David A. Horne, Ph.D., has been appointed chair of the Division of Molecular Medicine.

As chair, he will lead translational medicinal chemistry research to identify cancer-fighting, small molecule compounds and develop them into novel therapies. Horne will continue in his current position as co-director of City of Hope’s synthetic and biopolymer chemistry core facility.

Horne is an internationally recognized expert in natural products synthesis, particularly in the areas of biologically active marine alkaloids and medicinal chemistry. He joined City of Hope in 2006 as a professor in molecular medicine and became acting chair of the division when Richard Jove, Ph.D., recently was tapped to direct City of Hope’s Beckman Research Institute.

“David Horne brings his exceptional expertise in synthetic chemistry and drug development to his new role,” Jove said. “He’s made significant contributions to science by generating new methods and strategies for the synthesis of biologically active natural products, as well as speeding biological testing of these compounds for drug development to benefit patients facing cancer and other serious conditions.”

The National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation have continuously supported Horne’s research program. He currently holds six patents on his work that include vitamin D3 derivatives and the synthesis of a potential osteoarthritis treatment.

Horne began at Columbia University in New York City in 1991 as an assistant professor of chemistry. He joined Oregon State University in 1998 and was named full professor in 2005. He has authored numerous studies in journals such as the Journal of the American Chemical Society, Organic Letters and Synthesis.

He serves on the synthetic and biological chemistry review panel for the National Institutes of Health and is a member of the American Chemical Society.

“I look forward to further developing the close collaborations between researchers and clinicians that is a mainstay of the translational medicine practiced at City of Hope, which brings great advances to the care and treatment options for cancer patients,” Horne said. “We are also focused on fostering new relationships with researchers within City of Hope and from other institutions to share knowledge and help drive the rapid development of scientific innovation into practical therapies.”