Rate My Professor Richard DiMarchi

Richard DiMarchi is the Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Linda & Jack Gill Chair in Biomolecular Sciences at Indiana University Bloomington, where he previously served as Department Chair from 2005 to 2007. He received his B.S. in Chemistry with honors from Florida Atlantic University in 1974, Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Indiana University in 1979 in the laboratory of Dr. Frank Gurd focusing on protein semisynthesis, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Rockefeller University from 1979 to 1981 in the laboratory of Dr. Bruce Merrifield on solid-phase chemical synthesis. From 1981 to 2003, he held progressive leadership roles at Eli Lilly & Company, culminating as Group Vice President of Biotechnology and Product Development, where he contributed to the discovery and development of landmark biologic medicines including rDNA-derived Humalog®, rGlucagon®, and Forteo®. DiMarchi has co-founded eight biotechnology companies since 2003, such as Ambrx, Marcadia Biotech, Calibrium, MB2, Assembly, and MBX, and serves or has served as a scientific advisor to Ferring, Merck, Roche, and several venture funds.

His research interests center on chemical biology, peptide sciences, and the development of macromolecular medicines, particularly single-molecule multimode agonists targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors to treat diabetes, obesity, and related metabolic diseases. With over 275 peer-reviewed publications and more than 100 U.S. patents, his work has significantly advanced glucagon physiology understanding and pioneered therapies reshaping clinical practice for metabolic disorders. Key publications include "A once-daily GLP-1/GIP/glucagon receptor tri-agonist (NN1706) lowers body weight in rodents, monkeys and humans" (Mol Metab, 2025), "Sustained Action of Imapextide, a Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Antagonist, in Healthy Volunteers" (J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2025), "GLP-1-directed NMDA receptor antagonism for obesity treatment" (Nature, 2024), and earlier "Protection of Cattle Against Foot-and-Mouth Disease by a Synthetic Peptide" (Science, 1986). DiMarchi has received numerous accolades, including the 2026 Rolf Luft Award (with Matthias Tschöp), 2023 Mani L. Bhaumik Breakthrough of the Year Award from AAAS, 2011 Merrifield Award, 2014 Erwin Schrödinger Prize, memberships in the National Academy of Medicine and National Inventors Hall of Fame, and several ACS awards.