Maurício Temotheo Tavares

Dr. Mauricio Tavares is an accomplished medicinal chemist with over 13 years of research and development experience in synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry, spanning academic and clinical-stage biotech environments. His expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of drug discovery approaches, including structure-based drug design (SBDD), ligand-based drug design (LBDD), high-throughput screening (HTS), and the development of small molecules, PROTACs, molecular glues, fluorescent probes, biotinylated conjugates, photoaffinity-labeling (PAL) probes, and DMPK optimization. His primary focus is on the design, synthesis, and application of in silico methods for drug discovery. Currently a Scientist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Dr. Tavares leads medicinal chemistry efforts in early- and late-stage oncology-focused drug discovery. He plays a pivotal role in designing and optimizing small molecules, PROTACs, bi-functional degraders, and photoaffinity/biotinylated probes, contributing to programs that span from target validation to advanced preclinical stages. His leadership includes strategic planning, CRO coordination (notably in UK and Asia), and the mentoring of junior researchers, fostering innovation and productivity across multidisciplinary teams.With a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of São Paulo (Brazil) and international research experience in the U.S. (University of Illinois at Chicago and The Scripps Research Institute) and Spain (University of Granada), Dr. Tavares blends academic rigor with translational impact. Dr. Tavares has directly contributed to the discovery of five drug candidates, including the Phase I HDAC6 inhibitor AVS100, and has co-authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals. His work is also protected by multiple patents in the U.S. and Brazil. (Source: Lattes Curriculum)