Congratulations to chemistry alumnus Dennis Liotta (1974-76) for receiving the 2019 Heroes of Global Health Award by the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce in recognition of his dedication and leadership in advancing global health in Atlanta and around the world. Dr. Liotta completed his postdoctoral research in chemistry at the Ohio State University under the direction of the late Leo A. Paquette.

Dr. Liotta, currently the director of the Emory Institute for Drug Development, is a distinguished international organic chemist, and is credited as the co-inventor of many of the world’s most commonly used anti-HIV/AIDS drugs. His breakthrough drug, Emtricitabine, is a component of many combination therapies used to treat HIV including Truvada, the only combination therapy approved for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). The discoveries made by Dr. Liotta and his team are used by more than 90% of all HIV/AIDS patients receiving treatment. It is an honor to have Dr. Liotta as an alumnus of this department!