Improving drug properties using a new method to incorporate fluorine into pharmaceuticals
Official title: Photoelectrocatalytic Trifluoromethylation of Arenes via Trifluoroacetate Decarboxylation
Funded at Harvard University · NIH-11054546 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new, affordable way to make better and more stable medications by adding special chemical groups to them, which could lead to improved treatments for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $73,828 |
| NIH project number | 5F32GM153089-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054546 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals requiring new therapeutic options that involve fluorinated drugs.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not seeking new treatments or those whose conditions do not involve fluorinated pharmaceuticals may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a cost-effective method to incorporate trifluoromethyl groups into small-molecule drugs, which can enhance their effectiveness and stability. By utilizing trifluoroacetate as a cheaper source of CF3, the project aims to create a more efficient process for synthesizing fluorinated pharmaceuticals. The approach involves visible-light-induced decarboxylation to generate reactive CF3 radicals, which can then be used in drug development. Patients may benefit from new and improved medications that result from this innovative synthesis method.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective and affordable fluorinated medications for various health conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using innovative methods for drug synthesis, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard University
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Raguram, Elaine Reichert — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: Raguram, Elaine Reichert
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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.