Fang Zheng

Fang Zheng is a Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Kentucky, where he leads innovative research in drug discovery for substance use disorders and neurological conditions through enzyme engineering and computational approaches.

Education:

• PhD from Huazhong University of Science & Technology
• MS from Washington State University
• MS from Sichuan University
• BS from Southwest University

Research Focus: Dr. Zheng pioneers the development of enzyme-based therapeutics, particularly cocaine hydrolase engineered from human butyrylcholinesterase, to treat cocaine and opioid addiction. His work integrates artificial intelligence, quantum mechanics calculations, molecular dynamics simulations, and kinetic modeling to optimize drug candidates. He investigates ghrelin signaling in addiction, develops mPGES-1 inhibitors for inflammation, and creates biotherapeutics for sepsis and cancer using systems biology approaches.

Publication Trends: Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) reveals dominant themes in structural optimization of long-acting cocaine hydrolases (via Fc fusion and neonatal receptor binding), validation of efficacy against polysubstance use (e.g., fentanyl-laced cocaine), and expansion into ghrelin deacylase therapy for methamphetamine addiction. His research consistently bridges computational design with in vitro and in vivo testing, demonstrating translational potential for addiction treatment and overdose reversal.