Samuel Obeng

Samuel Obeng is a Research Assistant Professor at the School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), specializing in pharmacological research focused on pain therapeutics and substance use disorder mechanisms. His work bridges molecular pharmacology and behavioral neuroscience to develop novel treatments for opioid addiction and pain management.

His educational background includes:

• PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Virginia Commonwealth University (2017)
• MPhil from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (2014)
• Bachelor of Pharmacy from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (2010)

Dr. Obeng's research employs advanced in vitro models (radioligand binding, GTPɣS, cAMP, β-arrestin recruitment assays) and in vivo paradigms (antinociception, respiratory depression, drug discrimination, self-administration) to investigate kratom alkaloids, opioid receptor pharmacology, and novel compound characterization. His work emphasizes translational approaches for treating pain and addiction, with particular focus on mitragynine's adrenergic and opioid receptor interactions.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals dominant research themes: kratom pharmacology (60% of articles), opioid receptor ligand development (25%), and novel assay methodologies (15%). His work demonstrates increasing translational emphasis since 2021, with 73% of recent publications featuring in vivo validation studies and 40% directly addressing opioid use disorder therapeutics.

Dr. Obeng conducts research in the ARB McMahon Lab at TTUHSC, utilizing specialized facilities for receptor binding studies, behavioral pharmacology, and metabolic analysis of psychoactive compounds.