Sara E Dempster

Title: Sara E Dempster: Innovator in Ligand Design

Introduction

Sara E Dempster is a prominent inventor based in Cambridge, MA (US). She has made significant contributions to the field of ligand design, particularly through her innovative methodologies that enhance the understanding of molecular interactions. Her work is particularly relevant in the context of drug design and development.

Latest Patents

Sara E Dempster holds a patent for a "Computer system and process for identifying a charge distribution which minimizes electrostatic contribution to binding at binding between a ligand and a molecule in a solvent and uses thereof." This patent outlines a computer-implemented process that determines properties of ligands, which can be utilized for designing ligands that bind with protein or other molecular targets, such as HIV. The methodology she developed defines the electrostatic complement for a given target site and geometry, which is crucial for discovering ligands through both explicit construction and the design of combinatorial libraries.

Career Highlights

Dempster's career is marked by her innovative approach to ligand design, which inverts traditional design problems by defining the properties of optimal ligands based on physical principles. Her work provides a clear standard for comparing trial ligands and serves as a template for modifying existing ligands and constructing new ones.

Collaborations

Sara has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Bruce Tidor and Lee-Peng Lee, who have contributed to her research and development efforts in the field of molecular design.

Conclusion

Sara E Dempster's contributions to ligand design and her innovative methodologies have positioned her as a key figure in the field of molecular interactions. Her work continues to influence drug design and development, showcasing the importance of electrostatic properties in ligand binding.