Martin Safo inducted as NAI senior member

March 1, 2024

Two VCU researchers who have dedicated their work to the treatment and diagnosis of life-threatening diseases have been honored as senior members by the National Academy of Inventors.

Richard T. Marconi, Ph.D., and Martin K. Safo, Ph.D., a professor in our Department of Medicinal Chemistry, were given the status this month by the NAI, a member organization of U.S. and international universities, governmental agencies and nonprofits. It boasts more than 4,600 members and is affiliated with more than 300 institutions.

Safo is largely focused on research aimed at advancing treatment for sickle cell disease, which predominantly affects Black patients. Blood cells fold into bizarre shapes (including “sickles” that give the disease its name) and clump together, causing excruciating pain, anemia and often an early death. Safo’s ultimate goal is to create an “anti-sickling” drug agent that could transform the disease into a manageable chronic condition — or serve as a functional cure.

Safo holds 17 utility patents and has five pending patents on his efforts. Much of his intellectual property has been licensed to companies for further development or commercialization, and some of his findings form the basis of IllExcor Therapeutics, a company he co-founded that is dedicated to advancing sickle cell treatment.

“This recognition inspires me to continue in pioneering biomedical advancements, particularly in sickle cell disease drug development, aiming for a transformative impact toward a manageable chronic condition or functional cure of this disease,” Safo said.

Read the full article "National Academy of Inventors names two VCU faculty as senior members for their research into treating diseases" on VCU News.