John Krstenansky

John Krstenansky is a Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) School of Pharmacy. He holds a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Illinois at Chicago, an MBA from Golden Gate University, and undergraduate degrees in Chemistry and Philosophy from Loyola University Chicago. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, he has held leadership roles in academia and industry, including vice presidency at pharmaceutical companies like Roche Bioscience and EnzyMed. His research focuses on drug discovery, opioid pharmacology, antiviral agents (e.g., HPV and SARS-CoV-2), and forensic chemistry. Key contributions include studies on synthetic opioids, HPV E6 protein inhibitors, and natural product-derived therapeutics.

**Education:**

• PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, University of Illinois at Chicago
• MBA, Golden Gate University
• BS in Chemistry, Loyola University Chicago
• AB in Philosophy, Loyola University Chicago

**Research Interests:**

• Design of small-molecule therapeutics targeting viral oncogenes (HPV 16 E6)
• Development of antiviral agents for SARS-CoV-2 via ACE2 inhibition
• Structure-activity relationships in opioid analogs (e.g., AH-7921)
• Forensic analysis of psychoactive substances in plant-derived products
• Peptide-based anticoagulants and thrombin inhibitors

His work bridges medicinal chemistry with clinical applications, emphasizing translational research in pharmacology and drug delivery.

**Awards:**

• Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC)

**Advising & Industry Roles:**

• Industry leadership in drug development (e.g., Consensus Pharmaceuticals, EnzyMed)
• Academic leadership at Marshall University and Loma Linda University Schools of Pharmacy
• Active in professional societies: American Chemical Society, American Society of Pharmacognosy