Gunda I. Georg Gives Inaugural Robert P. Hanzlik Memorial Lecture

Professor Gunda I. Georg was graciously offered the opportunity to present the University of Kansas College of Pharmacy’s inaugural Robert P. Hanzlik Memorial Lecture on April 2, 2026. Entitled “Discovery and Development of YCT-529, Targeting the Retinoid Signaling Pathway for Effective and Reversible Oral Contraception,” Dr. Georg’s talk focused on her work developing a first-in-class oral, reversible, and non-hormonal male birth control pill.

Dr. Georg was a faculty member at the University of Kansas College of Pharmacy from 1983 until 2006, when she joined the Medicinal Chemistry Faculty at the University of Minnesota and established the Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development (ITDD) on campus.

Before passing away in 2025, Robert Hanzlik was known for an illustrious, decades-long academic career in our discipline. The University of Kansas College of Pharmacy notes: “The memorial lecture was established to honor Hanzlik's nearly five decades of service to KU and his wide‑ranging influence on medicinal chemistry, chemical toxicology and the training of future scientists. Hanzlik was deeply respected as a mentor and educator who taught and advised generations of pharmacists, physicians, graduate students and junior faculty, while maintaining an active, internationally recognized research program.”

You can read more about the Georg Lab here.

Congratulations to Dr. Georg for being selected to give this lecture, and we hope to continue to honor Dr. Hanzlik’s legacy through our accomplishments here at UMN.