Karla Andrea Frydenvang

Karla Andrea Frydenvang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. With a career spanning over three decades since earning her PhD in 1989, she has established herself as a leading researcher in structural pharmacology and neuropharmacology.

• Current Position: Associate Professor (2002-present)
• Previous Appointments: Assistant Professor (1989-1990), Research Fellowships (1990-2002)
• Education: Cand. pharm. (1985), PhD pharm. (1989) from Royal Danish School of Pharmacy

Dr. Frydenvang's research focuses on membrane-bound ionotropic glutamate receptors, particularly examining the extracellular ligand-binding domain expressed from E. coli. Her work analyzes protein complexes with various ligands to understand binding affinity, selectivity, and specificity through X-ray crystallographic studies. This structural approach has yielded significant insights into receptor function and modulation.

Her recent publications (2022-2024) demonstrate a strong focus on glutamate receptor pharmacology, particularly AMPA and kainate receptors, with several papers examining positive allosteric modulators. Additional research areas include AKR1C3 inhibitors for prostate cancer and serotonin receptor agonists, showing the breadth of her structural pharmacology expertise. The publications reveal a consistent pattern of structural biology approaches applied to neuropharmacology and cancer drug development.

• Alfred Benzon Research Fellowship (1994-1997)
• Bøje Benzon Research Fellowship (1999-2002)
• Member of the Danish National Committee for Crystallographers since 1999

As an educator, Dr. Frydenvang participates in teaching pharmacy students through lectures, seminars, and practical courses in organic chemistry and philosophy of science. She has contributed to developing specialized courses including 'Structural and Computational Medicinal Chemistry' and 'Medicines: Design, Development, Delivery and Use.' Her mentorship extends to advising master's students and serving as advisor and external examiner for PhD candidates. Her leadership roles include chairing the department's teaching committee from 2009-2012.