Lalit K Golani

Lalit K Golani is a Staff Scientist at the Yale Center for Molecular Discovery, part of the Yale School of Medicine. Previously, he served as an Associate Research Scientist at Northeastern University (2022–2024). He holds a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry from Duquesne University, followed by postdoctoral training at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a Research Fellowship at the University of Michigan Medical School.

His research focuses on medicinal chemistry, drug discovery, and pharmacology, with a particular emphasis on designing small molecules targeting GABA receptors and antifolates for cancer therapy. Key areas include developing GABAkines (α2/3-selective GABA_A receptor modulators) for epilepsy, pain, and psychiatric disorders, as well as exploring antifolate agents for tumor targeting through folate receptor-mediated uptake.

Golani’s work integrates computational modeling, synthetic chemistry, and in vivo/in vitro testing. His studies on KRM-II-81 and related compounds highlight advancements in anticonvulsant and antiepileptogenic therapies. Collaborations span global institutions, emphasizing translational research in neuroscience and oncology.

Publications span over 15 years, with recent contributions in ACS Chemical Neuroscience, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, and Biopharmaceutics & Drug Disposition. He is a member of the American Chemical Society and American Association for Cancer Research.