Brian Blagg

Brian Blagg is the Charles Huisking Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame, where he also serves as Director of the Warren Family Research Center for Drug Discovery and Development. His research is centered on the development of small molecule inhibitors targeting the Hsp90 protein folding machinery, with applications in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

His research interests include biochemistry, organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, Hsp90 inhibition, drug discovery, and neuroprotection. His lab employs computer modeling, synthetic organic chemistry, and biochemical assays to design and evaluate isoform-selective Hsp90 inhibitors. Notably, his team has developed the first Grp94-selective and Hsp90β-selective inhibitors, as well as potent C-terminal inhibitors with neuroprotective properties.

The recent publications highlight a strong focus on targeted cancer therapy, overcoming drug resistance, neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, and selective inhibitor design. His work bridges chemical synthesis with biological evaluation, emphasizing translational potential.

Scientific Awards:

• Baxendale Innovation Award, University of Kansas
• Leading Light Award, University of Kansas
• Kentucky Colonel
• University of Kansas Scholarly Achievement Award
• American Chemical Society David W. Robertson Award in Medicinal Chemistry
• American Cancer Society Research Scholar Award
• Faculty of 1000, Biology
• University of Kansas Outstanding Teacher

Brian Blagg has extensive editorial experience, serving on the boards of International Journal of Molecular Sciences, The Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry, and others. He leads a highly collaborative research team engaged in over 50 international collaborations. His lab has advanced a neuroprotective agent into Phase II clinical trials for neuropathy and has preclinical candidates for cancer, Alzheimer’s, and glaucoma. He has also co-founded Grannus Therapeutics to translate discoveries into therapeutics.

Research Lab and Collaborations: The Blagg lab is an interdisciplinary team of organic chemists, biochemists, and biologists working at the interface of chemistry and biology. They are actively involved in more than 50 collaborative studies worldwide, focusing on drug discovery and development.