Dear ACS San Diego Members,
As we enter the heart of summer, July offers us not only sunshine and warmth but also a chance to reflect on some pivotal moments in the history of chemistry. On July 3, 1826, French chemist Antoine-Jérôme Balard announced the discovery of bromine, element 35, to the Académie des Sciences in Paris—marking a significant addition to the halogen family. Additionally, on July 27, 1921, Sir Frederick Banting and Dr. Charles Best successfully isolated insulin at the University of Toronto—an achievement that revolutionized the treatment of diabetes and has saved countless lives.
Speaking of medicinal chemistry, we were also pleased to welcome back Dr. Nicholas Meanwell, who generously returned to give his lecture on the development of temsavir, following technical difficulties during his original presentation. His talk detailed the discovery of this powerful HIV-1 entry inhibitor, which emerged from a phenotypic screen and was optimized into the approved drug fostemsavir (marketed as Rukobia). Dr. Meanwell walked us through the structure–activity relationships, pharmacokinetic challenges, and clinical journey of this groundbreaking therapy. We are extremely grateful for his time and willingness to share such a rich and inspiring story in modern drug discovery.
San Diego Medicinal Chemistry Symposium
Friday, July 11, 2025 Register here
The San Diego MedChem Symposium, co-organized by the San Diego Section of the ACS, SABPA, and the UCSD Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, brings together leading minds in medicinal chemistry. Whether you work in academia or industry, this event offers a fantastic opportunity to hear about cutting-edge research and network with fellow scientists shaping the future of drug discovery.
50-Year Member Luncheon at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse
Saturday, August 23, 2025 Register here
We are delighted to once again celebrate our 50-year ACS members with a special luncheon at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse, a beautiful waterfront venue. This annual tradition honors the dedication and lifelong contributions of our most committed members. We invite all to attend, show appreciation, and enjoy an afternoon of good food and great company.
Thank you for staying active in our vibrant chemistry community. We look forward to seeing you—virtually or in person—at these upcoming events!
Warm regards,
Max Mahler and Jackie Trischman
Co-Chairs, ACS San Diego Section