MEDCHEM-2026

Professor Francesco Epifano is a distinguished Italian pharmaceutical chemist and academic, internationally recognized for his pioneering work in the chemistry of natural products and the development of novel bioactive compounds. He currently holds the position of Full Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the Department of Pharmacy, Università “G. d’Annunzio” di Chieti–Pescara, where he also leads a dynamic research group focused on the discovery, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation of secondary metabolites of natural origin. Born and educated in Italy, Professor Epifano earned his doctoral degree in pharmaceutical sciences, developing an early interest in the structural and functional characterization of phytochemicals. Over the course of his career, he has significantly contributed to the field through the study of oxyprenylated coumarins, phenylpropanoids, prenyloxy-anthraquinones, and other structurally modified natural products with promising therapeutic applications. A central theme in Professor Epifano’s research is the exploration of natural modulators of the central nervous system, including agents that interact with melatonin and aryl hydrocarbon receptors. His seminal work on compounds such as 7-isopentenyloxycoumarin has opened new perspectives in neuropharmacology, cancer prevention, and oxidative stress modulation. Notably, he has demonstrated the cytotoxic potential of several prenylated coumarins and their ability to modulate mitochondrial activity and protect against oxidative damage—work that has drawn considerable attention in pharmacognosy and medicinal chemistry. In addition to his biochemical and pharmacological investigations, Professor Epifano has made significant advancements in innovative extraction technologies, including the application of electromagnetic induction heating for efficient, rapid, and eco-compatible recovery of bioactive metabolites from plant matrices. This work highlights his commitment to integrating green chemistry principles with modern phytopharmaceutical research. Professor Epifano has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed scientific articles, reviews, and book chapters in leading journals in natural product chemistry, phytochemistry, and medicinal chemistry. His scholarly output is characterized by methodological rigor, interdisciplinary breadth, and translational relevance. In recognition of his scientific achievements, in 2017, he received the prestigious Innovation Award from the Phytochemical Society of Europe and Pierre Fabre R&D, honoring his groundbreaking contributions to the discovery of novel natural compounds acting on CNS receptors. This accolade reflects his stature within the international research community and his ability to bridge fundamental natural product chemistry with therapeutic innovation. Professor Epifano has also been active in organizing international conferences, including symposia dedicated to the chemistry and biological activity of natural products, and collaborates with research groups across Europe, North America, and Asia. He maintains long-standing research partnerships with institutions in France, Belgium, Germany, Canada, and Japan. A respected educator and mentor, he teaches advanced courses in medicinal chemistry and natural substances at both undergraduate and graduate levels, guiding students through the complexities of drug discovery from nature. Under his supervision, several young researchers have successfully launched careers in academia and industry. Professor Francesco Epifano continues to pursue research at the intersection of natural product chemistry, pharmacology, and green technology, with ongoing projects focused on antioxidant agents, antiviral phytochemicals, and natural modulators of cellular signaling pathways. His work represents a vital contribution to the evolving field of natural product-derived drug development.