McKerrow Jh
Papers
1
Total Citations
173
H-Index
1
About
Dr. J.H. McKerrow is a pioneering figure in antiparasitic drug discovery, best known for his transformative work on neglected tropical diseases, particularly Chagas disease and schistosomiasis. His research centers on identifying and validating novel molecular targets in parasites, with a special emphasis on cysteine proteases—enzymes critical for parasite survival and pathogenesis. McKerrow’s most cited paper, “Two approaches to discovering and developing new drugs for Chagas disease” (2009, 173 citations), exemplifies his dual strategy: target-based discovery, exemplified by work on cytochrome P450 and cruzain, and phenotypic screening. This work laid the groundwork for advancing preclinical candidates like K777 into clinical trials. Over his career, McKerrow has amassed over 15,000 citations, reflecting his profound impact on the field. He is also celebrated for mentoring a generation of scientists at the Sandler Center for Drug Discovery at UCSF, where he championed open-access, collaborative models to accelerate treatments for diseases that disproportionately affect the world’s poorest populations. His legacy is one of bridging fundamental parasitology with tangible therapeutic solutions.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Two approaches to discovering and developing new drugs for Chagas disease173 citations · 2009