American Chemical Society announces new journal dedicated to pharmacology, biochemistry and drug discovery research

WASHINGTON, Feb. 14, 2018 — The Publications Division of the American Chemical Society (ACS) today introduced ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science, a peer-reviewed, interdisciplinary journal that will cover the broad spectrum of pharmacology, biochemistry and experimental medicine — from basic and molecular sciences to translational preclinical studies — to its portfolio. In addition, the journal will consider clinical studies that address novel mechanisms of action and methodological papers that provide innovation and advance translation. Patrick M. Sexton, Ph.D., professor of pharmacology and head of the drug discovery biology theme at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, will serve as the journal’s inaugural editor-in-chief.

ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science presents a new opportunity to enrich and expand the conversation featuring fundamental and applied research in pharmacology and translational science. The journal will provide a venue for leading pharmacology research, a field that encompasses the study of the science of drug action on biological systems. Here, a drug is defined as any natural or synthetic chemical agent that elicits a biochemical or physiological effect on cells, tissues, organs or on an organism as a whole.

“With the introduction of ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science, ACS is excited to offer researchers a high-quality venue to rapidly publish their best work in this developing field,” says James Milne, Ph.D., senior vice president, ACS Publications Journals Publishing Group. “I am particularly delighted that Professor Sexton is leading the journal as editor-in-chief. His ambitious vision for the journal, coupled with his breadth of experience and ability to engage with scientists in multiple fields, will help the journal truly meet the research community’s needs.”

Sexton is a leader in pharmacology and drug discovery research, with a focus on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). He has published over 180 scientific research articles, which is a testament to his contributions to the field and passion for the science. Sexton serves on the editorial board of five international journals and has served as a reviewer for over 70 additional journals. He is a principal research fellow at Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council, and in 2017, he was awarded the Vane Medal from the British Pharmacological Society and the Excellence in Research Award from the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Monash University.

“We are working in a time of amazing advances in our ability to visualize fine structural detail, our ability to interrogate the breadth of cellular changes, and in our ability to manipulate complex, integrated systems in the context of whole-animal models,” says Sexton. “My goal is to make ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science a key destination for this transformative research."

ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science is now accepting submissions online. The first issue will be published this summer and will include a range of formats including articles, letters, reviews and features. The journal will offer a range of affordable open access options, rigorous and rapid editorial peer review overseen by research-active scientists, and timely publication via the Society’s award-winning web and mobile publishing technologies that broadly disseminate published research to more than 5,000 subscribing institutions worldwide.

About the American Chemical Society
The American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society, is a not-for-profit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS is a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related information and research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. ACS does not conduct research, but publishes and publicizes peer-reviewed scientific studies. Through its Publications Division, the Society publishes 50+ peer-reviewed journals and eBooks. ACS journals are among the most cited, most trusted and most read within the scientific literature. The Publications Division offers high-quality service to authors and readers, including rapid time to publication, cutting-edge web and mobile delivery platforms and comprehensive open-access options. The Society's main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.