Sandra Gemma

Sandra Gemma is an Associate Professor at the University of Siena's Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy. Her research focuses on medicinal chemistry approaches for developing therapeutics against infectious diseases, cancer, and fibrotic conditions. She specializes in structure-based drug design targeting viral proteases (including SARS-CoV-2 and monkeypox), parasitic enzymes (trypanothione reductase in Leishmania), and bacterial quorum sensing mechanisms in ESKAPE pathogens.

Her research integrates:

• Design and synthesis of enzyme inhibitors (HDACs, proteases, reductases)
• Development of epigenetic modulators for oncology and retinal diseases
• Exploration of natural products for wound healing and anti-infective applications
• Medicinal chemistry optimization of heterocyclic scaffolds (quinolones, quinazolines, spiroindolines)

Publication analysis reveals strong focus on:

• Targeted protein degradation (PROTACs) and covalent inhibitors
• Multi-target epigenetic modulators for fibrosis and leukemia
• Structure-guided optimization of antiviral and antiparasitic compounds
• Translational applications of natural product derivatives

She advises pharmacy students on experimental theses covering antiviral synthesis, anti-leishmanial agents, and quorum sensing disruptors. No funded grants or awards were documented in available materials.