Dennis Liotta

Dennis Liotta, PhD, is the Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology at Emory University School of Medicine. He has served as Chair of the Chemistry Department (1993-1996), Vice President for Research (1996-2000), and Associate Director of the Emory Center for AIDS Research. He co-founded EIDD and DRIVE, critical entities in academic drug development.

• Education: PhD in Organic Chemistry (1974, City University of New York), Postdoctoral Research (The Ohio State University)

Dr. Liotta's research focuses on antiviral therapeutics (HIV, hepatitis B/C), neuropharmacology (NMDA receptor modulators), and oncology (CDK7 inhibitors). His work spans medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, and pharmacological analysis.

Recent publications highlight advancements in NMDA receptor modulation for neurological disorders, CXCR4 antagonists for HIV/immunology, and prodrug synthesis techniques for enhanced drug delivery. His team's Molnupiravir development marked a pivotal breakthrough in pandemic response.

• Scientific Awards
  • Perkin Medal (2022)
  • Wallace H. Carothers Award (2018)
  • Thomas Jefferson Award (2011)
  • Fellow, National Academy of Inventors (2013)
  • Medicinal Chemistry Hall of Fame (2010)

As a serial entrepreneur, he co-founded Pharmasset (acquired by Gilead for $11.2B) and over 10 biopharma companies. His leadership in EIDD/DRIVE created academic-commercialization infrastructure for neglected diseases.