Francis Johnson

Francis Johnson is a Professor of Pharmacological Sciences at Stony Brook University's Renaissance School of Medicine, with a joint appointment in the Department of Chemistry. He has been a faculty member since November 1973, following a research position at The Dow Chemical Company's Eastern Research Laboratory.

Dr. Johnson obtained his B.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees from Glasgow University in Scotland, followed by postdoctoral training at Boston University in the laboratory of Walter Gensler.

Dr. Johnson's research spans four major areas: stereochemistry (where he developed the influential "Allylic Strain" theory), natural product synthesis (including cycloheximide, bleomycin, and prostaglandins), DNA damage and repair chemistry, and more recently, the chemistry of diseases of aging. His work on DNA adducts has been particularly significant, where he devised methods to introduce damage from carcinogens into DNA. His recent research focuses on Aristolochic Acids and developing drugs to prevent collagen loss in aging-related diseases. He's currently involved in five drug development projects, including LB-100 (a cancer drug) and CMC 2.24 (for periodontitis and osteoarthritis).

His publications show a clear trend toward translational research, particularly in the last decade. He has shifted from fundamental chemistry research to drug development, with a focus on anti-aging compounds that prevent collagen loss. His recent work on chemically-modified curcumin derivatives shows promise for treating periodontitis, osteoarthritis, and diabetic wound healing.

Dr. Johnson has made significant contributions to science, with his work on "Allylic Strain" being one of the most quoted papers in organic chemistry history. His drug development efforts have resulted in LB-100 passing clinical trials successfully, with the company developing it expected to list on NASDAQ. CMC 2.24 is being licensed to a French veterinary company for use in companion animals, with potential for human therapy due to its lack of demonstrable side effects.

Dr. Johnson has mentored numerous students and researchers throughout his career, though specific names aren't provided in the available information. His work has been supported by various grants focused on DNA damage, drug development, and aging-related diseases. He has published nearly 400 papers and patents throughout his career.

Dr. Johnson leads research teams focused on drug synthesis and development, particularly for compounds targeting aging-related diseases. His laboratory has developed innovative methods for synthesizing DNA adducts and creating novel drug candidates that prevent collagen loss in diseases of aging.