![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. 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)
- Baldwin, A. 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), article number: 33. (10.3390/ijms26010033)
2024
- Cubitt, J. et al. 2024. Beware of N-Benzoyloxybenzamides. Molecules 29(21), article number: 5143. (10.3390/molecules29215143)
- 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), article number: 11688. (10.3390/ijms252111688)
- Henderson, S. et al. 2024. Imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazines as inhibitors of DYRK kinases. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 269, article number: 16292. (10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116292)
2023
- Zhou, J. et al. 2023. Myeloid-intrinsic cell cycle-related kinase drives immunosuppression to promote tumorigenesis. iScience 26(10), article number: 107626. (10.1016/j.isci.2023.107626)
- 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, article number: 1247324. (10.3389/fcell.2023.1247324)
- Thomas, B., Lewis, L., Jones, D. and Ward, S. 2023. Central nervous system targeted protein degraders. Biomolecules 13(8), article number: 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)
2022
- Ward, S. et al. 2022. Heteroaryl compounds useful in the treatment of cognitive disorders. WO2022/234271 [Patent].
- 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), article number: 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, article number: 128588. (10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128588)
2021
- 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)
- Zeng, X., Ward, S. E., Zhou, J. and Cheng, A. S. L. 2021. Liver immune microenvironment and metastasis from colorectal cancer-pathogenesis and therapeutic perspectives. Cancers 13(10), article number: 2418. (10.3390/cancers13102418)
- 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), article number: e145704. (10.1172/jci.insight.145704)
- 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)
- Chen, X. et al. 2021. Uncovering an allosteric mode of action for a selective inhibitor of human Bloom syndrome protein. eLife 10, article number: e65339. (10.7554/eLife.65339)
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)
- Milton-Harris, L., Jeeves, M., Walker, S. A., Ward, S. E. and Mancini, E. J. 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., Fala, A. M., Pennicott, L. E., Reuillon, T. D., Massirer, K. B., Elkins, J. M. and Ward, S. E. 2020. Development of 2-(4-pyridyl)-benzimidazoles as PKN2 chemical tools to probe cancer. Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters 30(8), article number: 127040. (10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127040)
- Maramai, S., Benchekroun, M., Ward, S. E. and Atack, J. R. 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)
- 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
- Mok, M. S., Zhou, J., Tang, W., Zeng, X., Oliver, A., Ward, S. and Cheng, A. S. 2018. CCRK is a novel signalling hub exploitable in cancer immunotherapy. Pharmacology & Therapeutics 186, pp. 138-151. (10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.01.008)
- Henderson, S. H., West, R. A., Ward, S. E. and Honey, M. A. 2018. Metal-free selective mono-halodecarboxylation of heteroarenes under mild conditions. Royal Society Open Science 5(6), article number: 180333. (10.1098/rsos.180333)
- West, R. A., Cunningham, T., Pennicott, L. E., Rao, S. P. S. and Ward, S. 2018. Toward more drug like inhibitors of trypanosome alternative oxidase. ACS Infectious Diseases 4(4), pp. 592-604., article number: 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), article number: e96773. (10.1172/jci.insight.96773)
- 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)
- 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, article number: 262. (10.3389/fncel.2017.00262)
- 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)
- 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)
2016
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- Cockerill, S., Mathews, N., Ward, S., Lunn, G., Paradowski, M. and Gascon Simorte, J. M. 2016. Spiro-indolines for the treatment and prophylaxis of respiratory syncytial virus infection (RSV). WO2016055780A1 [Patent].
- 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)
- Schindler, R. et al. 2016. Pyrazoles as NMDA NR2B receptor inhibitors and their preparation. WO2016025918A1 [Patent].
- Schindler, R., Lankau, H., Hofgen, N., Egerland, U., Langen, B., Dost, R. and Ward, S. 2016. Triazoles as nr2b receptor inhibitors. WO2016025917A1 [Patent].
- 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)
- Ward, S., Dawson, L. A., Konneh, M. and MacDonald, G. 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
- 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)
- Pearl, L. H., Schierz, A. C., Ward, S., Al-Lazikani, B. and Pearl, F. M. G. 2015. Therapeutic opportunities within the DNA damage response. Nature Reviews Cancer 15(3), pp. 166-180. (10.1038/nrc3891)
- 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)
2014
- Meisenberg, C., Gilbert, D. C., Chalmers, A., Haley, V., Gollins, S., Ward, S. and El-Khamisy, S. F. 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., Ward, S., Schmid, P. and El-Khamisy, S. F. 2014. TDP1/TOP1 Ratio as a Promising Indicator for the Response of Small Cell Lung Cancer to Topotecan. Journal of Cancer Science & Therapy 6(7), pp. 258-267. (10.4172/1948-5956.1000280)
- 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)
- 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)
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., Norton, D., Price, H. S., Profeta, R., Spada, S. and Ward, S. 2012. Piperazine derivatives as cav2.2 calcium channel blockers. WO2012098400A1 [Patent].
- Bertheleme, N., Beswick, P. J., Gleave, R. J., Hachisu, S., Vile, S. and Ward, S. 2012. Tetrazole compounds as calcium channel blockers. WO2012004604A1 [Patent].
2011
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
2010
- 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., Aldegheri, L., Harries, M. H., Mookherjee, C., Oliosi, B. and Ward, S. 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. 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)
- Bradley, D. M., Cardullo, F., Marshall, H., Marzorati, P., Pozzan, A. and Ward, S. 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].
- 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].
- Heer, J. P., Norton, D. and Ward, S. 2010. Pyrazolo [1, 5-a] pyrimidine derivatives. WO2010007074A1 [Patent].
- 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. 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)
2009
- 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].
- Bertheleme, N., Chan, W. N., Scott, J. S. and Ward, S. 2009. Compounds which potentiate the ampa receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2009080637A1 [Patent].
- Chan, W. N., Harrison, S., Hughes, O. R., Neesom, J. K., Thewlis, K. M. and Ward, S. 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].
- 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)
2008
- 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)
- Bartheleme, N. et al. 2008. Compounds which potentiate AMPA receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2008113795 [Patent].
- Bradley, D., Chan, W. N., Harrison, S., Thewlis, K. and Ward, S. 2008. Compounds which potentiate ampa receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2008110566A1 [Patent].
- Bradley, D., Thewlis, K. and Ward, S. 2008. Compounds which potentiate ampa receptor and uses therof in medicine. WO2008148832A1 [Patent].
- Bradley, D., Chan, W. N., Thewlis, K. and Ward, S. 2008. Compounds which potentiate ampa receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2008053031A1 [Patent].
- 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)
- 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)
2007
- Bradley, D. et al. 2007. Compounds which potentiate ampa receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2007122241A1 [Patent].
- Bradley, D., Chan, W. N., Harrison, S., Thatcher, R., Thewlis, K. and Ward, S. 2007. Compounds which potentiate ampa receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2007107539A1 [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].
- Andreotti, D. and Ward, S. 2007. Compounds which potentiate glutamate receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2007090841A1 [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)
- Ahmad, N. M., Rodeschini, V., Simpkins, N. S., Ward, S. and Blake, A. J. 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., Rodeschini, V., Simpkins, N. S., Ward, S. and Wilson, C. 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)
2006
- 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)
- Bradley, D. et al. 2006. Acylated piperidihes as glycine transporter inhibitors. WO2006094842 [Patent].
- Andreotti, D., Arista, L., Cardullo, F., Spada, S., Thewlis, K. and Ward, S. 2006. Compounds which potentiate glutamate receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2006087169A1 [Patent].
- Bradley, D. et al. 2006. Glycine transport inhibitors. WO2006067423A1 [Patent].
- Bradley, D. et al. 2006. Glycine transport inhibitors. WO2006067417A1 [Patent].
- Thewlis, K. M. and Ward, S. 2006. Compounds which potentiate glutamate receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO 2006015827 [Patent].
- Bradley, D. M., Thewlis, K. M. and Ward, S. 2006. Compounds which potentiate glutamate receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO 2006015828 [Patent].
- Ward, S. and Thewlis, K. M. 2006. Compounds which potentiate glutamate receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2006015829 [Patent].
2005
- 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., Harrington, F. P., Gordon, L. J., Hopley, S. C., Scott, C. M. and Watson, J. M. 2005. Discovery of the first potent, selective 5-Hydroxytryptamine1D receptor antagonist [Letter]. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 48(10), pp. 3478-3480. (10.1021/jm049039v)
- Bergauer, M. et al. 2005. Quinoline and quinazoline derivatives having affinity for 5ht1-type receptors. WO 2005014552 [Patent].
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
- 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].
- Ward, S. E. 2003. Heterocyclymethylpiperidines and -piperazines possessing affinity at 5ht-1 type receptors. WO2003068771A1 [Patent].
- Smith, P. W., Thewlis, K. M., Vong, A. K. and Ward, S. E. 2003. Compounds possessing affinity at 5ht1-type receptors and use thereof in therapy of cns disorders. WO2003068760A2 [Patent].
- Flynn, S. T., Smith, P. W., Thewlis, K. M., Ward, S. E. and Wyman, P. A. 2003. Piperidine and piperazine derivatives possessing affinity at 5ht-1 type receptors. WO2003068236A1 [Patent].
2000
- Gillespie, R. J., Monck, N. J., Bird, A. J. and Ward, S. E. 2000. 2-adamantanemethanamine compounds for treating abnormalities in glutamatergic transmission. WO2000044371A1 [Patent].
- Gillespie, R. J., Lerpiniere, J., Gaur, S., Adams, D. R., Knutsen, L. J. and Ward, S. E. 2000. 4-quinolinemethanol derivatives as purine receptor antagonists (i). WO2000013681A2 [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., Dyer, U. C., Lennon, I. C., Tiffin, P. D. and Ward, S. 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., Davison, E. C., Fuhry, M. A. M., Holmes, A. B., Payne, A. N., Robinson, R. A. and Ward, S. 1993. Selective cleavage of benzyl ethers [Letter]. Synlett 1993(9), pp. 663-664. (10.1055/s-1993-22563)
0
- Davis, A. M. and Ward, S. . The handbook of medicinal chemistry principles and practice. Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry.
- Ward, S. . 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. . 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. . 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. . 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)
Articles
- 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)
- Baldwin, A. 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), article number: 33. (10.3390/ijms26010033)
- Cubitt, J. et al. 2024. Beware of N-Benzoyloxybenzamides. Molecules 29(21), article number: 5143. (10.3390/molecules29215143)
- 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), article number: 11688. (10.3390/ijms252111688)
- Henderson, S. et al. 2024. Imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazines as inhibitors of DYRK kinases. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 269, article number: 16292. (10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116292)
- Zhou, J. et al. 2023. Myeloid-intrinsic cell cycle-related kinase drives immunosuppression to promote tumorigenesis. iScience 26(10), article number: 107626. (10.1016/j.isci.2023.107626)
- 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, article number: 1247324. (10.3389/fcell.2023.1247324)
- Thomas, B., Lewis, L., Jones, D. and Ward, S. 2023. Central nervous system targeted protein degraders. Biomolecules 13(8), article number: 1164. (10.3390/biom13081164)
- 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), article number: 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, article number: 128588. (10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128588)
- 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)
- Zeng, X., Ward, S. E., Zhou, J. and Cheng, A. S. L. 2021. Liver immune microenvironment and metastasis from colorectal cancer-pathogenesis and therapeutic perspectives. Cancers 13(10), article number: 2418. (10.3390/cancers13102418)
- 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), article number: e145704. (10.1172/jci.insight.145704)
- 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)
- Chen, X. et al. 2021. Uncovering an allosteric mode of action for a selective inhibitor of human Bloom syndrome protein. eLife 10, article number: e65339. (10.7554/eLife.65339)
- 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)
- Milton-Harris, L., Jeeves, M., Walker, S. A., Ward, S. E. and Mancini, E. J. 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., Fala, A. M., Pennicott, L. E., Reuillon, T. D., Massirer, K. B., Elkins, J. M. and Ward, S. E. 2020. Development of 2-(4-pyridyl)-benzimidazoles as PKN2 chemical tools to probe cancer. Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters 30(8), article number: 127040. (10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127040)
- Maramai, S., Benchekroun, M., Ward, S. E. and Atack, J. R. 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- Mok, M. S., Zhou, J., Tang, W., Zeng, X., Oliver, A., Ward, S. and Cheng, A. S. 2018. CCRK is a novel signalling hub exploitable in cancer immunotherapy. Pharmacology & Therapeutics 186, pp. 138-151. (10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.01.008)
- Henderson, S. H., West, R. A., Ward, S. E. and Honey, M. A. 2018. Metal-free selective mono-halodecarboxylation of heteroarenes under mild conditions. Royal Society Open Science 5(6), article number: 180333. (10.1098/rsos.180333)
- West, R. A., Cunningham, T., Pennicott, L. E., Rao, S. P. S. and Ward, S. 2018. Toward more drug like inhibitors of trypanosome alternative oxidase. ACS Infectious Diseases 4(4), pp. 592-604., article number: 7b00218. (10.1021/acsinfecdis.7b00218)
- Kenyon, E. J. et al. 2017. Identification of ion-channel modulators that protect against aminoglycoside-induced hair cell death. JCI Insight 2(24), article number: e96773. (10.1172/jci.insight.96773)
- 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)
- 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, article number: 262. (10.3389/fncel.2017.00262)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- Pearl, L. H., Schierz, A. C., Ward, S., Al-Lazikani, B. and Pearl, F. M. G. 2015. Therapeutic opportunities within the DNA damage response. Nature Reviews Cancer 15(3), pp. 166-180. (10.1038/nrc3891)
- Meisenberg, C., Gilbert, D. C., Chalmers, A., Haley, V., Gollins, S., Ward, S. and El-Khamisy, S. F. 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., Ward, S., Schmid, P. and El-Khamisy, S. F. 2014. TDP1/TOP1 Ratio as a Promising Indicator for the Response of Small Cell Lung Cancer to Topotecan. Journal of Cancer Science & Therapy 6(7), pp. 258-267. (10.4172/1948-5956.1000280)
- 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)
- 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. 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)
- 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., Aldegheri, L., Harries, M. H., Mookherjee, C., Oliosi, B. and Ward, S. 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. 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., 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 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. 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. 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)
- 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. 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)
- Ahmad, N. M., Rodeschini, V., Simpkins, N. S., Ward, S. and Blake, A. J. 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., Rodeschini, V., Simpkins, N. S., Ward, S. and Wilson, C. 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)
- 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)
- 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., Harrington, F. P., Gordon, L. J., Hopley, S. C., Scott, C. M. and Watson, J. M. 2005. Discovery of the first potent, selective 5-Hydroxytryptamine1D receptor antagonist [Letter]. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 48(10), pp. 3478-3480. (10.1021/jm049039v)
- Adger, B. M., Dyer, U. C., Lennon, I. C., Tiffin, P. D. and Ward, S. 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)
- 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)
- Congreve, M. S., Davison, E. C., Fuhry, M. A. M., Holmes, A. B., Payne, A. N., Robinson, R. A. and Ward, S. 1993. Selective cleavage of benzyl ethers [Letter]. Synlett 1993(9), pp. 663-664. (10.1055/s-1993-22563)
Book sections
- 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)
- Ward, S. . 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. . 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. . 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. . 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)
Books
- Davis, A. M. and Ward, S. . The handbook of medicinal chemistry principles and practice. Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry.
Conferences
- Ward, S., Dawson, L. A., Konneh, M. and MacDonald, G. 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
Patents
- Ward, S. et al. 2022. Heteroaryl compounds useful in the treatment of cognitive disorders. WO2022/234271 [Patent].
- Cockerill, S., Mathews, N., Ward, S., Lunn, G., Paradowski, M. and Gascon Simorte, J. M. 2016. Spiro-indolines for the treatment and prophylaxis of respiratory syncytial virus infection (RSV). WO2016055780A1 [Patent].
- Schindler, R. et al. 2016. Pyrazoles as NMDA NR2B receptor inhibitors and their preparation. WO2016025918A1 [Patent].
- Schindler, R., Lankau, H., Hofgen, N., Egerland, U., Langen, B., Dost, R. and Ward, S. 2016. Triazoles as nr2b receptor inhibitors. WO2016025917A1 [Patent].
- Gibbs, A. A., Ward, S. and Pennicott, L. E. 2013. Neurodevelopmental disorders. WO 2013/038200 A2 [Patent].
- Andreotti, D., Norton, D., Price, H. S., Profeta, R., Spada, S. and Ward, S. 2012. Piperazine derivatives as cav2.2 calcium channel blockers. WO2012098400A1 [Patent].
- Bertheleme, N., Beswick, P. J., Gleave, R. J., Hachisu, S., Vile, S. and Ward, S. 2012. Tetrazole compounds as calcium channel blockers. WO2012004604A1 [Patent].
- Bradley, D. M., Cardullo, F., Marshall, H., Marzorati, P., Pozzan, A. and Ward, S. 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].
- Ward, S. and Betheleme, N. 2010. Compounds which potentiate the ampa receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2010037760 [Patent].
- Heer, J. P., Norton, D. and Ward, S. 2010. Pyrazolo [1, 5-a] pyrimidine derivatives. WO2010007074A1 [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].
- Bertheleme, N., Chan, W. N., Scott, J. S. and Ward, S. 2009. Compounds which potentiate the ampa receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2009080637A1 [Patent].
- Chan, W. N., Harrison, S., Hughes, O. R., Neesom, J. K., Thewlis, K. M. and Ward, S. 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].
- Bartheleme, N. et al. 2008. Compounds which potentiate AMPA receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2008113795 [Patent].
- Bradley, D., Chan, W. N., Harrison, S., Thewlis, K. and Ward, S. 2008. Compounds which potentiate ampa receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2008110566A1 [Patent].
- Bradley, D., Thewlis, K. and Ward, S. 2008. Compounds which potentiate ampa receptor and uses therof in medicine. WO2008148832A1 [Patent].
- Bradley, D., Chan, W. N., Thewlis, K. and Ward, S. 2008. Compounds which potentiate ampa receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2008053031A1 [Patent].
- Bradley, D. et al. 2007. Compounds which potentiate ampa receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2007122241A1 [Patent].
- Bradley, D., Chan, W. N., Harrison, S., Thatcher, R., Thewlis, K. and Ward, S. 2007. Compounds which potentiate ampa receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2007107539A1 [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].
- Andreotti, D. and Ward, S. 2007. Compounds which potentiate glutamate receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2007090841A1 [Patent].
- Bradley, D. et al. 2006. Acylated piperidihes as glycine transporter inhibitors. WO2006094842 [Patent].
- Andreotti, D., Arista, L., Cardullo, F., Spada, S., Thewlis, K. and Ward, S. 2006. Compounds which potentiate glutamate receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2006087169A1 [Patent].
- Bradley, D. et al. 2006. Glycine transport inhibitors. WO2006067423A1 [Patent].
- Bradley, D. et al. 2006. Glycine transport inhibitors. WO2006067417A1 [Patent].
- Thewlis, K. M. and Ward, S. 2006. Compounds which potentiate glutamate receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO 2006015827 [Patent].
- Bradley, D. M., Thewlis, K. M. and Ward, S. 2006. Compounds which potentiate glutamate receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO 2006015828 [Patent].
- Ward, S. and Thewlis, K. M. 2006. Compounds which potentiate glutamate receptor and uses thereof in medicine. WO2006015829 [Patent].
- Bergauer, M. et al. 2005. Quinoline and quinazoline derivatives having affinity for 5ht1-type receptors. WO 2005014552 [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].
- 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].
- Ward, S. E. 2003. Heterocyclymethylpiperidines and -piperazines possessing affinity at 5ht-1 type receptors. WO2003068771A1 [Patent].
- Smith, P. W., Thewlis, K. M., Vong, A. K. and Ward, S. E. 2003. Compounds possessing affinity at 5ht1-type receptors and use thereof in therapy of cns disorders. WO2003068760A2 [Patent].
- Flynn, S. T., Smith, P. W., Thewlis, K. M., Ward, S. E. and Wyman, P. A. 2003. Piperidine and piperazine derivatives possessing affinity at 5ht-1 type receptors. WO2003068236A1 [Patent].
- Gillespie, R. J., Monck, N. J., Bird, A. J. and Ward, S. E. 2000. 2-adamantanemethanamine compounds for treating abnormalities in glutamatergic transmission. WO2000044371A1 [Patent].
- Gillespie, R. J., Lerpiniere, J., Gaur, S., Adams, D. R., Knutsen, L. J. and Ward, S. E. 2000. 4-quinolinemethanol derivatives as purine receptor antagonists (i). WO2000013681A2 [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].
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
