;)
Faculty
Anisha Gupta, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences Joined USJ:M.Pharm., Pharmaceutics, Punjabi University
Ph.D., Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University
Postdoc., Yale University
- E: [email protected]
- P: 860.231.6899
About
Dr. Anisha Gupta is a medicinal chemist and cancer researcher whose work lies at the intersection of nucleic acid chemistry, drug delivery, nanotechnology, and translational oncology.
She received her Ph.D. in Chemistry from Carnegie Mellon University, where she trained with Dr. Bruce A. Armitage and studied nucleic acid-based molecules for antisense and antigene applications, including peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-based recognition of G-quadruplex DNA.
Dr. Gupta completed postdoctoral training in Therapeutic Radiology at Yale University and subsequently served as an Associate Research Scientist at Yale. Working with Dr. Peter Glazer and Dr. Mark Saltzman, she helped develop PNA- and γPNA-based therapeutic molecules and nanoparticle delivery systems for antisense and gene-editing applications, including γPNA therapeutics targeting oncogenic microRNAs.
At USJ, she leads a student-centered research program focused on nucleic acid-based and emerging cancer therapeutic strategies. Her laboratory integrates medicinal chemistry, molecular biology, drug delivery, cancer therapeutics, and scientific communication, while giving Pharm.D. and undergraduate students opportunities to contribute to publications, grants, and scientific presentations.
- B.Pharm., Punjabi University
- M.S. (M.Pharm.), Pharmaceutics, Punjabi University
- Ph.D., Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University
- Postdoctoral Associate, Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University
- Nucleic acid chemistry and therapeutics
- Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs and γPNAs)
- Medicinal chemistry
- Cancer therapeutics
- Antisense therapeutics
- microRNA-targeted therapeutics
- Gene regulation and genome editing
- Nanotechnology and drug delivery
- DNA damage and repair
- Translational oncology
Dr. Gupta teaches medicinal chemistry and foundational science content across the integrated Pharm.D. curriculum and mentors students through research electives and advanced pharmacy practice experiences.
Current and Recent USJ Courses
- CHEM 551 Medicinal Chemistry
- PHRM 854 Integrated Oncology Pharmacotherapeutics 1
- PHRM 840 Integrated Cardiology/Renal Therapeutics 1
- PHRM 851 Integrated Central Nervous System Pharmacotherapeutics 2
- PHRM 892 Research Methods in Pharmaceutical Sciences
- PHRM 969 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience in Pharmacy Research
- PHRM 742 Integrated Infectious Disease Pharmacotherapeutics
- BIOL 497 Advanced Independent Research
Advancing Nucleic Acid Therapeutics and Emerging Strategies for Cancer
The Gupta Research Laboratory develops and evaluates innovative cancer therapies by integrating nucleic acid chemistry, medicinal chemistry, molecular biology, and drug-delivery technologies.
A major focus of the laboratory is developing nucleic acid-based molecules that selectively target disease-associated RNAs and microRNAs. The laboratory is particularly interested in oncogenic microRNAs (oncomiRs) that regulate cancer growth, survival, therapeutic resistance, and tumor adaptation.
The laboratory also investigates emerging therapeutic approaches across oncology and hematologic malignancies, creating opportunities for Pharm.D. students to connect fundamental medicinal chemistry with rapidly evolving cancer treatments.
1. Nucleic Acid Therapeutics for Cancer
The laboratory designs and evaluates nucleic acid-based molecules, including PNAs and γPNAs, to selectively regulate cancer-associated molecular targets. Research focuses on optimizing chemical structure, target recognition, intracellular delivery, and biological activity to improve therapeutic efficacy.
2. Targeting Oncogenic RNAs and microRNAs
The Gupta laboratory investigates antisense approaches directed against oncogenic RNAs and microRNAs, including networks associated with breast cancer, lymphoma, and other malignancies. Previous work from Dr. Gupta and collaborators has included targeting microRNA-210 and the miR-17-92 cluster using chemically modified antisense strategies.
3. PNA and γPNA Therapeutics
Peptide nucleic acids are synthetic nucleic acid analogs with strong and sequence-specific recognition of DNA and RNA. The laboratory studies chemically modified PNAs and γPNAs for antisense inhibition, microRNA targeting, gene regulation, genome editing, and cancer therapeutics.
4. Nanotechnology and Drug Delivery
Efficient delivery remains a principal challenge in nucleic acid therapeutics. The laboratory focuses on nanoparticle- and bioconjugate-based approaches that improve stability, cellular uptake, tissue delivery, and therapeutic activity. Dr. Gupta’s work includes nanoparticle-mediated PNA delivery, organ-targeted nucleic acid delivery, and polymeric delivery systems.
5. Cancer Biology and DNA Repair
The laboratory investigates how manipulation of DNA damage and repair pathways may selectively affect cancer cells. Student projects have examined bioactive small molecules, DNA double-strand-break activity, and DNA repair inhibitors as potential cancer therapeutic strategies.
6. Emerging and Translational Cancer Therapeutics
The Gupta group also examines rapidly evolving therapeutic strategies through translational and literature-based research. Areas of interest include CAR-T cell therapy, bispecific antibodies, multiple myeloma therapeutics, antisense therapeutics, targeted protein degradation, rational combination therapies, PARP inhibitor strategies, and precision oncology.
Principal Investigator
Anisha Gupta, Ph.D.
Dr. Gupta leads the laboratory’s research in nucleic acid therapeutics, medicinal chemistry, drug delivery, and cancer therapeutics. Her research training spans pharmaceutical sciences, G-quadruplex recognition, antisense therapeutics, gene editing, nanotechnology, and cancer biology. She emphasizes interdisciplinary research and meaningful scholarly opportunities for Pharm.D. and undergraduate students.
Current Student Researchers
Natasha Shah, Pharm.D. Student
Raymonde Smith, Pharm.D. Student
Raymonde Smith earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Hartford. Her research in the Gupta laboratory evaluates small molecules that influence DNA double-strand-break pathways for cancer therapy. She received USJ student research and presentation support, presented at the 2026 APhA Annual Meeting in Los Angeles on the DNA double-strand-break activity of mimosine, and completed PHRM 892 Research Methods course and is currently taking PHRM 969 research APPE rotation.
Research interests: DNA damage, DNA repair, medicinal chemistry, cancer therapeutics
Kevin Garcia, Pharm.D. Student
Kevin Garcia earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in Biomedics and previously gained molecular biology and microbiology research experience at the University of Puerto Rico. In the Gupta laboratory, he has worked on cancer therapeutics and PNA-based research. He received a USJ student research grant, presented “Potential for L-Canavanine for Cancer Therapy” at the 2026 AAPS NERDG meeting in Connecticut, presented at USJ Symposium Day, completed PHRM 892, and is currently taking a PHRM 969 research APPE rotation.
Research interests: Cancer therapeutics, medicinal chemistry, nucleic acid therapeutics
Maya Tomko, Pharm.D. Student
Maya Tomko earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. Her research in the Gupta laboratory examines how DNA repair inhibitors and bioactive small molecules affect cancer cells. In 2026, Maya presented her work at the USJ Annual Symposium Day and received the Outstanding Graduate Oral Presentation in Natural Sciences award.
Research interests: DNA repair, cancer therapeutics, medicinal chemistry
Era Lulo, Pharm.D. Student
Era Lulo earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Quinnipiac University. She has conducted cancer-focused research with the Gupta group since 2025. In 2026, she presented at the USJ Annual Symposium Day and is contributing to a manuscript in preparation.
Research interests: Cancer therapeutics, translational oncology, scientific writing
The Gupta laboratory has mentored Pharm.D., undergraduate, and high-school students in research electives, APPE research rotations, grant-supported projects, conference presentations, and peer-reviewed scholarship.
Mahnoor Khan, Pharm.D.
Current position: Resident, Yale Health
Mentored 2023–2026, including an APPE research rotation. Recipient of a USJ student research grant and presentation grant; Outstanding Graduate Oral Presentation in Natural Sciences at USJ Symposium Day (2024); presenter at APhA 2025; USJ Student Research Ambassador (2026); co-author of the 2025 Cell Reports Physical Science multiple myeloma review and the 2026 iScience CAR-T review.
Nikki Truong, Pharm.D.
Current position: Naval Officer and Pharmacist
Contributed to multiple myeloma scholarship; presented at USJ Symposium Day and AMCP; co-author of the 2025 Cell Reports Physical Science review on antisense therapeutics in multiple myeloma.
Ciara Marro-Wilson, Pharm.D.
Current position: Matched with Northwell Health – Vivo Health PGY-2 Residency Program
Contributed to nucleic acid delivery scholarship and is a co-author of a 2024 RNA publication on bioconjugate-based delivery systems.
Caleigh Dodge, Pharm.D.
Current position: Pharmacist, CVS Pharmacy
Completed PHRM 969 research APPE and presented “Evaluating Oncogenic Noncoding RNA Gene Expression in Cancer” at USJ Symposium Day
Faria Iqbal, Pharm.D.
Current position: Pharmacy Manager, Stop & Shop
Recipient of multiple USJ student research/presentation grants; presented PNA/oncomiR research at USJ and APhA; completed a research APPE.
Victoria MacLelland, Pharm.D.
Current position: Neuroscience Clinical Scientist, Bristol Myers Squibb
Recipient of USJ research/presentation grants; presented at USJ and AMCP; co-author of the 2024 Molecular Therapy – Nucleic Acids review on peptide nucleic acids.
Madeline Kravitz, Pharm.D.
Current position: Sterile Compounding Pharmacist, B. Braun Medical Inc.
Recipient of a USJ student research grant; co-author of publications in Cells (2021) and Molecular Therapy – Nucleic Acids (2024).
Ashitey Annaliza, Pharm.D.
Current position: Pharmacist, Walgreens
Completed directed research and is a co-author of the 2025 Cell Reports Physical Science review on antisense therapeutics in multiple myeloma.
Dominic Alfano, Pharm.D.
Current position: Oncology Pharmacist, Hartford Hospital
Completed directed research and is a co-author of the 2025 Cell Reports Physical Science review and the 2026 iScience CAR-T review.
Maria DiBella, Pharm.D.
Completed directed research and is a co-author of the 2021 Nanomaterials review on green synthesis of nanomaterials.
Melissa DeBella, Pharm.D.
Current position: Emergency Medicine Clinical Pharmacist, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Completed directed research and is a co-author of the 2021 Nanomaterials review on green synthesis of nanomaterials.
Undergraduate Research Alumni
Ivy Browne
Ivy completed BIOL 497 Advanced Independent Research, received a USJ student research grant, and presented research on antisense PNAs targeting the oncogenic miR-17-92 cluster at AAPS NERDG, the TriBeta NE-1 Convention, and USJ Symposium Day in 2025.
High School Research Alumni
Shruti Sendhilkumar
Shruti conducted research from 2023–2024 and presented “Exploring Antisense Strategies Using AKT Inhibitors to Target Breast Cancer Cells” at the 2024 Glastonbury High School STEMPOSIUM. She is now a Chemical and Biological Engineering student at Tufts University.
Student mentorship is central to the Gupta Research Laboratory. Students participate in laboratory-based cancer research, translational oncology, and scholarly literature projects to develop technical expertise and independence as scientific thinkers and communicators.
Students receive experience in areas such as:
- Scientific literature evaluation
- Experimental design
- Cancer cell culture and molecular biology
- Nucleic acid therapeutics
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Scientific writing
- Manuscript preparation
- Poster preparation
- Oral scientific presentations
- Peer-reviewed publication
Students from the laboratory have received competitive USJ research and presentation grants and have presented at institutional, regional, national, and international scientific meetings.
The Gupta Research Laboratory welcomes motivated Pharm.D., undergraduate, and qualified high-school students interested in cancer therapeutics, medicinal chemistry, nucleic acid therapeutics, and scientific research.
Expectations
- Participate consistently in research activities.
- Dedicate approximately 4–8 hours per week, depending on the project.
- Participate in regular laboratory and progress meetings.
- Read and discuss scientific literature related to the project.
- Present research progress during group meetings.
- Maintain organized research records.
- Submit periodic written research updates.
- Participate in data analysis and interpretation.
- Contribute to manuscript preparation when appropriate.
- Present research at USJ Symposium Day and, when appropriate, at regional or national scientific meetings.
Qualifications
Previous research experience is not required.
- Curiosity and a desire to learn
- Reliability
- Attention to detail
- Organizational skills
- Ability to work collaboratively
- Commitment to completing research responsibilities
Prior chemistry or biology laboratory experience is helpful but not essential.
Dr. Gupta has authored or co-authored 30 peer-reviewed publications. The following selections highlight recent work and foundational contributions relevant to her current research program.
2026
Khan M., Alfano D., Gupta A. Advancements in Multiple Myeloma Treatment: Integrating Quadruplet and Dual Antigen CAR-T Therapy. iScience. 2026; 116509.
Shah N., Suganthi V., Smith R., Ramirez K., Eassa H., Gupta A. Roles and applications of Peptide Nucleic Acid-based nanoparticles in cancer treatment. Nanomedicine. 2026; 1–16.
De A., Kumar V., Saltzman M.W., Slack F.J., Vikram A., Gupta A., Bahal R. Advances in peptide nucleic acid for targeting RNA and genomic DNA. Cell Reports Physical Science. 2026; 7.
2025
Kapphahn A., Truong N., Khan M., Ashitey A., Alfano D., Gupta A. Targeting multiple myeloma using antisense therapeutics. Cell Reports Physical Science. 2025; 6(11).
Ricciardi A.S., Barone C., Putnam R., et al., Gupta A., et al. Systemic in utero gene editing as a treatment of cystic fibrosis. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2025. PMID: 40493185.
2024
Gupta A., Barone C., Quijano E., et al. Next generation triplex-forming PNAs for site-specific genome editing of the F508del CFTR mutation. Journal of Cystic Fibrosis. 2024. PMID: 39107154.
MacLelland V., Kravitz M., Gupta A. Therapeutic and diagnostic applications of peptide nucleic acids. Molecular Therapy – Nucleic Acids. 2024; 35:102086.
Kumar V., Wahane A., Tham M., Somlo S., Gupta A., Bahal R. Efficient and selective kidney targeting by chemically modified carbohydrate conjugates. Molecular Therapy. 2024; 32(12).
Wahane A., Kasina V., Pathuri M., Wilson-Marro C., Gupta A., Slack F.J., Bahal R. Development of bioconjugates-based delivery systems for nucleic acids. RNA. 2024; 31(1).
Selected Foundational Publications
Gupta A., Quijano E., Liu Y., et al. Antitumor activity of miniPEG-gamma modified PNAs to inhibit microRNA-210 for cancer therapy. Molecular Therapy – Nucleic Acids. 2017; 9:111–119.
Gupta A., Bahal R., Gupta M., Glazer P.M., Saltzman W.M. Nanotechnology for delivery of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs). Journal of Controlled Release. 2016; 240:302–311.
McNeer N.A., Anandalingam K., Fields R.J., et al., Gupta A., et al. Correction of F508del CFTR in airway epithelium using nanoparticles delivering triplex-forming PNAs. Nature Communications. 2015; 6.
Murphy C.T., Gupta A., Armitage B.A., Opresko P.L. Hybridization of G-quadruplex-forming peptide nucleic acids to guanine-rich DNA templates inhibits DNA polymerase extension. Biochemistry. 2014; 53(32):5315–5322.
Gupta A., Lee L.L., Roy S., et al. Strand invasion of DNA quadruplexes by PNA: Comparison of homologous and complementary hybridization. ChemBioChem. 2013; 14(12):1476–1484.
Gupta A., Glazer P., Egan M., Saltzman M., Barone C. “Peptide nucleic acid compositions with gamma modified Hoogsteen binding segments and methods of use thereof.” US2022/0243211, 2022.
Selected Grants Awarded to Dr. Gupta
- 2025 — Teaching and Learning Center Grant, University of Saint Joseph — $7,961
- 2024 — USJ Endowment Funds Grant to support SRCA Invited Research Seminar
- 2023 — USJ Endowment Funds Grant to support Symposium Day
- 2023 — Teaching and Learning Center Grant, University of Saint Joseph — $4,600
- 2022 — American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy New Investigator Award — $8,000
- 2021 — Teaching and Learning Center Grant, University of Saint Joseph — $5,000
2026 AAISCR–Tripti R. Ghosh Memorial Award for Women Cancer Research Scientists
Dr. Gupta received the 2026 American Association of Indian Scientists in Cancer Research (AAISCR)–Tripti R. Ghosh Memorial Award for Women Cancer Research Scientists in recognition of her contributions to cancer research.
2022 AACP New Investigator Award
Dr. Gupta received the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy New Investigator Award in 2022 to support the development of her research program at USJ.
2026
Maya Tomko receives Outstanding Graduate Oral Presentation award
Maya received the Outstanding Graduate Oral Presentation in Natural Sciences award at the 2026 USJ Annual Symposium Day.
Raymonde Smith presents at APhA 2026
Raymonde presented “Evaluation of DNA Double-Strand Break Activity of Mimosine for Cancer Therapy” at the APhA Annual Meeting in Los Angeles.
Kevin Garcia presents at AAPS NERDG 2026
Kevin presented “Potential for L-Canavanine for Cancer Therapy” at the AAPS Northeast Regional Discussion Group meeting in Connecticut.
2025
Mahnoor Khan presents at APhA Annual Meeting
Mahnoor presented research on developing RNA-based therapeutics for breast cancer at APhA 2025 in Nashville.
Nikki Truong presents multiple myeloma research at AMCP
Nikki presented work on potential antisense therapeutics for multiple myeloma at AMCP in 2025.
