Eyup Akgun

Eyup Akgun is a Research Professor in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy. His research focuses on developing novel therapeutic approaches for pain management, particularly targeting opioid receptors and related receptor systems through innovative bivalent ligand design.

Dr. Akgun received his complete education at the University of Marburg, earning his Bachelors in Chemistry, Masters in Organic Chemistry, and PhD in Medicinal Chemistry. His academic journey has led to significant contributions in receptor pharmacology and medicinal chemistry.

His primary research interests include opioid receptor pharmacology, bivalent ligand design, pain management strategies, and the development of novel analgesics that avoid tolerance and other side effects. Dr. Akgun's work specifically explores receptor heteromers such as MOR-mGluR5, with implications for treating neuropathic pain, cancer-related pain, and chemotherapy-induced pain conditions. His research fingerprint highlights expertise in bivalent ligands (100%), heteromers (76%), receptor pharmacology (74%), indole chemistry (58%), and μ-opioid receptors (57%).

Dr. Akgun's recent publications (2019-2023) demonstrate ongoing active research with significant contributions to pain management science. His work shows a consistent focus on translating basic science discoveries into potential therapeutic applications while addressing challenges in the opioid crisis through non-addictive pain management solutions.

• NIH NIDA-funded project (2011-2016): "Ligands that target opioid-chemokine and opioid-mGlu5 heteromers"

His research has garnered substantial attention in the scientific community, with multiple publications receiving numerous citations, social media mentions, and references in patents. Dr. Akgun collaborates extensively with researchers including P.S. Portoghese, M.M. Lunzer, and D.A. Simone, contributing to the University of Minnesota's research profile in medicinal chemistry and pain management.