June 8, 2015
Dr. Anthony Porcari and Dr. Leroy Townsend at the Tenth Annual Leroy B. Townsend Lectureship in Medicinal Chemistry

Medicinal Chemistry Alumnus Anthony R. Porcari, PhD'99, presented his work on the role of new oral anticoagulants (NOACs) at the Tenth Annual Leroy B. Townsend Lectureship in Medicinal Chemistry, May 14, 2015. Dr. Porcari, Director, Clinical Sciences; Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut, discussed recent advances made in the treatment of venous thromboembolism. He noted that the conventional treatment of a parenteral anticoagulant, while effective, pose several challenges. Enoxaparin requires daily subcutaneous injections and warfarin therapy requires coagulation monitoring and dose adjustment. Dr. Poracri contended that with a fixed-dose regimen, the new oral anticoagulants eliminate the need for initial parenteral anticoagulant therapy and laboratory monitoring. 

Dr. Porcari was presented with the Leroy B. Townsend Award in recognition of his contirbutions to the field of medicinal chemisty. The award was presented by Leroy Townsend, PhD.  Dr. Townsend, Albert B. Prescott Emeritus of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, was an instructor and mentor to Dr. Porcari while he was pursuing his education. Dr. Porcari conducted both undergraduate and graduate research under the direction of Dr.Townsend.

The event concluded with the presentation of three student awards for distinction in student citizenship, graduate student instruction, and research. Frank Kwarcinski received the Research Excellence Award for his research in Professor Matthew Soellner’s Laboratory on kinase inhibitors. Anthony Emanuele and Taylor Johnson shared this year’s Graduate Student Instructor and Department Excellence Awards.