Amr Ibrahim Elkabbany
Visiting Assistant Professor, Chemistry
- amr.ibrahim@mcla.edu
- Phone
- (413) 662-5366
- Office
- Center for Science & Innovation 308B
Education
B.Pharm., Al‑Azhar University, 2019
Courses Taught
- BIOL-360 Biochemistry
- BIOL-410 Biotechniques
- CHEM-152 General Chemistry
- CHEM-202 Organic Chemistry
Introduction
Dr. Amr Ibrahim Elkabbany, B.Pharm., Ph.D. is a visiting assistant professor of chemistry at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA). His teaching and research blend rigorous laboratory skills with cutting‑edge computational chemistry. At MCLA he teaches courses in biochemistry, biotechniques, organic chemistry and general chemistry, and mentors undergraduate researchers. His scholarship focuses on the design and synthesis of novel small‑molecule antivirals and peptidomimetics targeting host proteins such as vacuolar ATPase (V‑ATPase) and the TIM‑1 receptor.
Dr. Elkabbany strives to create inclusive, active‑learning classrooms where students develop critical thinking and hands‑on laboratory skills. He incorporates group problem solving, case studies and research‑style projects to engage diverse learners. As a mentor, he guides undergraduate researchers through experimental design, data analysis and communication, preparing them for graduate study and scientific careers.
Dr. Elkabbany’s research bridges organic and medicinal chemistry with computational design. Current projects include:
Broad‑spectrum antiviral agents: designing and synthesizing analogs of the natural product diphyllin that inhibit V‑ATPase, using structure‑activity relationships and computational modeling to optimize potency and drug‑like properties.
TIM‑1 peptidomimetic inhibitors: developing small peptidomimetic compounds that block the T‑cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain protein 1 (TIM‑1) receptor to prevent virus entry.
Computational modeling: employing molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations and ADME prediction tools to guide synthesis and assess pharmacokinetic profiles.
Peptide and small‑molecule synthesis: expertise in C–C/C–N coupling reactions, organometallic chemistry, peptide and peptoid synthesis, and microwave‑assisted methods.
M. Hagras, Y. A. Hegazy, A. H. Elkabbany, H. Mohammad, A. Ghiaty, T. M. Abdelghany & A. S. Mayhoub. “Biphenylthiazole antibiotics with an oxadiazole linker: An approach to improve physicochemical properties and oral bioavailability,” European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 143 (2018): 1448‑1456.
V. J. Davisson, A. H. Elkabbany, N. Fujii & L. Sanford. “Analogs of diphyllin and uses thereof.” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 67/773,826 (2025).
A. H. Elkabbany et al. “Discovery of V‑ATPase–Diphyllin binding site and optimization of analogs for Ebola virus treatment.” Manuscript under review (target journal: J. Med. Chem., 2026).
A. H. Elkabbany, R. Davey & V. J. Davisson. “Targeting strategies for broad‑spectrum antiviral host factors: mechanisms, efficacy and success against emerging diseases.” Manuscript in preparation (target submission Spring 2026).
American Chemical Society (ACS) Spring 2023 (Poster): Presented optimized diphyllin analogs for broad‑spectrum antiviral therapy.
Mid‑Atlantic Graduate Student Symposium 2024 (Oral): Discussed progress on V‑ATPase inhibitor development.
ACSMEDI‑EFMC Frontiers 2025 (Oral): Reported advances in diphyllin analog optimization and antiviral activity.