![Simon Ward](https://profiles-cardiff.imgix.net/attachments/3674?w=200&h=200&auto=format&crop=faces&fit=crop&q=90")
Professor Simon Ward
- Welsh speaking
- Available for postgraduate supervision
Teams and roles for Simon Ward
Director, Medicines Discovery Institute
Overview
Professor Simon Ward is Sêr Cymru Professor of Translational Drug Discovery, and Director of the Medicines Discovery Institute at Cardiff University. The institute, an important investment in the science of drug discovery, aims to translate new understanding of disease mechanisms at Cardiff, Wales and internationally level to develop new therapeutic approaches for patients requiring better treatment options.
Professor Simon Ward is a world leading expert in medicinal chemistry, drug discovery and drug development and has driven multiple projects from concept through to mid-stage clinical studies for a range of diseases. He has extensive experience across sectors from major pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, charities and academia, as well as specialised experience in discovering and developing drugs for patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders and against cancer. He has considerable experience of successful licensing deals, due diligence, patent litigation and the creation of commercial agreements.
Publication
2025
- Baldwin, A. et al. 2025. Tetrahydropyrazolopyridinones as a novel class of potent and highly selective LIMK inhibitors. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 68 (16), pp.17427-17456. (10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5c00974)
- Baldwin, A. G. et al. 2025. Discovery of MDI-114215: A potent and selective LIMK inhibitor to treat fragile X syndrome. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 68 (1), pp.719-752. (10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c02694)
- Nicholls, R. A. et al., 2025. How do gepotidacin and zoliflodacin stabilize DNA-cleavage complexes with bacterial type IIA topoisomerases? 2. A single moving metal mechanism. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 26 (1) 33. (10.3390/ijms26010033)
- Reeks, J. et al., 2025. High throughput cryo-EM provides structural understanding for modulators of the lysosomal ion channel TRPML1. Structure 33 (8), pp.1374-1385. (10.1016/j.str.2025.05.014)
- Thomas, B. a. I. , Ward, S. and Jones, D. H. 2025. Creu er mwyn dinistrio: Creu rhyngolyn GN8 anghymesur i drin clefydau prion. Gwerddon 40 , pp.49-65. (10.61257/GWER4003)
- Zach, R. et al., 2025. The balance between B55α and Greatwall expression levels predicts sensitivity to Greatwall inhibition in cancer cells. Nature Communications 16 (1) 8016. (10.1038/s41467-025-62943-z)
2024
- Cubitt, J. et al. 2024. Beware of N-Benzoyloxybenzamides. Molecules 29 (21) 5143. (10.3390/molecules29215143)
- Henderson, S. et al., 2024. Imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazines as inhibitors of DYRK kinases. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 269 16292. (10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116292)
- Morgan, H. et al. 2024. How do Gepotidacin and Zoliflodacin stabilize DNA cleavage complexes with bacterial Type IIA topoisomerases? 1. Experimental definition of metal binding sites. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 25 (21) 11688. (10.3390/ijms252111688)
2023
- Derudas, M. et al., 2023. Charge and lipophilicity are required for effective block of the hair-cell mechano-electrical transducer channel by FM1-43 and its derivatives. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology 11 1247324. (10.3389/fcell.2023.1247324)
- Thomas, B. et al. 2023. Central nervous system targeted protein degraders. Biomolecules 13 (8) 1164. (10.3390/biom13081164)
- Ward, S. E. and Davis, A. M. 2023. Lead optimisation: what you should know!. In: Ward, S. E. and Davis, A. eds. The Handbook of Medicinal Chemistry: Principles and Practice. The Royal Society of Chemistry. , pp.720-768. (10.1039/9781788018982-00720)
- Zhou, J. et al., 2023. Myeloid-intrinsic cell cycle-related kinase drives immunosuppression to promote tumorigenesis. iScience 26 (10) 107626. (10.1016/j.isci.2023.107626)
2022
- Collins, R. et al. 2022. Comparative analysis of small-molecule limk1/2 inhibitors: chemical synthesis, biochemistry, and cellular activity. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry (10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00751)
- Koulouris, C. R. et al., 2022. Tyrosine 121 moves revealing a ligandable pocket that couples catalysis to ATP-binding in serine racemase. Communications Biology 5 (1) 346. (10.1038/s42003-022-03264-5)
- Scott, F. et al., 2022. Development of dihydropyrrolopyridinone-based PKN2/PRK2 chemical tools to enable drug discovery. Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters 60 128588. (10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128588)
- Ward, S. et al. 2022. Heteroaryl compounds useful in the treatment of cognitive disorders. WO2022/234271[Patent]
2021
- Chen, X. et al., 2021. Uncovering an allosteric mode of action for a selective inhibitor of human Bloom syndrome protein. eLife 10 e65339. (10.7554/eLife.65339)
- Cockerill, G. S. et al., 2021. Discovery of sisunatovir (RV521), an inhibitor of respiratory syncytial virus fusion. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 64 (7), pp.3658-3676. (10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01882)
- Henderson, S. H. et al., 2021. Discovery and characterization of selective and ligand-efficient DYRK inhibitors. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 64 (15), pp.11709–11728. (10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01115)
- Kenyon, E. J. et al., 2021. Identification of a series of hair-cell MET channel blockers that protect against aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity. JCI Insight 6 (7) e145704. (10.1172/jci.insight.145704)
- Zeng, X. et al., 2021. Liver immune microenvironment and metastasis from colorectal cancer-pathogenesis and therapeutic perspectives. Cancers 13 (10) 2418. (10.3390/cancers13102418)
2020
- Henderson, S. H. et al., 2020. Mining public domain data to develop selective DYRK1A inhibitors. ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters 11 , pp.1620-1626. (10.1021/acsmedchemlett.0c00279)
- Maramai, S. et al., 2020. Subtype selective y-Aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAAR) modulators acting at the benzodiazepine binding site: An update. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 63 (7), pp.3425-3446. (10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01312)
- Milton-Harris, L. et al., 2020. Small molecule inhibits T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia oncogenic interaction through conformational modulation of LMO2. Oncotarget 11 (19), pp.1737-1748. (10.18632/oncotarget.27580)
- Scott, F. et al., 2020. Development of 2-(4-pyridyl)-benzimidazoles as PKN2 chemical tools to probe cancer. Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters 30 (8) 127040. (10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127040)
- Ward, S. E. et al. 2020. Pharmacological characterisation of MDI-222, a novel AMPA receptor positive allosteric modulator with an improved safety profile. Journal of Psychopharmacology 34 (1), pp.93-102. (10.1177/0269881119872198)
2019
- O'Reilly, M. et al., 2019. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a new series of carvedilol derivatives that protect sensory hair cells from aminoglycoside-induced damage by blocking the mechanoelectrical transducer channel. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 62 (11), pp.5312-5329. (10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01325)
2018
- Henderson, S. H. et al., 2018. Metal-free selective mono-halodecarboxylation of heteroarenes under mild conditions. Royal Society Open Science 5 (6) 180333. (10.1098/rsos.180333)
- Mok, M. S. et al., 2018. CCRK is a novel signalling hub exploitable in cancer immunotherapy. Pharmacology & Therapeutics 186 , pp.138-151. (10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.01.008)
- West, R. A. et al., 2018. Toward more drug like inhibitors of trypanosome alternative oxidase. ACS Infectious Diseases 4 (4), pp.592-604. 7b00218. (10.1021/acsinfecdis.7b00218)
2017
- Kenyon, E. J. et al., 2017. Identification of ion-channel modulators that protect against aminoglycoside-induced hair cell death. JCI Insight 2 (24) e96773. (10.1172/jci.insight.96773)
- Kirkwood, N. K. et al., 2017. d-Tubocurarine and berbamine: alkaloids that are permeant blockers of the hair cell's mechano-electrical transducer channel and protect from aminoglycoside toxicity. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience 11 262. (10.3389/fncel.2017.00262)
- Meisenberg, C. et al., 2017. Epigenetic changes in histone acetylation underpin resistance to the topoisomerase I inhibitor irinotecan. Nucleic Acids Research 45 (3), pp.1159-1176. (10.1093/nar/gkw1026)
- Ward, S. et al. 2017. Pharmacological characterization of N-[(2S)-5-(6-fluoro-3-pyridinyl)-2, 3-dihydro-1H-inden-2-yl]-2-propanesulfonamide: a novel, clinical AMPA receptor positive allosteric modulator. British Journal of Pharmacology 174 (5), pp.370-385. (10.1111/bph.13696)
- West, R. A. et al., 2017. African trypanosomiasis: Synthesis & SAR enabling novel drug discovery of ubiquinol mimics for trypanosome alternative oxidase. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 141 , pp.676-689. (10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.09.067)
2016
- Cockerill, S. et al., 2016. Spiro-indolines for the treatment and prophylaxis of respiratory syncytial virus infection (RSV). WO2016055780A1[Patent]
- Hornyak, P. et al., 2016. Mode of action of DNA-competitive small molecule inhibitors of tyrosyl DNA phosphodiesterase 2. Biochemical Journal 473 (13), pp.1869-1879. (10.1042/BCJ20160180)
- Moore, T. O. , Paradowski, M. and Ward, S. 2016. An atom-efficient and convergent approach to the preparation of NS5A inhibitors by C-H activation. Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry 14 (12), pp.3307-3313. (10.1039/C6OB00340K)
- Ocasio, C. A. et al., 2016. A first generation inhibitor of human Greatwall kinase, enabled by structural and functional characterisation of a minimal kinase domain construct. Oncotarget 7 (44), pp.71182-71197. (10.18632/oncotarget.11511)
- Phuangsawai, O. et al., 2016. Evaluation of the anti-malarial activity and cytotoxicity of 2,4-diamino-pyrimidine-based kinase inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 124 , pp.896-905. (10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.08.055)
- Reuillon, T. , Ward, S. and Beswick, P. 2016. AMPA receptor positive allosteric modulators: Potential for the treatment of neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders. Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry 16 (29), pp.3536-3565. (10.2174/1568026616666160627114507)
- Schindler, R. et al., 2016. Pyrazoles as NMDA NR2B receptor inhibitors and their preparation. WO2016025918A1[Patent]
- Schindler, R. et al., 2016. Triazoles as nr2b receptor inhibitors. WO2016025917A1[Patent]
- Ward, S. et al. 2016. Alzheimer's disease therapeutics - Are we making progress towards a disease-modifying treatment for patients? Highlights from the Society for Medicines Research Symposium, held June 20, 2016. Presented at: Society for Medicines Research Symposium 20th June 2016. Vol. 41.Vol. 7. Prous Science. , pp.461. (10.1358/dof.2016.041.07.2516439)
2015
- Brown, K. , Davenport, R. and Ward, S. 2015. Effective and emerging strategies for utilizing structure in drug discovery. Presented at: Society for Medicines Research Meeting 19th March 2015. Vol. 40.Vol. 4. Prous Science. , pp.251-256. (10.1358/dof.2015.040.04.2314768)
- Pearl, L. H. et al., 2015. Therapeutic opportunities within the DNA damage response. Nature Reviews Cancer 15 (3), pp.166-180. (10.1038/nrc3891)
- Ward, S. , Pennicott, L. E. and Beswick, P. 2015. AMPA receptor-positive allosteric modulators for the treatment of schizophrenia: an overview of recent patent applications. Future Medicinal Chemistry 7 (4), pp.473-491. (10.4155/fmc.15.4)
2014
- Meisenberg, C. et al., 2014. Clinical and cellular Roles for TDP1 and TOP1 in modulating colorectal cancer response to irinotecan. Molecular Cancer Therapeutics 14 (2), pp.575-585. (10.1158/1535-7163.MCT-14-0762)
- Meisenberg, C. et al., 2014. TDP1/TOP1 Ratio as a Promising Indicator for the Response of Small Cell Lung Cancer to Topotecan. Journal of Cancer Science & Therapy 06 (07), pp.258-267. (10.4172/1948-5956.1000280)
- Walker, S. et al., 2014. Development of an oligonucleotide-based fluorescence assay for the identification of tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) inhibitors. Analytical Biochemistry 454 , pp.17-22. (10.1016/j.ab.2014.03.004)
- Ward, S. and Beswick, P. 2014. What does the aromatic ring number mean for drug design?. Expert Opinion on Drug Discovery 9 (9), pp.995-1003. (10.1517/17460441.2014.932346)
2013
- Gibbs, A. A. , Ward, S. and Pennicott, L. E. 2013. Neurodevelopmental disorders. WO 2013/038200 A2[Patent]
- Ward, S. 2013. Targets and emerging therapies for schizophrenia. Edited by Jeffrey S. Albert and Michael W. Wood [Book Review]. ChemMedChem 8 (3), pp.529. (10.1002/cmdc.201200589)
2012
- Andreotti, D. et al., 2012. Piperazine derivatives as cav2.2 calcium channel blockers. WO2012098400A1[Patent]
- Bertheleme, N. et al., 2012. Tetrazole compounds as calcium channel blockers. WO2012004604A1[Patent]
2011
- Cowley, P. , Hales, N. and Ward, S. 2011. Trends in medicinal chemistry. Presented at: The Society For Medicines Resarch Symposiun NHLI, London, UK 9 December 2010. Vol. 36.Vol. 7. Prous Science. , pp.543-549. (10.1358/dof.2011.036.07.1622065)
- Davenport, R. , Armour, R. and Ward, S. 2011. Trends in pain research. Presented at: The Society for Medicines Research Pain Meeting Girton College, Cambridge, UK 24 March 2011. Vol. 36.Vol. 12. Prous Science. , pp.943-948. (10.1358/dof.2011.036.12.1738058)
- Ward, S. et al. 2011. Integration of lead optimization with crystallography for a membrane-bound ion channel target: discovery of a new class of AMPA receptor positive allosteric modulators. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 54 (1), pp.78-94. (10.1021/jm100679e)
2010
- Bradley, D. M. et al., 2010. Compounds which potentiate the ampa receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2010066658A1[Patent]
- Coulton, S. , Gilpin, M. and Ward, S. 2010. N- inden- 2 -yl- isopropylsulfonamides as ampa receptor potentiators. WO2010057865A1[Patent]
- Heer, J. P. , Norton, D. and Ward, S. 2010. Pyrazolo [1, 5-a] pyrimidine derivatives. WO2010007074A1[Patent]
- Leslie, C. P. et al., 2010. Discovery of 1-(3-{2-[4-(2-Methyl-5-quinolinyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl}phenyl)-2-imidazolidinone (GSK163090), a potent, selective, and orally active 5-HT1A/B/DReceptor antagonist. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 53 (23), pp.8228-8240. (10.1021/jm100714c)
- Thewlis, K. M. et al., 2010. N-Substituted pyrrolidines and tetrahydrofurans as novel AMPAR positive modulators. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters 20 (23), pp.7116-7119. (10.1016/j.bmcl.2010.09.062)
- Ward, S. , Bax, B. D. and Harries, M. 2010. Challenges for and current status of research into positive modulators of AMPA receptors. British Journal of Pharmacology 160 (2), pp.181-190. (10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00726.x)
- Ward, S. and Betheleme, N. 2010. Compounds which potentiate the ampa receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2010037760[Patent]
- Ward, S. and Harries, M. 2010. Recent advances in the discovery of selective AMPA receptor positive allosteric modulators. Current Medicinal Chemistry 17 (30), pp.3503-3513. (10.2174/092986710792927840)
- Ward, S. et al. 2010. Discovery of N-[(2S)-5-(6-Fluoro-3-pyridinyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-2-yl]-2-propanesulfonamide, a novel clinical AMPA receptor positive modulator. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 53 (15), pp.5801-5812. (10.1021/jm1005429)
- Ward, S. and Watson, J. M. 2010. Recent advances in the discovery of selective and non-selective 5-HT1D receptor ligands. Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry 10 (5), pp.479-492. (10.2174/156802610791111533)
2009
- Alderton, W. , Karran, E. and Ward, S. 2009. Current and future perspectives in psychiatric drug discovery. Presented at: Society for Medicines Research Symposium GlaxoSmithKline, Harlow, U.K 12 March 2009. Vol. 22.Vol. 6. Thomson Reuters. , pp.360-364. (10.1358/dnp.2009.22.6.1380328)
- Bertheleme, N. et al., 2009. Compounds which potentiate the ampa receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2009080637A1[Patent]
- Chan, W. N. et al., 2009. Compounds which potentiate ampa receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2009053448A1[Patent]
- Chan, W. N. , Thewlis, K. M. and Ward, S. 2009. Thiazoles which potentiate ampa receptor and medicinal uses thereof. WO2009053449A1[Patent]
- Thewlis, K. M. and Ward, S. 2009. Compounds which potentiate the ampa receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2009092712A1[Patent]
- Thewlis, K. M. and Ward, S. 2009. Compounds which potentiate the ampa receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2009092713A1[Patent]
2008
- Bartheleme, N. et al., 2008. Compounds which potentiate AMPA receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2008113795[Patent]
- Bradley, D. et al., 2008. Compounds which potentiate ampa receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2008110566A1[Patent]
- Bradley, D. et al., 2008. Compounds which potentiate ampa receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2008053031A1[Patent]
- Bradley, D. , Thewlis, K. and Ward, S. 2008. Compounds which potentiate ampa receptor and uses therof in medicine. WO2008148832A1[Patent]
- Gillespie, R. J. et al., 2008. Antagonists of the human adenosine A2A receptor. Part 1: Discovery and synthesis of thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine-4-methanone derivatives. Biorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters 18 (9), pp.2916-2919. (10.1016/j.bmcl.2008.03.075)
- Ward, S. et al. 2008. Studies on a series of potent, orally bioavailable, 5-HT1 receptor ligands-Part II. Biorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters 19 (2), pp.428-432. (10.1016/j.bmcl.2008.11.052)
- Ward, S. et al. 2008. Discovery of potent, orally bioavailable, selective 5-HT1A/B/DReceptor antagonists. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 51 (10), pp.2887-2890. (10.1021/jm8001444)
2007
- Ahmad, N. M. et al., 2007. Synthesis of polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols using bridgehead lithiation: the total synthesis of racemic clusianone and a formal synthesis of racemic garsubellin A. The Journal of Organic Chemistry 72 (13), pp.4803-4815. (10.1021/jo070388h)
- Ahmad, N. M. et al., 2007. Synthetic studies towards garsubellin A: synthesis of model systems and potential mimics by regioselective lithiation of bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-2,4,9-trione derivatives from catechinic acid. Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry 5 (12), pp.1924-1934. (10.1039/b704311b)
- Andreotti, D. and Ward, S. 2007. Compounds which potentiate glutamate receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2007090841A1[Patent]
- Bradley, D. et al., 2007. Compounds which potentiate ampa receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2007107539A1[Patent]
- Bradley, D. et al., 2007. Compounds which potentiate ampa receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2007122241A1[Patent]
- Thewlis, K. and Ward, S. 2007. 4-phenyl-3-(2-propylsulfonylamino) tetrahydrofuran derivatives which potentiate glutamate receptors and are useful in the treatment of schizophrenia. WO2007090840A1[Patent]
- Ward, S. et al. 2007. Studies on a series of potent, orally bioavailable, 5-HT1 receptor ligands. Biorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters 17 (18), pp.5214-5217. (10.1016/j.bmcl.2007.06.078)
2006
- Andreotti, D. et al., 2006. Compounds which potentiate glutamate receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2006087169A1[Patent]
- Bradley, D. et al., 2006. Acylated piperidihes as glycine transporter inhibitors. WO2006094842[Patent]
- Bradley, D. et al., 2006. Glycine transport inhibitors. WO2006067423A1[Patent]
- Bradley, D. et al., 2006. Glycine transport inhibitors. WO2006067417A1[Patent]
- Bradley, D. M. , Thewlis, K. M. and Ward, S. 2006. Compounds which potentiate glutamate receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO 2006015828[Patent]
- Craig, D. , Hyland, C. J. T. and Ward, S. 2006. Stereoselective synthesis of (-)-trachelanthamidine (IV) via palladium-catalyzed intramolecular allylation.. Chem Inform 37 (50)(10.1002/chin.200650213)
- Lovell, P. J. et al., 2006. 3,4-Dihydro-2H-benzoxazinones as dual-acting 5-HT1A receptor antagonists and serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters 17 (4), pp.1033-1036. (10.1016/j.bmcl.2006.11.031)
- Thewlis, K. M. and Ward, S. 2006. Compounds which potentiate glutamate receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO 2006015827[Patent]
- Ward, S. and Thewlis, K. M. 2006. Compounds which potentiate glutamate receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2006015829[Patent]
2005
- Bergauer, M. et al., 2005. Quinoline and quinazoline derivatives having affinity for 5ht1-type receptors. WO 2005014552[Patent]
- Craig, D. , Hyland, C. J. T. and Ward, S. 2005. Stereoselective γ-lactam synthesis via palladium-catalysed intramolecular allylation. Chemical Communications- Royal Society of Chemistry (27), pp.3439-3441. (10.1039/b504731e)
- Ward, S. et al. 2005. Discovery of the first potent, selective 5-Hydroxytryptamine1D receptor antagonist [Letter]. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 48 (10), pp.3478-3480. (10.1021/jm049039v)
2004
- Vong, A. and Ward, S. E. 2004. Benzoxazinone derivatives having affinity for 5- ht receptors, their preparation and use. WO 2004099198[Patent]
- Vong, A. and Ward, S. E. 2004. Benzoxazinone derivatives, their preparation and use. WO2004099196A1[Patent]
2003
- Flynn, S. T. et al., 2003. Piperidine and piperazine derivatives possessing affinity at 5ht-1 type receptors. WO2003068236A1[Patent]
- Harrington, F. P. , Smith, P. W. and Ward, S. E. 2003. Heterocyclic compounds possessing affinity at 5ht1-type receptors and use thereof in therapy. WO2003068772A1[Patent]
- Smith, P. W. et al., 2003. Compounds possessing affinity at 5ht1-type receptors and use thereof in therapy of cns disorders. WO2003068760A2[Patent]
- Ward, S. E. 2003. Heterocyclymethylpiperidines and -piperazines possessing affinity at 5ht-1 type receptors. WO2003068771A1[Patent]
2000
- Gillespie, R. J. et al., 2000. 4-quinolinemethanol derivatives as purine receptor antagonists (i). WO2000013681A2[Patent]
- Gillespie, R. J. et al., 2000. 2-adamantanemethanamine compounds for treating abnormalities in glutamatergic transmission. WO2000044371A1[Patent]
1999
- Gillespie, R. J. , Snape, M. F. and Ward, S. E. 1999. 1-(adamantyl)amidines and their use in the treatment of conditions generally associated with abnormalities in glutamatergic transmission. WO1999031051A1[Patent]
1998
- Adger, B. M. et al., 1998. A novel synthesis of tert-leucine via a Leuckart type reaction. Tetrahedron Letters 38 (12), pp.2153-2154. (10.1016/S0040-4039(97)00269-4)
1997
- Ward, S. , Holmes, A. B. and McCague, R. 1997. Total synthesis of carbocyclic nikkomycin C. Chemical Communications- Royal Society of Chemistry (21), pp.2085-2086. (10.1039/a705825j)
1993
- Congreve, M. S. et al., 1993. Selective cleavage of benzyl ethers [Letter]. Synlett 1993 (09), pp.663-664. (10.1055/s-1993-22563)
- Davis, A. M. and Ward, S. null. The handbook of medicinal chemistry principles and practice. Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry.
- Ward, S. null. AMPA receptor positive allosteric modulators a case history.. In: Cox, B. and Gosling, M. eds. Ion Channel Drug Discovery. Vol. 39, RSC Drug Discovery Series Vol. 39.Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry. , pp.105-134.
- Ward, S. null. Discovery and clinical data for a novel AMPA receptor positive modulator. In: Rankovic, Z. , Hargreaves, R. and Bingham, M. eds. Drug Discovery for Psychiatric Disorders. RSC Drug Discovery Series Vol. 28.Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry. , pp.99-122. (10.1039/9781849734943)
- Ward, S. null. DNA damage repair pathways and synthetic lethality. In: Lackey, K. and Roth, B. eds. Medicinal Chemistry Approaches to Personalized Medicine. Vol. 59, Wiley-Blackwell. , pp.183-210.
- Ward, S. null. Neurotransmitters and other non-opiate central mechanisms. In: Allerton, C. ed. Pain Therapeutics: Current and Future Paradigms. RSC Drug Discovery Series Vol. 35.Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry. , pp.171-196.
Articles
- Adger, B. M. et al., 1998. A novel synthesis of tert-leucine via a Leuckart type reaction. Tetrahedron Letters 38 (12), pp.2153-2154. (10.1016/S0040-4039(97)00269-4)
- Ahmad, N. M. et al., 2007. Synthesis of polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols using bridgehead lithiation: the total synthesis of racemic clusianone and a formal synthesis of racemic garsubellin A. The Journal of Organic Chemistry 72 (13), pp.4803-4815. (10.1021/jo070388h)
- Ahmad, N. M. et al., 2007. Synthetic studies towards garsubellin A: synthesis of model systems and potential mimics by regioselective lithiation of bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-2,4,9-trione derivatives from catechinic acid. Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry 5 (12), pp.1924-1934. (10.1039/b704311b)
- Baldwin, A. et al. 2025. Tetrahydropyrazolopyridinones as a novel class of potent and highly selective LIMK inhibitors. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 68 (16), pp.17427-17456. (10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5c00974)
- Baldwin, A. G. et al. 2025. Discovery of MDI-114215: A potent and selective LIMK inhibitor to treat fragile X syndrome. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 68 (1), pp.719-752. (10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c02694)
- Chen, X. et al., 2021. Uncovering an allosteric mode of action for a selective inhibitor of human Bloom syndrome protein. eLife 10 e65339. (10.7554/eLife.65339)
- Cockerill, G. S. et al., 2021. Discovery of sisunatovir (RV521), an inhibitor of respiratory syncytial virus fusion. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 64 (7), pp.3658-3676. (10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01882)
- Collins, R. et al. 2022. Comparative analysis of small-molecule limk1/2 inhibitors: chemical synthesis, biochemistry, and cellular activity. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry (10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00751)
- Congreve, M. S. et al., 1993. Selective cleavage of benzyl ethers [Letter]. Synlett 1993 (09), pp.663-664. (10.1055/s-1993-22563)
- Craig, D. , Hyland, C. J. T. and Ward, S. 2005. Stereoselective γ-lactam synthesis via palladium-catalysed intramolecular allylation. Chemical Communications- Royal Society of Chemistry (27), pp.3439-3441. (10.1039/b504731e)
- Craig, D. , Hyland, C. J. T. and Ward, S. 2006. Stereoselective synthesis of (-)-trachelanthamidine (IV) via palladium-catalyzed intramolecular allylation.. Chem Inform 37 (50)(10.1002/chin.200650213)
- Cubitt, J. et al. 2024. Beware of N-Benzoyloxybenzamides. Molecules 29 (21) 5143. (10.3390/molecules29215143)
- Derudas, M. et al., 2023. Charge and lipophilicity are required for effective block of the hair-cell mechano-electrical transducer channel by FM1-43 and its derivatives. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology 11 1247324. (10.3389/fcell.2023.1247324)
- Gillespie, R. J. et al., 2008. Antagonists of the human adenosine A2A receptor. Part 1: Discovery and synthesis of thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine-4-methanone derivatives. Biorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters 18 (9), pp.2916-2919. (10.1016/j.bmcl.2008.03.075)
- Henderson, S. et al., 2024. Imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazines as inhibitors of DYRK kinases. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 269 16292. (10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116292)
- Henderson, S. H. et al., 2021. Discovery and characterization of selective and ligand-efficient DYRK inhibitors. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 64 (15), pp.11709–11728. (10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01115)
- Henderson, S. H. et al., 2020. Mining public domain data to develop selective DYRK1A inhibitors. ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters 11 , pp.1620-1626. (10.1021/acsmedchemlett.0c00279)
- Henderson, S. H. et al., 2018. Metal-free selective mono-halodecarboxylation of heteroarenes under mild conditions. Royal Society Open Science 5 (6) 180333. (10.1098/rsos.180333)
- Hornyak, P. et al., 2016. Mode of action of DNA-competitive small molecule inhibitors of tyrosyl DNA phosphodiesterase 2. Biochemical Journal 473 (13), pp.1869-1879. (10.1042/BCJ20160180)
- Kenyon, E. J. et al., 2021. Identification of a series of hair-cell MET channel blockers that protect against aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity. JCI Insight 6 (7) e145704. (10.1172/jci.insight.145704)
- Kenyon, E. J. et al., 2017. Identification of ion-channel modulators that protect against aminoglycoside-induced hair cell death. JCI Insight 2 (24) e96773. (10.1172/jci.insight.96773)
- Kirkwood, N. K. et al., 2017. d-Tubocurarine and berbamine: alkaloids that are permeant blockers of the hair cell's mechano-electrical transducer channel and protect from aminoglycoside toxicity. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience 11 262. (10.3389/fncel.2017.00262)
- Koulouris, C. R. et al., 2022. Tyrosine 121 moves revealing a ligandable pocket that couples catalysis to ATP-binding in serine racemase. Communications Biology 5 (1) 346. (10.1038/s42003-022-03264-5)
- Leslie, C. P. et al., 2010. Discovery of 1-(3-{2-[4-(2-Methyl-5-quinolinyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl}phenyl)-2-imidazolidinone (GSK163090), a potent, selective, and orally active 5-HT1A/B/DReceptor antagonist. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 53 (23), pp.8228-8240. (10.1021/jm100714c)
- Lovell, P. J. et al., 2006. 3,4-Dihydro-2H-benzoxazinones as dual-acting 5-HT1A receptor antagonists and serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters 17 (4), pp.1033-1036. (10.1016/j.bmcl.2006.11.031)
- Maramai, S. et al., 2020. Subtype selective y-Aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAAR) modulators acting at the benzodiazepine binding site: An update. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 63 (7), pp.3425-3446. (10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01312)
- Meisenberg, C. et al., 2014. Clinical and cellular Roles for TDP1 and TOP1 in modulating colorectal cancer response to irinotecan. Molecular Cancer Therapeutics 14 (2), pp.575-585. (10.1158/1535-7163.MCT-14-0762)
- Meisenberg, C. et al., 2017. Epigenetic changes in histone acetylation underpin resistance to the topoisomerase I inhibitor irinotecan. Nucleic Acids Research 45 (3), pp.1159-1176. (10.1093/nar/gkw1026)
- Meisenberg, C. et al., 2014. TDP1/TOP1 Ratio as a Promising Indicator for the Response of Small Cell Lung Cancer to Topotecan. Journal of Cancer Science & Therapy 06 (07), pp.258-267. (10.4172/1948-5956.1000280)
- Milton-Harris, L. et al., 2020. Small molecule inhibits T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia oncogenic interaction through conformational modulation of LMO2. Oncotarget 11 (19), pp.1737-1748. (10.18632/oncotarget.27580)
- Mok, M. S. et al., 2018. CCRK is a novel signalling hub exploitable in cancer immunotherapy. Pharmacology & Therapeutics 186 , pp.138-151. (10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.01.008)
- Moore, T. O. , Paradowski, M. and Ward, S. 2016. An atom-efficient and convergent approach to the preparation of NS5A inhibitors by C-H activation. Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry 14 (12), pp.3307-3313. (10.1039/C6OB00340K)
- Morgan, H. et al. 2024. How do Gepotidacin and Zoliflodacin stabilize DNA cleavage complexes with bacterial Type IIA topoisomerases? 1. Experimental definition of metal binding sites. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 25 (21) 11688. (10.3390/ijms252111688)
- Nicholls, R. A. et al., 2025. How do gepotidacin and zoliflodacin stabilize DNA-cleavage complexes with bacterial type IIA topoisomerases? 2. A single moving metal mechanism. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 26 (1) 33. (10.3390/ijms26010033)
- Ocasio, C. A. et al., 2016. A first generation inhibitor of human Greatwall kinase, enabled by structural and functional characterisation of a minimal kinase domain construct. Oncotarget 7 (44), pp.71182-71197. (10.18632/oncotarget.11511)
- O'Reilly, M. et al., 2019. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a new series of carvedilol derivatives that protect sensory hair cells from aminoglycoside-induced damage by blocking the mechanoelectrical transducer channel. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 62 (11), pp.5312-5329. (10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01325)
- Pearl, L. H. et al., 2015. Therapeutic opportunities within the DNA damage response. Nature Reviews Cancer 15 (3), pp.166-180. (10.1038/nrc3891)
- Phuangsawai, O. et al., 2016. Evaluation of the anti-malarial activity and cytotoxicity of 2,4-diamino-pyrimidine-based kinase inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 124 , pp.896-905. (10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.08.055)
- Reeks, J. et al., 2025. High throughput cryo-EM provides structural understanding for modulators of the lysosomal ion channel TRPML1. Structure 33 (8), pp.1374-1385. (10.1016/j.str.2025.05.014)
- Reuillon, T. , Ward, S. and Beswick, P. 2016. AMPA receptor positive allosteric modulators: Potential for the treatment of neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders. Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry 16 (29), pp.3536-3565. (10.2174/1568026616666160627114507)
- Scott, F. et al., 2020. Development of 2-(4-pyridyl)-benzimidazoles as PKN2 chemical tools to probe cancer. Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters 30 (8) 127040. (10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127040)
- Scott, F. et al., 2022. Development of dihydropyrrolopyridinone-based PKN2/PRK2 chemical tools to enable drug discovery. Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters 60 128588. (10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128588)
- Thewlis, K. M. et al., 2010. N-Substituted pyrrolidines and tetrahydrofurans as novel AMPAR positive modulators. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters 20 (23), pp.7116-7119. (10.1016/j.bmcl.2010.09.062)
- Thomas, B. et al. 2023. Central nervous system targeted protein degraders. Biomolecules 13 (8) 1164. (10.3390/biom13081164)
- Thomas, B. a. I. , Ward, S. and Jones, D. H. 2025. Creu er mwyn dinistrio: Creu rhyngolyn GN8 anghymesur i drin clefydau prion. Gwerddon 40 , pp.49-65. (10.61257/GWER4003)
- Walker, S. et al., 2014. Development of an oligonucleotide-based fluorescence assay for the identification of tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) inhibitors. Analytical Biochemistry 454 , pp.17-22. (10.1016/j.ab.2014.03.004)
- Ward, S. 2013. Targets and emerging therapies for schizophrenia. Edited by Jeffrey S. Albert and Michael W. Wood [Book Review]. ChemMedChem 8 (3), pp.529. (10.1002/cmdc.201200589)
- Ward, S. , Bax, B. D. and Harries, M. 2010. Challenges for and current status of research into positive modulators of AMPA receptors. British Journal of Pharmacology 160 (2), pp.181-190. (10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00726.x)
- Ward, S. and Beswick, P. 2014. What does the aromatic ring number mean for drug design?. Expert Opinion on Drug Discovery 9 (9), pp.995-1003. (10.1517/17460441.2014.932346)
- Ward, S. et al. 2017. Pharmacological characterization of N-[(2S)-5-(6-fluoro-3-pyridinyl)-2, 3-dihydro-1H-inden-2-yl]-2-propanesulfonamide: a novel, clinical AMPA receptor positive allosteric modulator. British Journal of Pharmacology 174 (5), pp.370-385. (10.1111/bph.13696)
- Ward, S. et al. 2008. Studies on a series of potent, orally bioavailable, 5-HT1 receptor ligands-Part II. Biorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters 19 (2), pp.428-432. (10.1016/j.bmcl.2008.11.052)
- Ward, S. et al. 2008. Discovery of potent, orally bioavailable, selective 5-HT1A/B/DReceptor antagonists. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 51 (10), pp.2887-2890. (10.1021/jm8001444)
- Ward, S. and Harries, M. 2010. Recent advances in the discovery of selective AMPA receptor positive allosteric modulators. Current Medicinal Chemistry 17 (30), pp.3503-3513. (10.2174/092986710792927840)
- Ward, S. et al. 2010. Discovery of N-[(2S)-5-(6-Fluoro-3-pyridinyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-2-yl]-2-propanesulfonamide, a novel clinical AMPA receptor positive modulator. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 53 (15), pp.5801-5812. (10.1021/jm1005429)
- Ward, S. et al. 2011. Integration of lead optimization with crystallography for a membrane-bound ion channel target: discovery of a new class of AMPA receptor positive allosteric modulators. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 54 (1), pp.78-94. (10.1021/jm100679e)
- Ward, S. et al. 2005. Discovery of the first potent, selective 5-Hydroxytryptamine1D receptor antagonist [Letter]. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 48 (10), pp.3478-3480. (10.1021/jm049039v)
- Ward, S. , Holmes, A. B. and McCague, R. 1997. Total synthesis of carbocyclic nikkomycin C. Chemical Communications- Royal Society of Chemistry (21), pp.2085-2086. (10.1039/a705825j)
- Ward, S. et al. 2007. Studies on a series of potent, orally bioavailable, 5-HT1 receptor ligands. Biorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters 17 (18), pp.5214-5217. (10.1016/j.bmcl.2007.06.078)
- Ward, S. , Pennicott, L. E. and Beswick, P. 2015. AMPA receptor-positive allosteric modulators for the treatment of schizophrenia: an overview of recent patent applications. Future Medicinal Chemistry 7 (4), pp.473-491. (10.4155/fmc.15.4)
- Ward, S. and Watson, J. M. 2010. Recent advances in the discovery of selective and non-selective 5-HT1D receptor ligands. Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry 10 (5), pp.479-492. (10.2174/156802610791111533)
- Ward, S. E. et al. 2020. Pharmacological characterisation of MDI-222, a novel AMPA receptor positive allosteric modulator with an improved safety profile. Journal of Psychopharmacology 34 (1), pp.93-102. (10.1177/0269881119872198)
- West, R. A. et al., 2018. Toward more drug like inhibitors of trypanosome alternative oxidase. ACS Infectious Diseases 4 (4), pp.592-604. 7b00218. (10.1021/acsinfecdis.7b00218)
- West, R. A. et al., 2017. African trypanosomiasis: Synthesis & SAR enabling novel drug discovery of ubiquinol mimics for trypanosome alternative oxidase. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 141 , pp.676-689. (10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.09.067)
- Zach, R. et al., 2025. The balance between B55α and Greatwall expression levels predicts sensitivity to Greatwall inhibition in cancer cells. Nature Communications 16 (1) 8016. (10.1038/s41467-025-62943-z)
- Zeng, X. et al., 2021. Liver immune microenvironment and metastasis from colorectal cancer-pathogenesis and therapeutic perspectives. Cancers 13 (10) 2418. (10.3390/cancers13102418)
- Zhou, J. et al., 2023. Myeloid-intrinsic cell cycle-related kinase drives immunosuppression to promote tumorigenesis. iScience 26 (10) 107626. (10.1016/j.isci.2023.107626)
Book sections
- Ward, S. null. AMPA receptor positive allosteric modulators a case history.. In: Cox, B. and Gosling, M. eds. Ion Channel Drug Discovery. Vol. 39, RSC Drug Discovery Series Vol. 39.Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry. , pp.105-134.
- Ward, S. null. Discovery and clinical data for a novel AMPA receptor positive modulator. In: Rankovic, Z. , Hargreaves, R. and Bingham, M. eds. Drug Discovery for Psychiatric Disorders. RSC Drug Discovery Series Vol. 28.Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry. , pp.99-122. (10.1039/9781849734943)
- Ward, S. null. DNA damage repair pathways and synthetic lethality. In: Lackey, K. and Roth, B. eds. Medicinal Chemistry Approaches to Personalized Medicine. Vol. 59, Wiley-Blackwell. , pp.183-210.
- Ward, S. null. Neurotransmitters and other non-opiate central mechanisms. In: Allerton, C. ed. Pain Therapeutics: Current and Future Paradigms. RSC Drug Discovery Series Vol. 35.Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry. , pp.171-196.
- Ward, S. E. and Davis, A. M. 2023. Lead optimisation: what you should know!. In: Ward, S. E. and Davis, A. eds. The Handbook of Medicinal Chemistry: Principles and Practice. The Royal Society of Chemistry. , pp.720-768. (10.1039/9781788018982-00720)
Books
- Davis, A. M. and Ward, S. null. The handbook of medicinal chemistry principles and practice. Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry.
Conferences
- Alderton, W. , Karran, E. and Ward, S. 2009. Current and future perspectives in psychiatric drug discovery. Presented at: Society for Medicines Research Symposium GlaxoSmithKline, Harlow, U.K 12 March 2009. Vol. 22.Vol. 6. Thomson Reuters. , pp.360-364. (10.1358/dnp.2009.22.6.1380328)
- Brown, K. , Davenport, R. and Ward, S. 2015. Effective and emerging strategies for utilizing structure in drug discovery. Presented at: Society for Medicines Research Meeting 19th March 2015. Vol. 40.Vol. 4. Prous Science. , pp.251-256. (10.1358/dof.2015.040.04.2314768)
- Cowley, P. , Hales, N. and Ward, S. 2011. Trends in medicinal chemistry. Presented at: The Society For Medicines Resarch Symposiun NHLI, London, UK 9 December 2010. Vol. 36.Vol. 7. Prous Science. , pp.543-549. (10.1358/dof.2011.036.07.1622065)
- Davenport, R. , Armour, R. and Ward, S. 2011. Trends in pain research. Presented at: The Society for Medicines Research Pain Meeting Girton College, Cambridge, UK 24 March 2011. Vol. 36.Vol. 12. Prous Science. , pp.943-948. (10.1358/dof.2011.036.12.1738058)
- Ward, S. et al. 2016. Alzheimer's disease therapeutics - Are we making progress towards a disease-modifying treatment for patients? Highlights from the Society for Medicines Research Symposium, held June 20, 2016. Presented at: Society for Medicines Research Symposium 20th June 2016. Vol. 41.Vol. 7. Prous Science. , pp.461. (10.1358/dof.2016.041.07.2516439)
Patents
- Andreotti, D. et al., 2006. Compounds which potentiate glutamate receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2006087169A1[Patent]
- Andreotti, D. et al., 2012. Piperazine derivatives as cav2.2 calcium channel blockers. WO2012098400A1[Patent]
- Andreotti, D. and Ward, S. 2007. Compounds which potentiate glutamate receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2007090841A1[Patent]
- Bartheleme, N. et al., 2008. Compounds which potentiate AMPA receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2008113795[Patent]
- Bergauer, M. et al., 2005. Quinoline and quinazoline derivatives having affinity for 5ht1-type receptors. WO 2005014552[Patent]
- Bertheleme, N. et al., 2012. Tetrazole compounds as calcium channel blockers. WO2012004604A1[Patent]
- Bertheleme, N. et al., 2009. Compounds which potentiate the ampa receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2009080637A1[Patent]
- Bradley, D. et al., 2006. Acylated piperidihes as glycine transporter inhibitors. WO2006094842[Patent]
- Bradley, D. et al., 2006. Glycine transport inhibitors. WO2006067423A1[Patent]
- Bradley, D. et al., 2006. Glycine transport inhibitors. WO2006067417A1[Patent]
- Bradley, D. et al., 2007. Compounds which potentiate ampa receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2007107539A1[Patent]
- Bradley, D. et al., 2007. Compounds which potentiate ampa receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2007122241A1[Patent]
- Bradley, D. et al., 2008. Compounds which potentiate ampa receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2008110566A1[Patent]
- Bradley, D. et al., 2008. Compounds which potentiate ampa receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2008053031A1[Patent]
- Bradley, D. , Thewlis, K. and Ward, S. 2008. Compounds which potentiate ampa receptor and uses therof in medicine. WO2008148832A1[Patent]
- Bradley, D. M. et al., 2010. Compounds which potentiate the ampa receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2010066658A1[Patent]
- Bradley, D. M. , Thewlis, K. M. and Ward, S. 2006. Compounds which potentiate glutamate receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO 2006015828[Patent]
- Chan, W. N. et al., 2009. Compounds which potentiate ampa receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2009053448A1[Patent]
- Chan, W. N. , Thewlis, K. M. and Ward, S. 2009. Thiazoles which potentiate ampa receptor and medicinal uses thereof. WO2009053449A1[Patent]
- Cockerill, S. et al., 2016. Spiro-indolines for the treatment and prophylaxis of respiratory syncytial virus infection (RSV). WO2016055780A1[Patent]
- Coulton, S. , Gilpin, M. and Ward, S. 2010. N- inden- 2 -yl- isopropylsulfonamides as ampa receptor potentiators. WO2010057865A1[Patent]
- Flynn, S. T. et al., 2003. Piperidine and piperazine derivatives possessing affinity at 5ht-1 type receptors. WO2003068236A1[Patent]
- Gibbs, A. A. , Ward, S. and Pennicott, L. E. 2013. Neurodevelopmental disorders. WO 2013/038200 A2[Patent]
- Gillespie, R. J. et al., 2000. 4-quinolinemethanol derivatives as purine receptor antagonists (i). WO2000013681A2[Patent]
- Gillespie, R. J. et al., 2000. 2-adamantanemethanamine compounds for treating abnormalities in glutamatergic transmission. WO2000044371A1[Patent]
- Gillespie, R. J. , Snape, M. F. and Ward, S. E. 1999. 1-(adamantyl)amidines and their use in the treatment of conditions generally associated with abnormalities in glutamatergic transmission. WO1999031051A1[Patent]
- Harrington, F. P. , Smith, P. W. and Ward, S. E. 2003. Heterocyclic compounds possessing affinity at 5ht1-type receptors and use thereof in therapy. WO2003068772A1[Patent]
- Heer, J. P. , Norton, D. and Ward, S. 2010. Pyrazolo [1, 5-a] pyrimidine derivatives. WO2010007074A1[Patent]
- Schindler, R. et al., 2016. Pyrazoles as NMDA NR2B receptor inhibitors and their preparation. WO2016025918A1[Patent]
- Schindler, R. et al., 2016. Triazoles as nr2b receptor inhibitors. WO2016025917A1[Patent]
- Smith, P. W. et al., 2003. Compounds possessing affinity at 5ht1-type receptors and use thereof in therapy of cns disorders. WO2003068760A2[Patent]
- Thewlis, K. and Ward, S. 2007. 4-phenyl-3-(2-propylsulfonylamino) tetrahydrofuran derivatives which potentiate glutamate receptors and are useful in the treatment of schizophrenia. WO2007090840A1[Patent]
- Thewlis, K. M. and Ward, S. 2006. Compounds which potentiate glutamate receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO 2006015827[Patent]
- Thewlis, K. M. and Ward, S. 2009. Compounds which potentiate the ampa receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2009092712A1[Patent]
- Thewlis, K. M. and Ward, S. 2009. Compounds which potentiate the ampa receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2009092713A1[Patent]
- Vong, A. and Ward, S. E. 2004. Benzoxazinone derivatives having affinity for 5- ht receptors, their preparation and use. WO 2004099198[Patent]
- Vong, A. and Ward, S. E. 2004. Benzoxazinone derivatives, their preparation and use. WO2004099196A1[Patent]
- Ward, S. et al. 2022. Heteroaryl compounds useful in the treatment of cognitive disorders. WO2022/234271[Patent]
- Ward, S. and Betheleme, N. 2010. Compounds which potentiate the ampa receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2010037760[Patent]
- Ward, S. and Thewlis, K. M. 2006. Compounds which potentiate glutamate receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2006015829[Patent]
- Ward, S. E. 2003. Heterocyclymethylpiperidines and -piperazines possessing affinity at 5ht-1 type receptors. WO2003068771A1[Patent]
Research
Professor Ward is an Investigator on multiple grant awards including the following awards:
|
Live Projects |
Funder |
Value |
|
KAT2A PROTACs targeting the differentiation of blasts and leukemic stem cells for the treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia [PI] |
MRC |
>£1M |
|
Enhancing spinal cord GlyRa3 function as a novel approach to the treatment of pain [coI] |
MRC |
>£1M |
|
Tool molecules for NEAT1 inhibition [PI] |
Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol |
PhD studentship |
|
Protein Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) for CNS penetration [PI] |
Janssen Pharmaceuticals |
PhD studentship |
|
Phase 1 clinical studies for MDI-478: An AMPA receptor positive allosteric modulator for the treatment of cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia [PI] |
Wellcome Trust |
>£6M |
|
Allosteric modulators of extrasynaptic delta-GABAA receptors for the treatment of postpartum depression [coI] |
MRC |
>£5M |
|
Design and development of AMPA receptor modulators with a much-improved safety profile as novel drugs for treating the cognitive dysfunction associated with schizophrenia and other CNS disorders [PI] |
Wellcome Trust |
>£4M |
|
Proof-of-Concept for a5-GABAAR PAMs in the treatment of psychosis [coI] |
Wellcome Trust |
>£500k |
|
Developing small molecules as a neurosteroid replacement strategy for treating postpartum psychosis [coI] |
Wellcome Trust |
>£500k |
|
Targeting Prion proteins with PROTACs [PI] |
Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol |
PhD Studentship |
|
Inhibition of acid ceramidase to treat multiple lysosomal storage disorders [coI] |
Harrington Rare Disease |
£100k |
|
α5-GABAA Receptor Modulators for the Treatment of Cognitive Impairment Associated with Huntington’s Disease [coI] |
Wellcome Trust |
>£3M |
Biography
Professor Ward holds an MA in Natural Sciences and a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry from the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. He has broad drug discovery experience in major pharmaceutical, biotech and academia companies (GlaxoSmithKline, BioCrea GmbH, Knoll Pharmaceuticals, Vernalis, Chiroscience, University of Sussex, Cardiff University) and specialist experience in developing new medicines for patients with neurological and psychiatric illness and against cancer. In 2010, after a research career in industry, Professor Ward combined roles in biotech companies with an academic role, establishing one of the UK's leading university-based drug discovery groups securing over £50million in academic funding from charity, government and industrial funders.
In addition to external consultancy and biotech roles, Professor Ward is also:
- Member of Expert Scientific Advisory Committee, Medicines for Malaria Venture
- Member Scientific Advisory Board, Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, Bradford, UK
- Advisory Board, Enterprise Therapeutics
- Member of Management Board Cardiff Innovations, UK
- Member of Advisory Board for journals Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry & Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters, Elsevier and Medicinal Chemistry Letters, American Chemical Society
- Chair of Royal Society of Chemistry Medicinal Chemistry Residential Training Course
- Joint Editor The Handbook of Medicinal Chemistry: Principles and Practice, Royal Society of Chemistry 2015 & 2023
- Joint Editor-in-Chief Comprehensive Medicinal Chemistry Vol IV, Elsevier 2025
- Member of Panel of Experts Research Investment in Global Health Technologies (RIGHT) Foundation, Korea
Professor Ward is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, a Chartered Chemist, and a Chartered Scientist (FRSC CChem CSci).
Contact Details
Research themes
Specialisms
- Drug development
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Drug Discovery
