John D. Imig

John D. Imig, Ph.D., is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). He holds a B.A. in Biology from Blackburn College and a Ph.D. in Physiology & Biophysics from the University of Louisville. His research focuses on understanding how fatty acids influence cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic functions. The Imig laboratory employs advanced techniques such as animal phenotyping, 3-D/organoid cell culturing, drug design, and omics approaches to develop therapies for cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic diseases.

Dr. Imig is a Fellow of the American Heart Association and American Physiological Society, and holds memberships in prestigious organizations including the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Society of Nephrology. He has received notable awards such as the Arkansas Research Alliance Scholar (2022), Lewis K. Dahl Memorial Lecture (2019), and the American Heart Association Established Investigator (2004).

His research emphasizes multi-target drug development for metabolic diseases, renal fibrosis mechanisms, and the role of epoxylipids in hypertension. Recent studies include investigations into chemotherapy-induced kidney and heart damage, dual enzyme inhibitors, and protective agents for organ transplantation. Collaborative efforts in drug design and omics-based approaches drive translational outcomes for clinical applications.

Dr. Imig leads a lab renowned for integrative research spanning basic molecular mechanisms to preclinical drug testing. His work bridges academia and industry, addressing unmet clinical needs in cardiovascular and renal therapeutics. Ongoing projects explore novel therapies targeting epoxide pathways and nuclear receptors to combat chronic diseases.