People of ASP

Dr. O’Keefe is an expert in the screening of natural product extracts and the discovery of novel bioactive compounds. He has pioneered the discovery of biotherapeutics from natural products, especially in the area of antiviral proteins. He also specializes in the analysis and exploitation of protein-ligand interactions for both high-throughput screening and compound characterization. As Director of the Molecular Targets Program and Chief of the Natural Products Branch, Dr. O’Keefe is integral in the NCI’s drug discovery efforts from natural product extracts. Areas of Expertise 1) natural products, 2) protein chemistry, 3) antiviral proteins, 4) biochemistry, 5) anti-cancer and anti-viral high-throughput screening, 6) drug discovery