Justin S. Quartararo, Ph.D.

Justin works in an array of technical fields to develop strategic patent portfolios that align with a client’s unique needs. His work includes the preparation and prosecution of patent applications, as well as analyzing competitor landscapes and assisting in investment and licensing due diligence. An experienced chemical biologist with expertise in peptide-based drug design and small molecule synthesis, Justin’s practice areas span biologic and small molecule drug development, as well as cell biology, immune-oncology, and gene therapy.

As a doctoral researcher, Justin’s studies focused on the design and chemical synthesis of peptide macrocycles that antagonize protein-protein interactions implicated in various human diseases. With the aim of developing a paradigm for inhibiting historically challenging targets, Justin explored methods of covalently cross-linking amino acid side chains to pre-organize spatially extended pharmacophores. With an eye towards intracellular targets, Justin’s work additionally focused on methods to improve the cell-penetrating properties of constrained peptides.

As part of his research studies, Justin:

• Developed methods for the synthesis of conformationally restricted polycyclic peptides and non-natural amino acids
• Analyzed the effects of peptide cyclization on overall molecular conformation by multidimensional NMR and X-ray crystallography
• Explored the cell-penetrating characteristics and downstream activity of constrained peptides
• Assembled in silico structural models to inform the rational design of peptide inhibitors of protein-protein interactions

Justin has co-authored original research articles in several peer-reviewed journals, including The Journal of Inorganic Chemistry, ChemBioChem, and Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry.