Myles Akabas

Myles Akabas, M.D., Ph.D., is a Professor in the Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience and the Department of Medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He also serves as Director of the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), supported by the George Y. and Catherine H. Wu MSTP Directorship. His research focuses on malaria parasite physiology, particularly purine and phosphate transport mechanisms, with a goal of developing novel antimalarial drugs targeting transporters like PfENT1. He has pioneered yeast-based high-throughput screening to identify inhibitors of these transporters, leading to promising drug candidates.

Dr. Akabas’ work spans drug discovery and physician-scientist training. He co-authored studies on the outcomes of MD-PhD programs, emphasizing sociodemographic factors and training durations. His lab investigates PfENT1’s role in parasite survival and collaborates with industry partners like GSK to advance drug candidates. He has published extensively on malaria biology, transporter mechanisms, and medical education policies.

His research highlights include identifying 171 PfENT1 inhibitors from a 65,000-compound screen, developing hit-to-lead compounds with improved potency, and analyzing field isolate mutations affecting drug efficacy. He also addresses systemic challenges in physician-scientist training, advocating for streamlined pathways and diversity initiatives.

Dr. Akabas’ roles in MSTP leadership ensure interdisciplinary training for future physician-scientists. His labs at the Jack and Pearl Resnick Campus in the Ullmann Building focus on malaria drug development and translational research, bridging basic science and clinical impact.