Dr. Douglas Kojetin is a leader in structural pharmacology whose work focuses on the molecular mechanisms behind drug action, particularly those targeting nuclear receptors—a class of proteins that regulate gene expression and play pivotal roles in diseases like cancer, inflammation, and metabolic disorders. At Vanderbilt, he directs interdisciplinary research that combines structural biology, chemical biology, and computational modeling to inform the development of next-generation therapeutics, including ligands that modulate receptor activity for improved precision and efficacy.
With over a decade of experience translating basic science into therapeutic insights, Dr. Kojetin’s work helps shape how small molecules are used to control cellular pathways in disease. His research has directly informed drug development strategies, particularly around FDA-targeted nuclear receptors, and continues to bridge the gap between molecular biology and commercial innovation.