Andrew Felts, Ph.D.
Research Assistant Professor |
Associate Director of Medicinal Chemistry
B.S. | Univeristy of Tennessee, 2000 Psychology |
B.S. | Florida State Univeristy, 2002 Chemistry |
Ph.D. | Vanderbilt University, 2007 Chemistry |
Phone: (615) 322-7324
Fax: (615) 322-8577
Email: a.felts@vanderbilt.edu
Location: Cool Springs Innovation Park

Mailing Address:
Vanderbilt University/VCNDD
1205 Light Hall
Nashville, TN 37232-0697
Biosketch and Research Interests
Andrew joined Craig Lindsley’s lab in 2008 and since then, his research has focused primarily on the development of allosteric modulators of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlus). The mGlus represent a family of GPCRs that play a diverse role in the central nervous system, and many of their signaling pathways have been implicated in a diverse array of neurological diseases. It is believed that allosteric modulation of these receptors offers the potential for a much safer and therapeutically precise approach to the treatment of these physiological disorders.
Upon joining the VCNDD, Andrew worked on the mGu5 NAM program that was focused on developing molecules for the treatment of Fragile X syndrome. As the lead chemist, he was part of a small team that spent several years expanding an initial HTS hit into a diverse lead series and eventually a pre-clinical candidate. More recently, he directed the chemistry efforts of the mGlu4 PAM program which succeeded in developing promising candidate for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease that is currently in pre-clinical development.
Currently Andrew is directing the chemistry efforts of the early stage M5 NAM program focused on developing molecules for the treatment of addiction.