding supporting innovative work on enzyme mechanisms and drug development. He has founded AKAVA Therapeutics, LLC (2019), focused on inhibition of enzymes, protein aggregation, and cancer, demonstrating successful translation of basic research to therapeutic applications. His inventions include Lyrica (pregabalin), CPP-115, and OV329, with one drug on the market and others in clinical trials.

The Silverman Lab operates at the intersection of chemistry and biology with four major research thrusts: GABA aminotransferase inactivators for epilepsy and addiction treatment; ornithine aminotransferase inactivators targeting hepatocellular carcinoma; nitric oxide synthase inhibitors for neurodegenerative diseases and melanoma; and protein aggregation inhibitors for ALS. The lab maintains strong collaborative relationships with researchers in structural biology, neuroscience, and oncology, facilitating comprehensive investigation from molecular mechanism to therapeutic application.