Creating new methods to make valuable medicinal molecules using light
Official title: New Synthetic Methods Utilizing Radical Cation Intermediates Enabled by Visible Light Photocatalysis
Funded at Princeton University · NIH-10884207 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new ways to use light to turn everyday materials into important medicines, which could lead to better treatments for patients in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Princeton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 5F32GM151832-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10884207 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research are individuals who may require new therapeutic options for conditions treated by novel medicinal compounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not seeking new treatment options or who do not have conditions that could be addressed by new medications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative chemical reactions that can transform common substances into valuable medicinal compounds. By utilizing visible light to generate reactive intermediates, such as radical cations, the project aims to streamline the synthesis of complex molecules that are important for medicine. The approach involves using photocatalysis and proton-coupled electron transfer to create these intermediates under mild conditions, making the process more efficient and accessible. Patients may benefit from the eventual development of new medications that arise from these synthetic methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the creation of new and more effective medications for various health conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using photocatalysis for chemical synthesis, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Princeton University
Princeton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thach, Danny — Princeton University
- Study coordinator: Thach, Danny
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.