Dr. Charles E. McKenna is a distinguished scholar and preeminent leader in the field of medicinal chemistry with decades of transformative contributions to pharmaceutical sciences. He currently serves as Professor of Chemistry and Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Southern California, where he directs the USC Center for Drug Discovery and maintains an active research program. After earning his PhD in Chemistry from the University of California, San Diego in 1971 and completing an NIH postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University, he joined the USC faculty where he has since established himself as a cornerstone of the institution's scientific enterprise. His leadership extends beyond his laboratory, having previously served as Chair of the Chemistry Department and as Dornsife College Vice Dean for Natural Sciences & Mathematics, demonstrating his significant administrative influence and commitment to academic excellence.
Dr. McKenna's research has pioneered innovative approaches at the intersection of chemistry and medicine, with particular focus on developing novel imaging probes and therapeutic agents for bone diseases and cancers. His seminal work on bisphosphonate imaging probes has transformed diagnostic approaches for bone-related conditions including bone cancers, while his investigations into nucleotide probes of DNA and RNA polymerases have provided critical insights into fundamental biological processes. With nearly 270 publications and patents to his name, his contributions span the development of anti-infective agents, cancer therapeutics, and advanced drug design methodologies that have significantly influenced pharmaceutical research. His scientific impact is further evidenced by the successful translation of his research into practical applications through the founding of biotechnology companies dedicated to bringing laboratory discoveries to clinical use.
Beyond his laboratory achievements, Dr. McKenna has cultivated an extensive network of more than 20 biological collaborators worldwide, fostering a robust interdisciplinary research environment that bridges chemistry, pharmacology, and medical science. His leadership in directing the USC Drug Discovery Center has positioned him at the forefront of advancing novel therapeutic strategies for challenging diseases including viral infections, bone pathologies, and cancer. As a dedicated educator and mentor, he has profoundly influenced generations of scientists through his teaching excellence and commitment to training the next wave of medicinal chemists and pharmaceutical researchers. Currently, his laboratory continues to explore innovative approaches targeting DNA repair mechanisms, bromodomain inhibition, and the development of advanced imaging technologies for bone disease, maintaining his position as a vital force in the ongoing evolution of medicinal chemistry and drug discovery.
