Journal of Biomolecular Research & Therapeutics

Valeria Pittala

Valeria Pittala
Assistant Professor, Department of Drug Science Section of Medicinal Chemistry
University of Catania, Italy

Biography

Dr. Pittala is an Assistant Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the Department of Drug Sciences at the University of Catania (Italy). She attained her MSc in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, and subsequently completed her Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Catania. Upon completion of these programs, Dr. Pittala moved to Milan (Italy) to join Pharmacia Corporation as a research scientist. She worked as member of Combinatorial Chemistry Group (R&D) and contributed to the discovery and identification of danusertib being co-inventor of bicyclopyrazoles chemical class. Subsequently, she returned to the University of Catania as Assistant Professor where she currently conducts teaching and research activities. Dr. Pittala is a highly motivated drug discovery scientist and research project leader with more than fifteen years’ experience and proven leadership capability, interpersonal skill, independence and efficiency in achieving given objectives. Involved in a number of multidisciplinary projects in various therapeutic areas. Extensive knowledge of drug discovery processes. Major area of interest: heme oxygenase-1 inhibitors and inducers, antitumor, GPCR serotonergic and adrenergic ligands. Chemical modification of natural products to enhance activity and reduce side effects/toxicity. During this time, her research resulted in over 50 patents and peer-reviewed papers in prestigious journals and similar number of abstracts and presentations in international congresses. She is also serving as an editorial board member of 3 other journals and reviewer of several international journals.

Research Interest

Major area of interest: heme oxygenase-1 inhibitors and inducers, antitumor, GPCR serotonergic and adrenergic ligands. Chemical modification of natural products to enhance activity and reduce side effects/toxicity.