Published on Mar. 3, 2026
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A Florida State University chemist has developed a method to rapidly assemble a significantly complex natural molecule called fusicoccadiene, which has potential in biomedical applications and could lead to novel drug therapies. James Frederich, the Warner Herz Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and his team were the first to fully synthesize this precursor to an emerging cancer chemotherapy treatment.
Why it matters
By studying architecturally complex substances from the natural world, scientists can alter molecules and then translate those chemical structures into starting points for drug discovery. Fusicoccadiene’s 5-8-5 ring system is critical for potential medical applications, but it is also extraordinarily complex and difficult to synthesize in labs, making Frederich’s work an important step towards developing new treatments.
The details
Frederich’s synthetic technique includes converting one compound of a polyene progenitor into a different compound using light to facilitate the chemical processes. After the molecule is produced, researchers perform modifications that allow them to alter the molecular structure at precise, site-specific locations to yield desired compounds and specific spatial arrangements, producing different functionalities and applications.
Frederich’s work was recently published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.
The players
James Frederich
The Warner Herz Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Florida State University, who led the research team that synthesized fusicoccadiene.
Wei Yang
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry chair at Florida State University, who said Frederich’s research bridges the department’s legacy in natural product and synthetic organic chemistry with the new Initiative on Molecular BioDesign.
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What they’re saying
“The Frederich Laboratory specializes in the synthesis of architecturally complex natural products that we believe have special translational potential, especially in medicine, but are currently inaccessible in a practical manner. We build complex structures from scratch by extending existing chemical methods and developing entirely new ones.”
— James Frederich, Warner Herz Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry (Mirage News)
“Dr. Frederich’s research catalyzes the inheritance of our department’s legacy and strengths in the areas of natural product and synthetic organic chemistry and bridges our rich history into the exciting new Initiative on Molecular BioDesign, leading to a vibrant and long-sought modern platform for FSU drug discovery.”
— Wei Yang, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Chair (Mirage News)
What’s next
Frederich and his team plan to continue modifying the fusicoccadiene molecule to explore its potential in new drug therapies, especially in the area of cancer treatment.
The takeaway
Frederich’s work in synthesizing the complex fusicoccadiene molecule represents an important step towards developing novel drug treatments by translating the chemical structures of natural substances into starting points for drug discovery.