Qualifications:
BPharm; M.Sc. (Pharmaceutical Science); PhD (Pharmaceutical Science)

Teaching:

• Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Research Interests:

My research focuses on drug design and discovery, particularly in the organic synthesis and biological evaluation of polycyclic cages, neurogenic substances, and multifunctional hybrids. These compounds have potential applications in treating neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, I am interested in using nano-drug formulations to enhance the bioavailability and blood-brain barrier permeability of central nervous system agents.

Selected publications:

• Egunlusi A.O., Malan S.F., Joubert J. Tricycloundecane derivatives as potential N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and voltage-gated calcium channel modulators. ChemMedChem 2015, 10 (7), 1259-1266. doi: 10.1002/cmdc.201500072. Epub 2015 May 26. PMID: 26012541.
• Egunlusi A.O., Malan S.F., Omoruyi S.I., Ekpo O.E., Joubert J. Open and rearranged norbornane derived polycyclic cage molecules as potential neuroprotective agents through attenuation of MPP+- and calcium overload-induced excitotoxicity in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 2020, 204, 112617. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112617. Epub 2020 Jul 17. PMID: 32717484.
• Egunlusi A.O., Malan S.F., Joubert J. Synthesis of 4-oxatricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]dec-8-ene-3,5-dione derivatives as lead scaffolds for neuroprotective agents. Arkivoc 2020, part V, 28-38. https://doi.org/10.24820/ark.5550190.p011.302
• Egunlusi A.O., Malan S.F., Omoruyi S.I., Ekpo O.E., Joubert J. 4-Oxatricyclo[5.2.1.0^2,6]dec-8-ene-3,5-dione derivatives as NMDA receptor- and VGCC blockers with neuroprotective potential. Molecules 2020, 25 (19), 4552. doi: 10.3390/molecules25194552. PMID: 33027964; PMCID: PMC7582567.