The Ahmed Lab
USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Medicinal chemistry and drug discovery research

The Ahmed Lab studies small-molecule modulators of disease-relevant targets, from mechanism to therapeutic candidate.

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Our Research

Where molecules become medicines

Designing the next generation of small-molecule therapeutics, one bond at a time.

01

Structure & Ligand-Based Design

Designing small molecules guided by target structure and ligand-based drug development.

02

Heterocyclic & Bioorthogonal Chemistry

Developing new synthetic methodologies in heterocyclic and bioorthogonal chemistry.

03

Small-Molecule Modulators

Mechanistic study of small-molecule modulators across a diverse range of therapeutic targets.

Ribbon diagram of a target protein structure with key ligand-binding residues labeled
Research Approach

Chemistry guided by biological structure

Our research interests include bioorganic and medicinal chemistry, structure/ligand-based drug design and development, biorthogonal chemistry, heterocyclic chemistry, mechanistic study of novel small-molecule modulators of diverse range of therapeutic targets, and development of new synthetic methodologies.

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Lab News

Fresh from the lab

Recent news, awards, and publications from the Ahmed Lab.

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Behind the bench

A look inside the lab — the people, the process, and the milestones along the way.

Ahmed Lab group photo
Lab member working at the bench
Lab member working at the bench
Lab member working at the bench
Lab member working at the bench
Lab member working at the bench
Lab member working at the bench
Lab member working at the bench
Lab member working at the bench
Lab member working at the bench
Lab member working at the bench

Interested in Joining the Lab?

We're always looking to hear from motivated students and researchers interested in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery.

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