Fengtian Xue

Fengtian Xue, PhD, is a Professor and Associate Dean for Research in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore. He also holds a secondary appointment in the Department of Anesthesiology. Dr. Xue leads a robust research program focused on developing small molecule therapeutics for bacterial infections, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and alcohol use disorders.

His educational background includes a PhD in Chemistry from Brown University, postdoctoral training in Medicinal Chemistry at Northwestern University, and a BS in Chemistry from the University of Science and Technology of China.

Dr. Xue’s research spans several key areas: (1) Enhancing chemotherapy efficacy via dual activation of hCAR and Nrf2 pathways; (2) Developing gallium-based anti-pseudomonal agents targeting heme uptake systems; (3) Designing Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibitors for colorectal cancer and metabolic diseases; and (4) Creating liver-targeted ALDH2 inhibitors for alcohol use disorder. His work combines high-throughput screening, computational modeling, medicinal chemistry, and preclinical validation.

His recent publications highlight a strong focus on anti-infective and anticancer drug development, particularly involving metallotherapeutics, pathway modulators, and targeted inhibitors. There is a clear trend toward translational research with multiple patents filed and compounds under development.

• R01 CA295603 (pending, 2025–2030)
• R01 DK133421 (2023–2028)
• R21 AA030336 (2023–2026)
• R21 AI161313 (2021–2024)
• NIH STTR with Rezigene, LLC
• Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS)
• UM-BILD grants
• Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation
• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)

Dr. Xue has been recognized with several honors, including the 2023 Faculty Preceptor of the Year and the 2017 AACP Teacher of the Year. He actively mentors PhD, MS, PharmD, and undergraduate students, many of whom have received fellowships and awards. His lab, the Xue Lab, is a collaborative and productive environment with a strong publication and patent record.