William DeGrado

Professor William F. DeGrado is the Toby Herfindal Presidential Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of California, San Francisco, where he serves in the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry. He is internationally recognized for his foundational work in protein design and chemical biology, including coining the term "de novo protein design."

Academic Background

Dr. DeGrado earned his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Chicago. He began his academic career at DuPont’s Central Research and Development department, where he initiated his work on the rational design of peptides and proteins. He later transitioned to academia, joining the University of Pennsylvania before moving to UCSF in 2011 to further expand his research on protein engineering and therapeutic development.

Research Focus

Professor DeGrado’s research focuses on the design of proteins and peptides from first principles, targeting challenges in membrane protein structure, metalloprotein chemistry, and molecular pharmacology. His group develops synthetic molecules and macromolecular architectures that mimic and modulate biological processes, offering insights into protein folding, self-assembly, and signal transduction.

Notable Contributions

Among his many contributions, Dr. DeGrado played a central role in developing Brilacidin, an antimicrobial agent currently in clinical trials, and integrin-targeting molecules for fibrotic diseases. He is a co-founder of Pliant Therapeutics, which focuses on therapies for fibrosis and cancer, and has mentored a generation of scientists in the field of chemical biology and protein engineering.

Awards and Honors

Dr. DeGrado has been elected to several prestigious institutions, including:

• National Academy of Sciences
• American Academy of Arts and Sciences
• National Academy of Inventors

He has also received numerous honors recognizing his pioneering work in peptide science and medicinal chemistry.

Professional Engagements

Professor DeGrado has served on editorial boards of leading journals and advisory boards for biotech firms and scientific institutions. He is frequently invited to speak at international conferences and symposia, contributing to the global advancement of peptide chemistry and molecular design. His commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship continues to influence drug discovery and protein science worldwide.

Through his visionary research, entrepreneurial impact, and mentorship, Professor William F. DeGrado has established himself as a key figure in the advancement of de novo protein design and therapeutic development.