Dr. Samuel G. Awuah, Ph.D.
Dr. Samuel Awuah is dedicated to undertaking innovative and cutting-edge research in the field of drug discovery. Utilizing advanced techniques such as computer-aided drug design, genetic editing, and rigorous chemical synthesis of both organic and inorganic small molecule probes, he aims to generate new and effective therapeutics. His research approach involves thorough investigation and interrogation of biological processes and disease states to ultimately identify promising lead drug candidates.
In his lab, in order to evaluate the efficacy of their discoveries, they conduct rigorous testing and experimentation in relevant disease models. His laboratory is grounded in three key themes, namely drug discovery, chemical biology, and chemical immunology, all of which play integral roles in his overall research endeavors.
Dr. Samuel Awuah's research primarily focuses on the development and utilization of chemical approaches for cancer therapy. His research involves the design, synthesis, and evaluation of platinum drugs that target specific proteins involved in cancer progression through glucose-transporter mediated uptake. Additionally, his work involves utilizing near-infrared sensitizers for ultrafast charge separation in donor-acceptor systems to enhance the delivery of therapeutic agents to cancer cells. His research also involves utilizing folate receptor-mediated enhanced and specific delivery of far-red light-activatable prodrugs of Combretastatin A-4 to FR-positive tumors, enabling site-specific chemotherapy. Dr. Awuah's research has significant implications for the development of new and improved cancer therapies.