RESEARCH
Kotra research group is interested in understanding drug targets, three-dimensional structures of enzymes and receptors, designing molecular intervention strategies, synthetic medicinal chemistry, and development/ implementation of biochemical and cellular assays, animal disease models and clinical studies. Our group collaborates with teams in Toronto and around the world to engage in translational research, from bench to bedside. Please see Publications section for latest publications from our group.
DISCOVERIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
We made a full circle, i.e. discovery to development to market... a feat that enriches our research in the lab significantly as we try to do every day experiments! Kotra Research Group has a long tradition of discoveries and accomplishments, for over 25 years! Starting from the isolation and characterization of alpha-fluoroglycine en route to designer fluoropetidomimetics, then the first covalent inhibitor of ODCase, 6-iodo-UMP, as a novel suicide inhibitor to the famous enzyme orotidine monophosphare decarboxylase (OMPDcase or ODCase), first-in-class non-immunomodulatory small molecule drug Lucid-21-302 etc.
Multiple Sclerosis: The development of Lucid-21-302, a first-in-class, non-immunomodulatory small molecule designed to halt demyelination by inhibiting protein arginine deiminase 2. My leadership on this project since 2013—following its initiation with a clinical collaborator in 2010—has moved the molecule through rigorous EAE and cuprizone animal models into its current status as a Phase 2 clinical candidate. This technology was licensed to Lucid Psycheceuticals (now Quantum BioPharma)
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: The development of WST-052 (WinSanTor). This therapeutic approach utilizes a selective muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M1 (M1R) antagonist, pirenzepine, formulated as a topical cream to maximize bioavailability at peripheral nerve endings. WST-052 is currently pre-commercial and utilized under "Right-to-Try" in the USA. This technology is licensed to WinSanTor, Inc., USA.
Malaria: Discovery and development of 6-iodouridine (Kopakamal) as a novel antimalarial agent, especially against drug-resistant Plasmodia; this technology was advanced from discovery to preclinical toxicology stage, as a central theme of Canada-India Consortium during 2006-2019.
Acute Alcohol Intoxication: Discovery and the commercial launch of the dietary supplement, unbuzzd™ (USA) (unbuzzd Wellness Ltd.) to help alleviate the acute symptoms and effects of alcohol.
Natural Health Products: The successful Health Canada registration of Qlarity™ (NPN: 80144141). (Quantum BioPharma)
Our goal is to make a long lasting impact on translational research and medicine, and transform the lives of patients through better pharmaceutical care.