In the world of medicinal chemistry, personal stories often fuel passion. H. Rachel Lagiakos, director of medicinal chemistry at Schrödinger, is one such example. Her journey began with heartache: witnessing her uncle's battle with HIV in the early '90s, a struggle that was made more bearable thanks to the advancements in medication that extended his life.

This experience ignited her desire to make a difference in the pharmaceutical field. While initially inclined to pursue a pharmacy career, a pivotal moment at a chemistry meeting redirected her path. "I wanted to create drugs to help people," she recalled, only to be advised by seasoned chemists that her true calling lay in medicinal chemistry.

Lagiakos earned her Ph.D. in organic chemistry and embarked on her professional adventure. She first worked at Cancer Therapeutics in Melbourne, where she innovated in the design of molecules targeting epigenetic pathways with potential cancer-fighting properties.

Her unique approach eventually landed her a role at Schrödinger, where she became an early adopter of pioneering computational molecular design technology. Here, her multidisciplinary team is tackling the complex challenges of developing new treatments for Parkinson’s disease.

"The unmet medical need is extraordinary," Lagiakos emphasized. "Our challenge is to modulate targets effectively, alleviating the disease while minimizing side effects." One of her groundbreaking contributions is developing methods to predict which compounds can penetrate the blood-brain barrier, leading to quicker answers and reduced need for extensive animal testing.

But her influence stretches beyond the lab. Lagiakos also dedicates time to organizing sessions at American Chemical Society meetings that spotlight the latest innovations from biopharmaceutical companies. She sources and curates talks emphasizing first-in-class drugs currently in clinical trials.

"This is a way for me to give back to the community that nurtured me," she recounts, appreciating the opportunity to engage with groundbreaking science and forge connections with global experts. The upcoming session in 2026 in Atlanta will be a highlight, showcasing the newest clinical assets. Companies looking to make impactful disclosures are encouraged to reach out.

Ultimately, for Lagiakos, every effort is about one clear goal: delivering safe and effective treatments that can truly change lives. "That's what drives me every day," she declared, embodying the spirit of innovation and commitment to patient care.