Group Members

Stefan Fritzsche

Current Graduate Student

M.Sc. in Chemistry, Leipzig University, Germany
stefan.fritzsche [ at ] uni-leipzig.de

Research Interests:

• organic synthesis
• small molecule drug design and structure-activity-relationship
• analytical chemistry (HPLC-UV-MS, NMR)
• precursor-synthesis of PET-tracers

Co-mentored by Prof. Dr. Briel (Leipzig University)

Project Description:

My research is currently focused on the synthesis and characterization of inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 2A. As phosphosdiesterases play a crucial role in neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive disorders, they are targeted for treatment and diagnosis of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease or schizophrenia. The synthesized inhibitors, evolved from a tricyclic lead structure, are further investigated in vitro (IC₅₀, log D, metabolic stability). From potent and selective hits, precursors for PET-imaging are synthesized. Radiolabeling with fluorine-18 and biological evaluation is carried out by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Dr. M. Scheunemann).