Rate My Professor Darren Kelly

The Biomedical Translational Research Group collaborates across medicinal chemistry, receptor biology, functional physiology, and pharmacology to identify novel therapeutic targets and develop precision medicines for fibrotic and inflammatory conditions. Key research projects target cardiorenal syndromes, cardiovascular disease, and retinal fibrosis. Kelly has received major awards including the NHMRC Research Fellowship in 2009 and the JDRF Career Development Award. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Nephrology. His prolific publication record exceeds 350 papers with over 13,600 citations. Notable publications include "Thioredoxin-Interacting Protein: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Treatment of Progressive Fibrosis in Diabetic Nephropathy" (2015), "Inhibition of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 ameliorates left ventricular dysfunction by reducing hypertrophy and fibrosis in a rat model of cardiorenal syndrome" (2020), "FT011, a Novel Cardiorenal Protective Drug, Reduces Inflammation, Gliosis and Vascular Injury in Rats with Diabetic Retinopathy" (2015), and "Chronic kidney disease with comorbid cardiac dysfunction exacerbates cardiac and renal damage" (2017). Kelly's translational impact is demonstrated through founding Fibrotech Therapeutics, acquired by Shire in 2014 for US$75 million plus milestones, and Certa Therapeutics, where he serves as CEO and Managing Director, advancing anti-fibrotic agent FT011 into Phase II clinical trials for systemic sclerosis.