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Episode Summary Potent in vitro hits often fail in vivo—Martin Marro details how robust assay choice and pathway deconvolution can revive GPCR drug discovery programs. Listeners will learn practical approaches to assay development for GPCR drug discovery, the pitfalls of calcium readouts, and how identifying pathway bias impacts translational success. Dr. Marro shares his experience bridging in vitro–in vivo gaps, refining selection flowcharts, and leveraging pharmacology research to drive clinical candidates. His strategic perspective is rooted in years of leading multimodal discovery teams in pharma and biotech. Key Takeaways Assay selection critically shapes the trajectory from hit to clinic.Calcium and IP1 assays may not predict in vivo efficacy for all Gq-coupled receptor targetsAlternative pathway analysis may be essential for mechanism elucidation.Persistence in probing beyond standard readouts can rescue high-profile discovery programs. Team structure and collaborative problem-solving are pivotal in resolving translational bottlenecks. Explore Dr. GPCR Resources - Dr. GPCR Ecosystem - Membership & Pricing - Weekly News Explore the full depth of GPCR resources, events, and member-exclusive tools with Dr. GPCR Premium. About the Guest Dr. Martin Marro leads the Cell Pharmacology group in the DOCTA division at Lilly’s Seaport Innovation Center in Boston, MA. Trained as a pharmacologist, Dr. Marro has accumulated over 20 years of experience spanning large pharmaceutical firms—including GSK, Novartis, and Lilly—and innovative biotech such as Tectonic Therapeutic. He holds deep expertise in early drug discovery across small molecules, peptides, and antibody therapeutics for metabolic, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal diseases. Dr. Marro’s research has been central to the discovery and characterization of multiple clinical candidates, with a focus on GPCR target validation, receptor pharmacology, and translational assay strategies. He played a key role in patenting and developing novel fatty acid-conjugated GLP-1 receptor agonists. Driven by the challenge of translating robust in vitro science into clinical proof-of-concept, Dr. Marro’s leadership continues to impact the field of GPCR drug discovery. Keywords: gpcr podcast, assay development, pharmacology research.

GPCR tools don’t move the field forward unless researchers can actually use them. This episode breaks down how collaboration turns probes into progress. Summary In the final episode of this series, David Hodson, Johannes Broichhagen, and Maria Majellaro unpack how academic labs and Celtarys Research partnered to scale fluorescent probes, improve assay development, and support gpcr drug discovery. The conversation spans receptor internalization, fluorescence assays, tech transfer realities, and why tool availability—not just invention—drives translational pharmacology research. Key takeaways Why accessibility defines the real impact of GPCR tools How industry enables scalable assay development Lessons from receptor internalization studies in complex tissues What makes academia–industry collaborations actually work Read more here: https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/scaling-glp-1-receptor-tools-through-academia–industry-collaboration

Chemical probes are reshaping how we map GLP-1R in real time — revealing receptor pools antibodies can’t reliably capture. This is Episode 2 of a 3-part GPCR tool-development series created in partnership with Celtarys Research. Summary: Dr. Johannes Broichhagen aka JB breaks down the design logic behind fluorophore-linked peptides, assay trade-offs, and what true receptor internalization looks like in live tissue. A concise masterclass in assay development and GPCR drug discovery. What you’ll learn: • Why antibody variability pushed JB toward chemical probe engineering • The design logic behind Luxendin-based fluorescent tools — and how structure guides function • What “good assay development” looks like when cells, tissue, and probe behavior collide • Behind-the-scenes stories from the collaboration with David Hodson • Why parallelized experiments matter for reproducibility and signal quality • How small-molecule probes outperform antibodies in live-cell and tissue imaging • The surprising breakthroughs that shifted JB’s entire research trajectory • Future directions: multi-color GPCR mapping, AI-guided ligand design, and in vivo chemical biology Dr GPCR Links & Resources: • Dr. GPCR Ecosystem: https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/ • Membership & Pricing: https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/university-pricing• Weekly News: https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/gpcr-weekly-news

Precise receptor mapping is reshaping how we understand incretin biology. David Hodson explains how GPCR-targeted chemical probes reveal where GLP-1 and GIP receptors actually signal across pancreas and brain—and what this means for metabolic drug design.Learn how these tools refine gpcr drug discovery, clarify receptor internalization, and guide next-gen therapeutics.🎓 Join Dr. GPCR Premium for exclusive episodes + research tools → https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/

What makes Monash a model for modern pharmacology? Dr. Michelle Halls reveals how collaboration, mentorship, and receptor organization shape today’s GPCR breakthroughs — from femtomolar signaling to cancer biology. A look inside a lab culture built on precision, openness, and impact. 👉  Watch the complete episode: https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/leadership-luck-and-gpcr-signaling 🎓 Join Dr. GPCR Premium for exclusive episodes + research tools → https://www.drgpcr.com/premium

Predicting, not just explaining, can change how we design GPCR-targeted drugs. Jens Carlsson reveals how modeling bridges structure, function, and pharmacology. Hear how predictive simulations shape assay development, GPCR drug discovery, and collaborations across disciplines. 🎓 Join Dr. GPCR Premium for exclusive episodes + research tools → https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/gpcr-university-pricing   Watch the complete episode at https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/model-predict-discover

🔬 What if you could track GPCR internalization—no wash, high-throughput, and in endogenous systems? Discover how Dr. Eric Trinquet and Revvity built pH Sense, a next-gen fluorescence assay that redefines receptor internalization workflows. Learn assay trade-offs, tool design, and how to decode GPCR behavior with precision. 🎓 Join Dr. GPCR Premium for exclusive episodes + research tools → https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/gpcr-university-pricing Watch the complete episode at https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/from-rare-earth-probes-to-real-internalization-assays-the-ph-sense-story

What if a failed med school plan led to a biotech breakthrough?Ajay Yekkirala shares how GPCRs, AI, and scientific curiosity are reshaping pain therapeutics — and what it really takes to build better medicines.Watch the video version of this podcast episode: What if a failed med school plan led to a biotech breakthrough?Ajay Yekkirala shares how GPCRs, AI, and scientific curiosity are reshaping pain therapeutics — and what it really takes to build better medicines.Watch the video version of this podcast episode: https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/from-curiosity-to-breakthrough-ajay-yekkirala-on-gpcr-innovation

When fentanyl slows your breath and xylazine traps it, the clock starts ticking. PhD candidate Catherine Demery takes us inside her fight to understand how fentanyl and xylazine shut down breathing in different ways—work that blends GPCR pharmacology, animal models, and real-time street data to combat the opioid crisis.Watch the video version of this podcast episode: Ep 172 with Catherine Demery

Watch the video version of this podcast episode. https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/ep-171-with-alessandro-nicoli --------------------------------- Become a #DrGPCR Ecosystem Member --------------------------------- Imagine a world in which the vast majority of us are healthy. The #DrGPCR Ecosystem is all about dynamic interactions between us working towards exploiting the druggability of #GPCRs. We aspire to provide opportunities to connect, share, form trusting partnerships, grow, and thrive together. --------------------------------- To build our #GPCR Ecosystem, we created various enabling outlets. Premium YearlyPremium Yearly for TeamsDeveloping Countries Are you a #GPCR professional? Subscribe to the Classified GPCR Weekly NewsListen and subscribe to #DrGPCRPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Watch the video version of this podcast episode. https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/ep-170-with-dr-alex-serafini --------------------------------- Become a #DrGPCR Ecosystem Member --------------------------------- Imagine a world in which the vast majority of us are healthy. The #DrGPCR Ecosystem is all about dynamic interactions between us working towards exploiting the druggability of #GPCRs. We aspire to provide opportunities to connect, share, form trusting partnerships, grow, and thrive together. --------------------------------- To build our #GPCR Ecosystem, we created various enabling outlets. Premium YearlyPremium Yearly for TeamsDeveloping Countries Are you a #GPCR professional? Subscribe to the Classified GPCR Weekly NewsListen and subscribe to #DrGPCRPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Watch the video version of this podcast episode. https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/ep-169-with-dr-sokhom-pin --------------------------------- Become a #DrGPCR Ecosystem Member --------------------------------- Imagine a world in which the vast majority of us are healthy. The #DrGPCR Ecosystem is all about dynamic interactions between us working towards exploiting the druggability of #GPCRs. We aspire to provide opportunities to connect, share, form trusting partnerships, grow, and thrive together. --------------------------------- To build our #GPCR Ecosystem, we created various enabling outlets. Premium YearlyPremium Yearly for TeamsDeveloping Countries Are you a #GPCR professional? Subscribe to the Classified GPCR Weekly NewsListen and subscribe to #DrGPCRPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Watch the video version of this podcast episode: https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/ep-168-with-dr.-maria-majellaro-from-celtarys Visit Celtarys' website in the Ecosystem: https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/celtarys-research-dr-gpcr-ecosystemRead the DrGPCR x Celtarys Partnership Press Release: https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/post/dr-gpcr-and-celtarys-research-join-forces-to-expand-access-to-innovative-gpcr-toolsLearn more about Celtarys Research: https://www.celtarys.com/ --------------------------------- Become a #DrGPCR Ecosystem Member --------------------------------- Imagine a world in which the vast majority of us are healthy. The #DrGPCR Ecosystem is all about dynamic interactions between us working towards exploiting the druggability of #GPCRs. We aspire to provide opportunities to connect, share, form trusting partnerships, grow, and thrive together. --------------------------------- To build our #GPCR Ecosystem, we created various enabling outlets. Premium YearlyPremium Yearly for TeamsDeveloping Countries Are you a #GPCR professional? Subscribe to the Classified GPCR Weekly NewsListen and subscribe to #DrGPCRPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Watch the video version of this podcast episode. https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/ep-167-with-tom-sakmar-%26-ilana-kotliar --------------------------------- Become a #DrGPCR Ecosystem Member --------------------------------- Imagine a world in which the vast majority of us are healthy. The #DrGPCR Ecosystem is all about dynamic interactions between us working towards exploiting the druggability of #GPCRs. We aspire to provide opportunities to connect, share, form trusting partnerships, grow, and thrive together. --------------------------------- To build our #GPCR Ecosystem, we created various enabling outlets. Premium YearlyPremium Yearly for TeamsDeveloping Countries Are you a #GPCR professional? Subscribe to the Classified GPCR Weekly NewsListen and subscribe to #DrGPCRPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode 166 of the Dr. GPCR Podcast features Benjamin Clements, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Michigan, who brings fresh insight into the therapeutic promise of GPCRs — particularly in the context of opioid pharmacology. With a background in pharmaceutical sciences and neuroscience, Ben now focuses on positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) targeting the mu-opioid receptor, aiming to preserve opioid analgesia while reducing harmful side effects like respiratory depression and addiction.In this episode, Ben and Dr. Yamina Berchiche discuss how a passion for translational science led him to investigate chronic pain models, including neuromas, where opioids traditionally fail. His lab’s preliminary findings — including a tenfold improvement in methadone efficacy — highlight the potential of GPCR-targeted allosteric modulators to change the treatment landscape for intractable pain conditions. These discoveries are the result of collaborative, curiosity-driven science in a lab culture that values both rigor and levity.Ben also shares his perspective on learning “old-school” assays like radioligand binding and GTPγS, emphasizing their enduring value even amid advanced high-throughput techniques. The conversation touches on mentorship, imposter syndrome, and the critical importance of creating space for new voices in the GPCR field. As Ben puts it:“Academia is all about knowing when to walk and when to run.”This episode is a powerful reminder of the role that early-career scientists play in shaping the future of GPCR drug discovery — blending pharmacological fundamentals with bold experimentation and a deep commitment to patient-centered science.Watch the complete episode at: https://www.ecosystem.drgpcr.com/dr-gpcr-podcast/ep-166-with-ben-clements --------------------------------- Become a #DrGPCR Ecosystem Member --------------------------------- Imagine a world in which the vast majority of us are healthy. The #DrGPCR Ecosystem is all about dynamic interactions between us working towards exploiting the druggability of #GPCRs. We aspire to provide opportunities to connect, share, form trusting partnerships, grow, and thrive together. --------------------------------- To build our #GPCR Ecosystem, we created various enabling outlets. Premium YearlyPremium Yearly for TeamsDeveloping Countries Are you a #GPCR professional? Subscribe to the Classified GPCR Weekly NewsListen and subscribe to #DrGPCRPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠