Vajja Krishna Rao

About

I am enthusiastic about discovering heterocyclic small-molecule enzymatic inhibitors and bifunctional degraders to address unmet healthcare needs. Through my postdoctoral, Ph.D., master's, and project associate experiences, I have gained expertise in organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and pharmaceutical sciences. During my research, I worked on the rational design, hit identification, hit-to-lead generation, and lead optimisation of diverse heterocyclic small molecules. I employed various synthetic methodologies and optimisation strategies, purification methods, and advanced spectroscopic tools. I have also explored emerging areas like bifunctional degraders, including molecular glues, PROTACs, and covalent drug discovery. Through rational design, synthesis, and structural biology, I aim to harness the power of advanced drug discovery techniques for previously undruggable targets. My research journey has contributed to scientific knowledge and fostered personal and professional growth. Engaging in complex projects has cultivated my curiosity, perseverance, and adaptability. I have developed strong problem-solving skills and the ability to thrive in interdisciplinary collaborations.

Employment

• University of Alabama Postdoctoral Fellow
  2025 - Present
• University Health Network Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF)
  2023 - 2024
• Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur Project Associate-II
  2022 - 2023

Education

• National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research PhD
  2017 - 2022
• National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research M.S. (Pharm)
  2015 - 2017
• Andhra University B.Pharm
  2011 - 2015

Projects & Funding

Projects & funding information is unavailable.

Publications (7)

• Stereoisomers of cannabidiols and their pharmacological activities – A potentially novel direction for cannabinoids
  Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry 2024 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.118019
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• Molecular Editing of NSC-666719 Enabling Discovery of benzodithiazinedioxide-guanidines as Anticancer Agents
  RSC Medicinal Chemistry 2024 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00648d
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• Natural product‐inspired discovery of trimethoxyphenyl‐1,2,4‐triazolo‐sulfonamides as potent tubulin polymerization inhibitors
  ChemMedChem 2023 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300562
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• Late‐Stage CH Activation–Functionalization of Drugs, Natural Products, and Biomolecules: In View of Molecular Property and Mechanistic Pathway
  Handbook of CH‐Functionalization 2022 DOI: 10.1002/9783527834242.chf0087
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• A Core‐Linker‐Polyamine (CLP) Strategy Enables Rapid Discovery of Antileishmanial Aminoalkylquinolinecarboxamides That Target Oxidative Stress Mechanism
  ChemMedChem 2022 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200109
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• Synthesis of Heterocyclic‐Fused Furans and Dihydrofurans via (4+1)‐Annulation with Ylide: Exploration of Unique Reactivity Behavior of α‐Carbonyl Sulfoxonium Ylide
  European Journal of Organic Chemistry 2022 DOI: 10.1002/ejoc.202200193
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• First Stereoselective Total Synthesis of Ligraminol E
  ChemistrySelect 2017 DOI: 10.1002/slct.201601411
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