Jeffrey Neighbors

Dr. Jeffrey Neighbors serves as an Associate Professor in both the Department of Molecular and Precision Medicine and the Department of Medicine at Penn State University College of Medicine. He holds significant affiliations with the Penn State Cancer Institute (specifically within the Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis program), the Penn State Neuroscience Institute, and the Center for Cannabis and Natural Product Pharmaceuticals (CCNPP).

Dr. Neighbors' research focuses on innovative drug development approaches with several key projects: development of novel agents inhibiting steps in the mevalonate (cholesterol synthesis) pathway to target transcription factors like TAZ for osteosarcoma treatment; investigation of statin drugs for neuroblastoma and other cancers; and research on pawhuskins (natural products from prairie plants) with opioid receptor antagonist activity for potential wound healing applications. His work spans multiple disciplines including cancer therapeutics, natural product pharmacology, and bone biology.

Analysis of Dr. Neighbors' recent publications reveals a strong focus on bisphosphonate-based therapies, particularly their application in treating bone infections and osteomyelitis. His research shows an increasing emphasis on antimicrobial conjugates that combine bisphosphonates with antibiotics to target bone-associated infections. There's also a notable expansion into cannabis research, with systematic reviews examining drug-drug interactions involving cannabinoids. His work consistently bridges medicinal chemistry with practical therapeutic applications.

Dr. Neighbors has secured significant research funding from multiple NIH institutes including the National Cancer Institute, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and National Institute on Drug Abuse. His seven completed projects demonstrate expertise in developing novel therapeutics including Schweinfurthins for breast cancer and glioma, pawhuskins for stimulant abuse treatment, and GGDPS inhibitors for osteoporosis and prostate cancer.

With extensive experience spanning both academic and biotech settings, Dr. Neighbors brings practical drug development expertise from chemical synthesis through pharmacokinetics and ADME/DMPK studies. His laboratory work integrates multiple approaches to drug discovery with particular emphasis on natural products and their derivatives for various therapeutic applications.