CSIC Research Excellence

Peptidomimetics'
Group

Leading Spanish research group in peptidomimetics, advancing bioactive molecules for biomedical applications through molecular modeling and synthesis.

Ion Channel ModulatorsProtein-Protein InteractionsDrug Design
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Supported by Leading Research Funding Institutions

Our research is enabled by generous support from national and international funding agencies, advancing scientific discovery and innovation.

MICIU + AEI
MICIU + European Union + AEI
Comunidad de Madrid
CSIC
Fundación General CSIC
ComFuturo
European Union Co-funded
SEKUENS
IQM
Generalitat Valenciana
About the Group

Pioneering Molecular Solutions for Biomedical Challenges

We are a leading Spanish research group specializing in peptidomimetics, combining strong expertise in molecular modeling with both solution and solid-phase synthesis of peptides and small molecules.

Our mission is to advance knowledge on bioactive molecules for biomedical applications, developing novel prototypes for specific therapeutic areas while creating versatile molecular scaffolds and methodologies for Medicinal and Biological Chemistry.

40+Years
200+Publications
6Patents
Molecular structure research visualization
Instituto de Quimica Medica logo
Instituto de Química MédicaCSIC — Madrid, Spain
Research Focus

Main Research Lines

Our work spans three interconnected research areas, combining computational and experimental approaches to develop novel therapeutic solutions.

Protein–Protein Interactions
01
Modulation & Design

Protein–Protein Interactions

Developing inhibitors and stabilizers of protein-protein interactions involved in cardiovascular processes and pain pathways.

CardiovascularPainInhibitorsStabilizers
Ion Channel Modulators
02
Therapeutic Targets

Ion Channel Modulators

TRP channels (TRPM8, TRPA1, TRPV1) for inflammatory and neuropathic pain; sodium and potassium channels (Nav1.5, Kv1.5, Kv4.3) for arrhythmias; non-steroidal MR antagonists for cardiovascular applications.

TRPM8PainArrhythmiasVoltage-gated Channels
Tools & Methodologies
03
Transversal Research

Tools & Methodologies

Molecular modeling, virtual screening, computational study of mutations, development of versatile synthetic methodologies, and generation of secondary-structure mimetics.

ModelingVirtual ScreeningSynthesisMimetics
Funded Research

Recent Projects

Our research is supported by national and international funding agencies, enabling cutting-edge investigations across multiple therapeutic areas.

Research Output

Featured Publications

Selected peer-reviewed articles from our recent research in peptidomimetics and bioactive molecule design.

200+Publications
15Years
25

Phenylalanine-derived β-lactam TRPM8 antagonists: revisiting configuration and new benzoyl derivatives

C. Martín-Escura, M. A. Bonache, A. Medina-Peris, T. Voets, A. Ferrer-Montiel, A. Fernández-Carvajal, R. González-Muñiz

Explor. Drug Sci.·2025
25

Natural modulators of abscisic acid signaling: insights into polyphenol-based antagonists and their role in ABA receptor regulation

J. Merino, M. Rivera-Moreno, M. Bono, D. Núñez-Villanueva, et al.

Plant Physiol. Biochem.·2025
25

Covalent template-directed synthesis: a powerful tool for the construction of complex molecules

P. Bolgar, M. Dhiman, D. Núñez-Villanueva, C.A. Hunter

Chem. Rev.·2025
24

Extracellular Kir2.1C122Y Mutant Upsets Kir2.1-PIP2 Bonds and Is Arrhythmogenic in Andersen-Tawil Syndrome

F. M. Cruz, A. Macías, A. I. Moreno-Manuel, et al.

Circ. Res.·2024
Translational Science

Innovation & Patents

Bridging fundamental research with real-world applications through intellectual property protection and technology transfer.

Impact StoryLicensed & In Exploitation

Heterocyclic Compounds as TRPM8 Channel Antagonists and Uses Thereof

A. Ferrer Montiel, A. Fernández-Carvajal, R. de la Torre, R. González-Muñiz, M. J. Pérez de Vega, M. A. Bonache

A compound from this patent has been developed as a neurocosmetic ingredient for alleviating chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

Patent Code

P201530960, PCT/ES2016/070483 (WO 2017005950)

Status

Licensed to Alodia Farmacéutica SL (23/7/2017) — In exploitation

Neurocosmetic product
Cardiovascular

Peptides for the Treatment of Heart Diseases

E. Delpón Mosquera, R. Caballero Collado, T. Crespo García, A. Cámara Checa, J. Rapún Jiménez, J. Tamargo Menéndez, R. González Muñiz, D. Núñez Villanueva, M. J. Pérez De Vega, C. Cuadros Higueras, P. Esteban Arderius, D. Filgueiras Rama, J. Jalife Sacal

PCT/ES2024/07058625/09/2024

UCM, CSIC, CNIC

Antiviral

Peptidomimetics with Antiviral Activity

R. González Muñiz, M. Martín Martínez, M.A. Bonache de Marcos, S. Algar Lizana, U. Garaigorta de Dios, P. Gastaminza Landart, P. Bueno Fernández, V. Castro Illana

EP2338280802/08/2023

CSIC

Therapeutics

Peptide Derived from GSE24.2 and Uses Thereof

P. Guillen Morales, R. Perona Abellon, L. Sastre Garzón, B. Fernández Varas, M. Gutierrez-Rodríguez, M. Martín-Martínez, R. Guerrero López

PCT/ES2023/07017217/03/2023

CSIC, UAM, CIBER

Licensed to Mediczen Global SL

Antioxidant

Compounds with Antioxidant Activity and Uses Thereof

R. González-Muñiz, M.J. Pérez de Vega, M. Miguel, S. Moreno, B. Sabater-Muñoz

P201630362, PCT/ES2017/070179 (WO 2017168024)28/03/2017

CSIC

MTA signed with NOREL SA (2022)

Cardiovascular

Modulating Compounds of KChIP2 and Their Use for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Pathologies

M. Gutiérrez-Rodríguez, M. C. Valenzuela, M. Martín-Martínez, C. Delgado Canencia, J. R. Naranjo

PCT/EP2019/08343203/12/2019

CSIC, UAM

Our People

Meet the Team

A dedicated group of researchers combining expertise in medicinal chemistry, molecular modeling, and synthetic methodologies.

Peptidomimetics Group team

Staff Personnel

RGM

Rosario González Muñiz

CSIC Research Professor

Head of Group
MMM

Mercedes Martín Martínez

CSIC Tenured Scientist

MJPdV

Mª Jesús Pérez de Vega

CSIC Tenured Scientist

DNV

Diego Núñez Villanueva

CSIC Tenured Scientist

Research Associates & Students

MAD

Mario Abellán Dumont

PhD Student

CCH

Carlos Cuadros Higueras

PhD Student

PMS

Pedro Martínez Salas

PhD Student

CRB

Clara Rodríguez Blanco

CSIC Youth Employment

JRC

Juan Remiro Chacón

PhD Student

SOR

Sandra Ortiz Rovira

Master Student

ALG

Alba López García

Undergraduate Intern

Work With Us

Join Our Research

We welcome inquiries from prospective PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and potential collaborators interested in peptidomimetics and bioactive molecule design.

1

Graduate, PhD and Master’s Opportunities

PhD and Master’s positions in medicinal chemistry and molecular design

2

Postdoctoral Fellowships

Opportunities for experienced researchers in peptide synthesis

3

Scientific Collaborations

Partnerships with academic and industry research groups

4

Technology Transfer

Licensing and translational research partnerships

Get in Touch

Instituto de Quimica Medica logo

Instituto de Química Médica (IQM)

Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)

Madrid, Spain