Faculty
Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience Faculty
Chair: Steve Simasko
(509) 335-6624
Departmental FAX: (509) 335-4650
Faculty
Pullman

Joe Harding
Office
Room: (VBR) 471
Phone: (509)-335-7927
Current Positions
1976-PRESENT Professor: Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University (WSU)
1979-PRESENT Adjunct Professor: Biochemistry/Biophysics Program, WSU
1982-PRESENT Adjunct Professor: Psychology Department, WSU
1985-PRESENT Graduate Faculty: Pharmacology/Toxicology Program, WSU
1993-PRESENT Graduate Faculty: Neuroscience Program, WSU
Education
1970 B.S. Chemistry; Allegheny College, Meadville, PA
1975 Ph.D Chemistry; University of Delaware, Neward, NJ
1974-1976 Postdoc Neurochemistry; Roche Institute of Molecular Biology
Biographical Information
Chief Scientific Officer, director, and co-founder of M3 Biotechnology, Inc., a Seattle based company which is developing novel treatments for neurodegenerative diseases based on technology developed here at WSU.
Research
My laboratory is focused on the development of small molecule therapeutics that target growth factors. These include both activators and antagonists. Most recently we have been developing activators of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which have powerful regenerative properties. Two of these molecule are poised to enter human clinical trials for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In addition to their potential utility in treating multiple neurodegenerative diseases they are currently being considered in my laboratory and collaborator's laboratories as treatments for traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, transplant reinnervation, hearing loss, general wound healing, fibrotic diseases, type II diabetes and congestive heart failure. Conversely we are actively developing and examining the utility of HGF and dual HGF/macrophage stimulating protein (MSP) antagonists as anti-cancer and anti-angiogenic therapeutics. Dual HGF/MSP antagonist have exhibited promising therapeutic activity in xenograph models of pancreatic cancer, which has up until now been untreatable. Future work will include the: 1) the evaluation of HGF activators as treatment for new clinical indications; 2) the design and development of new HGF activators with modified pharmacokinetic and targeting properties; 3) the further development of HG/MSP antagonists with a goal of entering clinical trails for one or more cancers in three years; and 4) the expansion of our technology to other growth factors like BDNF and VEGF.- Joe Harding named a 2020 National Academy Inventors Fellow
- Staff and faculty recognized during Research Week 2020 awards ceremony
- WSU research behind potential game-changing Alzheimer’s drug
- Athira Pharma raises $204M in IPO, reaching ‘big milestone’ in fight against Alzheimer’s and other diseases
- Seattle biotech firm scores $85 million for work on Alzheimer’s drug.
Spokane

Joe Harding
Office
Room: (VBR) 471
Phone: (509)-335-7927
Current Positions
1976-PRESENT Professor: Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University (WSU)
1979-PRESENT Adjunct Professor: Biochemistry/Biophysics Program, WSU
1982-PRESENT Adjunct Professor: Psychology Department, WSU
1985-PRESENT Graduate Faculty: Pharmacology/Toxicology Program, WSU
1993-PRESENT Graduate Faculty: Neuroscience Program, WSU
Education
1970 B.S. Chemistry; Allegheny College, Meadville, PA
1975 Ph.D Chemistry; University of Delaware, Neward, NJ
1974-1976 Postdoc Neurochemistry; Roche Institute of Molecular Biology
Biographical Information
Chief Scientific Officer, director, and co-founder of M3 Biotechnology, Inc., a Seattle based company which is developing novel treatments for neurodegenerative diseases based on technology developed here at WSU.
Research
My laboratory is focused on the development of small molecule therapeutics that target growth factors. These include both activators and antagonists. Most recently we have been developing activators of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which have powerful regenerative properties. Two of these molecule are poised to enter human clinical trials for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In addition to their potential utility in treating multiple neurodegenerative diseases they are currently being considered in my laboratory and collaborator's laboratories as treatments for traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, transplant reinnervation, hearing loss, general wound healing, fibrotic diseases, type II diabetes and congestive heart failure. Conversely we are actively developing and examining the utility of HGF and dual HGF/macrophage stimulating protein (MSP) antagonists as anti-cancer and anti-angiogenic therapeutics. Dual HGF/MSP antagonist have exhibited promising therapeutic activity in xenograph models of pancreatic cancer, which has up until now been untreatable. Future work will include the: 1) the evaluation of HGF activators as treatment for new clinical indications; 2) the design and development of new HGF activators with modified pharmacokinetic and targeting properties; 3) the further development of HG/MSP antagonists with a goal of entering clinical trails for one or more cancers in three years; and 4) the expansion of our technology to other growth factors like BDNF and VEGF.- Joe Harding named a 2020 National Academy Inventors Fellow
- Staff and faculty recognized during Research Week 2020 awards ceremony
- WSU research behind potential game-changing Alzheimer’s drug
- Athira Pharma raises $204M in IPO, reaching ‘big milestone’ in fight against Alzheimer’s and other diseases
- Seattle biotech firm scores $85 million for work on Alzheimer’s drug.
Vancouver

Joe Harding
Office
Room: (VBR) 471
Phone: (509)-335-7927
Current Positions
1976-PRESENT Professor: Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University (WSU)
1979-PRESENT Adjunct Professor: Biochemistry/Biophysics Program, WSU
1982-PRESENT Adjunct Professor: Psychology Department, WSU
1985-PRESENT Graduate Faculty: Pharmacology/Toxicology Program, WSU
1993-PRESENT Graduate Faculty: Neuroscience Program, WSU
Education
1970 B.S. Chemistry; Allegheny College, Meadville, PA
1975 Ph.D Chemistry; University of Delaware, Neward, NJ
1974-1976 Postdoc Neurochemistry; Roche Institute of Molecular Biology
Biographical Information
Chief Scientific Officer, director, and co-founder of M3 Biotechnology, Inc., a Seattle based company which is developing novel treatments for neurodegenerative diseases based on technology developed here at WSU.
Research
My laboratory is focused on the development of small molecule therapeutics that target growth factors. These include both activators and antagonists. Most recently we have been developing activators of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which have powerful regenerative properties. Two of these molecule are poised to enter human clinical trials for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In addition to their potential utility in treating multiple neurodegenerative diseases they are currently being considered in my laboratory and collaborator's laboratories as treatments for traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, transplant reinnervation, hearing loss, general wound healing, fibrotic diseases, type II diabetes and congestive heart failure. Conversely we are actively developing and examining the utility of HGF and dual HGF/macrophage stimulating protein (MSP) antagonists as anti-cancer and anti-angiogenic therapeutics. Dual HGF/MSP antagonist have exhibited promising therapeutic activity in xenograph models of pancreatic cancer, which has up until now been untreatable. Future work will include the: 1) the evaluation of HGF activators as treatment for new clinical indications; 2) the design and development of new HGF activators with modified pharmacokinetic and targeting properties; 3) the further development of HG/MSP antagonists with a goal of entering clinical trails for one or more cancers in three years; and 4) the expansion of our technology to other growth factors like BDNF and VEGF.- Joe Harding named a 2020 National Academy Inventors Fellow
- Staff and faculty recognized during Research Week 2020 awards ceremony
- WSU research behind potential game-changing Alzheimer’s drug
- Athira Pharma raises $204M in IPO, reaching ‘big milestone’ in fight against Alzheimer’s and other diseases
- Seattle biotech firm scores $85 million for work on Alzheimer’s drug.
Neuroscience Graduate Faculty
Pullman
Joe Harding
Professor
hardingj@wsu.edu
Office
Room: (VBR) 471
Phone: (509)-335-7927

Current Positions
1976-PRESENT Professor: Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University (WSU)
1979-PRESENT Adjunct Professor: Biochemistry/Biophysics Program, WSU
1982-PRESENT Adjunct Professor: Psychology Department, WSU
1985-PRESENT Graduate Faculty: Pharmacology/Toxicology Program, WSU
1993-PRESENT Graduate Faculty: Neuroscience Program, WSU
Education
1970 B.S. Chemistry; Allegheny College, Meadville, PA
1975 Ph.D Chemistry; University of Delaware, Neward, NJ
1974-1976 Postdoc Neurochemistry; Roche Institute of Molecular Biology
Biographical Information
Chief Scientific Officer, director, and co-founder of M3 Biotechnology, Inc., a Seattle based company which is developing novel treatments for neurodegenerative diseases based on technology developed here at WSU.
Research
My laboratory is focused on the development of small molecule therapeutics that target growth factors. These include both activators and antagonists. Most recently we have been developing activators of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which have powerful regenerative properties. Two of these molecule are poised to enter human clinical trials for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In addition to their potential utility in treating multiple neurodegenerative diseases they are currently being considered in my laboratory and collaborator's laboratories as treatments for traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, transplant reinnervation, hearing loss, general wound healing, fibrotic diseases, type II diabetes and congestive heart failure. Conversely we are actively developing and examining the utility of HGF and dual HGF/macrophage stimulating protein (MSP) antagonists as anti-cancer and anti-angiogenic therapeutics. Dual HGF/MSP antagonist have exhibited promising therapeutic activity in xenograph models of pancreatic cancer, which has up until now been untreatable. Future work will include the: 1) the evaluation of HGF activators as treatment for new clinical indications; 2) the design and development of new HGF activators with modified pharmacokinetic and targeting properties; 3) the further development of HG/MSP antagonists with a goal of entering clinical trails for one or more cancers in three years; and 4) the expansion of our technology to other growth factors like BDNF and VEGF.- Joe Harding named a 2020 National Academy Inventors Fellow
- Staff and faculty recognized during Research Week 2020 awards ceremony
- WSU research behind potential game-changing Alzheimer’s drug
- Athira Pharma raises $204M in IPO, reaching ‘big milestone’ in fight against Alzheimer’s and other diseases
- Seattle biotech firm scores $85 million for work on Alzheimer’s drug.
Spokane
Joe Harding
Professor
hardingj@wsu.edu
Office
Room: (VBR) 471
Phone: (509)-335-7927

Current Positions
1976-PRESENT Professor: Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University (WSU)
1979-PRESENT Adjunct Professor: Biochemistry/Biophysics Program, WSU
1982-PRESENT Adjunct Professor: Psychology Department, WSU
1985-PRESENT Graduate Faculty: Pharmacology/Toxicology Program, WSU
1993-PRESENT Graduate Faculty: Neuroscience Program, WSU
Education
1970 B.S. Chemistry; Allegheny College, Meadville, PA
1975 Ph.D Chemistry; University of Delaware, Neward, NJ
1974-1976 Postdoc Neurochemistry; Roche Institute of Molecular Biology
Biographical Information
Chief Scientific Officer, director, and co-founder of M3 Biotechnology, Inc., a Seattle based company which is developing novel treatments for neurodegenerative diseases based on technology developed here at WSU.
Research
My laboratory is focused on the development of small molecule therapeutics that target growth factors. These include both activators and antagonists. Most recently we have been developing activators of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which have powerful regenerative properties. Two of these molecule are poised to enter human clinical trials for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In addition to their potential utility in treating multiple neurodegenerative diseases they are currently being considered in my laboratory and collaborator's laboratories as treatments for traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, transplant reinnervation, hearing loss, general wound healing, fibrotic diseases, type II diabetes and congestive heart failure. Conversely we are actively developing and examining the utility of HGF and dual HGF/macrophage stimulating protein (MSP) antagonists as anti-cancer and anti-angiogenic therapeutics. Dual HGF/MSP antagonist have exhibited promising therapeutic activity in xenograph models of pancreatic cancer, which has up until now been untreatable. Future work will include the: 1) the evaluation of HGF activators as treatment for new clinical indications; 2) the design and development of new HGF activators with modified pharmacokinetic and targeting properties; 3) the further development of HG/MSP antagonists with a goal of entering clinical trails for one or more cancers in three years; and 4) the expansion of our technology to other growth factors like BDNF and VEGF.- Joe Harding named a 2020 National Academy Inventors Fellow
- Staff and faculty recognized during Research Week 2020 awards ceremony
- WSU research behind potential game-changing Alzheimer’s drug
- Athira Pharma raises $204M in IPO, reaching ‘big milestone’ in fight against Alzheimer’s and other diseases
- Seattle biotech firm scores $85 million for work on Alzheimer’s drug.
Vancouver
Joe Harding
Professor
hardingj@wsu.edu
Office
Room: (VBR) 471
Phone: (509)-335-7927

Current Positions
1976-PRESENT Professor: Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University (WSU)
1979-PRESENT Adjunct Professor: Biochemistry/Biophysics Program, WSU
1982-PRESENT Adjunct Professor: Psychology Department, WSU
1985-PRESENT Graduate Faculty: Pharmacology/Toxicology Program, WSU
1993-PRESENT Graduate Faculty: Neuroscience Program, WSU
Education
1970 B.S. Chemistry; Allegheny College, Meadville, PA
1975 Ph.D Chemistry; University of Delaware, Neward, NJ
1974-1976 Postdoc Neurochemistry; Roche Institute of Molecular Biology
Biographical Information
Chief Scientific Officer, director, and co-founder of M3 Biotechnology, Inc., a Seattle based company which is developing novel treatments for neurodegenerative diseases based on technology developed here at WSU.
Research
My laboratory is focused on the development of small molecule therapeutics that target growth factors. These include both activators and antagonists. Most recently we have been developing activators of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which have powerful regenerative properties. Two of these molecule are poised to enter human clinical trials for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In addition to their potential utility in treating multiple neurodegenerative diseases they are currently being considered in my laboratory and collaborator's laboratories as treatments for traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, transplant reinnervation, hearing loss, general wound healing, fibrotic diseases, type II diabetes and congestive heart failure. Conversely we are actively developing and examining the utility of HGF and dual HGF/macrophage stimulating protein (MSP) antagonists as anti-cancer and anti-angiogenic therapeutics. Dual HGF/MSP antagonist have exhibited promising therapeutic activity in xenograph models of pancreatic cancer, which has up until now been untreatable. Future work will include the: 1) the evaluation of HGF activators as treatment for new clinical indications; 2) the design and development of new HGF activators with modified pharmacokinetic and targeting properties; 3) the further development of HG/MSP antagonists with a goal of entering clinical trails for one or more cancers in three years; and 4) the expansion of our technology to other growth factors like BDNF and VEGF.- Joe Harding named a 2020 National Academy Inventors Fellow
- Staff and faculty recognized during Research Week 2020 awards ceremony
- WSU research behind potential game-changing Alzheimer’s drug
- Athira Pharma raises $204M in IPO, reaching ‘big milestone’ in fight against Alzheimer’s and other diseases
- Seattle biotech firm scores $85 million for work on Alzheimer’s drug.
Research Track Faculty
Pullman
Joe Harding
Professor
hardingj@wsu.edu
Office
Room: (VBR) 471
Phone: (509)-335-7927

Current Positions
1976-PRESENT Professor: Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University (WSU)
1979-PRESENT Adjunct Professor: Biochemistry/Biophysics Program, WSU
1982-PRESENT Adjunct Professor: Psychology Department, WSU
1985-PRESENT Graduate Faculty: Pharmacology/Toxicology Program, WSU
1993-PRESENT Graduate Faculty: Neuroscience Program, WSU
Education
1970 B.S. Chemistry; Allegheny College, Meadville, PA
1975 Ph.D Chemistry; University of Delaware, Neward, NJ
1974-1976 Postdoc Neurochemistry; Roche Institute of Molecular Biology
Biographical Information
Chief Scientific Officer, director, and co-founder of M3 Biotechnology, Inc., a Seattle based company which is developing novel treatments for neurodegenerative diseases based on technology developed here at WSU.
Research
My laboratory is focused on the development of small molecule therapeutics that target growth factors. These include both activators and antagonists. Most recently we have been developing activators of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which have powerful regenerative properties. Two of these molecule are poised to enter human clinical trials for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In addition to their potential utility in treating multiple neurodegenerative diseases they are currently being considered in my laboratory and collaborator's laboratories as treatments for traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, transplant reinnervation, hearing loss, general wound healing, fibrotic diseases, type II diabetes and congestive heart failure. Conversely we are actively developing and examining the utility of HGF and dual HGF/macrophage stimulating protein (MSP) antagonists as anti-cancer and anti-angiogenic therapeutics. Dual HGF/MSP antagonist have exhibited promising therapeutic activity in xenograph models of pancreatic cancer, which has up until now been untreatable. Future work will include the: 1) the evaluation of HGF activators as treatment for new clinical indications; 2) the design and development of new HGF activators with modified pharmacokinetic and targeting properties; 3) the further development of HG/MSP antagonists with a goal of entering clinical trails for one or more cancers in three years; and 4) the expansion of our technology to other growth factors like BDNF and VEGF.- Joe Harding named a 2020 National Academy Inventors Fellow
- Staff and faculty recognized during Research Week 2020 awards ceremony
- WSU research behind potential game-changing Alzheimer’s drug
- Athira Pharma raises $204M in IPO, reaching ‘big milestone’ in fight against Alzheimer’s and other diseases
- Seattle biotech firm scores $85 million for work on Alzheimer’s drug.
Emeritus Faculty
Joe Harding
Professor
hardingj@wsu.edu
Office
Room: (VBR) 471
Phone: (509)-335-7927

Current Positions
1976-PRESENT Professor: Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University (WSU)
1979-PRESENT Adjunct Professor: Biochemistry/Biophysics Program, WSU
1982-PRESENT Adjunct Professor: Psychology Department, WSU
1985-PRESENT Graduate Faculty: Pharmacology/Toxicology Program, WSU
1993-PRESENT Graduate Faculty: Neuroscience Program, WSU
Education
1970 B.S. Chemistry; Allegheny College, Meadville, PA
1975 Ph.D Chemistry; University of Delaware, Neward, NJ
1974-1976 Postdoc Neurochemistry; Roche Institute of Molecular Biology
Biographical Information
Chief Scientific Officer, director, and co-founder of M3 Biotechnology, Inc., a Seattle based company which is developing novel treatments for neurodegenerative diseases based on technology developed here at WSU.
Research
My laboratory is focused on the development of small molecule therapeutics that target growth factors. These include both activators and antagonists. Most recently we have been developing activators of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which have powerful regenerative properties. Two of these molecule are poised to enter human clinical trials for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In addition to their potential utility in treating multiple neurodegenerative diseases they are currently being considered in my laboratory and collaborator's laboratories as treatments for traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, transplant reinnervation, hearing loss, general wound healing, fibrotic diseases, type II diabetes and congestive heart failure. Conversely we are actively developing and examining the utility of HGF and dual HGF/macrophage stimulating protein (MSP) antagonists as anti-cancer and anti-angiogenic therapeutics. Dual HGF/MSP antagonist have exhibited promising therapeutic activity in xenograph models of pancreatic cancer, which has up until now been untreatable. Future work will include the: 1) the evaluation of HGF activators as treatment for new clinical indications; 2) the design and development of new HGF activators with modified pharmacokinetic and targeting properties; 3) the further development of HG/MSP antagonists with a goal of entering clinical trails for one or more cancers in three years; and 4) the expansion of our technology to other growth factors like BDNF and VEGF.- Joe Harding named a 2020 National Academy Inventors Fellow
- Staff and faculty recognized during Research Week 2020 awards ceremony
- WSU research behind potential game-changing Alzheimer’s drug
- Athira Pharma raises $204M in IPO, reaching ‘big milestone’ in fight against Alzheimer’s and other diseases
- Seattle biotech firm scores $85 million for work on Alzheimer’s drug.
Montana State University Adjunct Faculty
Joe Harding
Professor
hardingj@wsu.edu
Office
Room: (VBR) 471
Phone: (509)-335-7927

Current Positions
1976-PRESENT Professor: Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University (WSU)
1979-PRESENT Adjunct Professor: Biochemistry/Biophysics Program, WSU
1982-PRESENT Adjunct Professor: Psychology Department, WSU
1985-PRESENT Graduate Faculty: Pharmacology/Toxicology Program, WSU
1993-PRESENT Graduate Faculty: Neuroscience Program, WSU
Education
1970 B.S. Chemistry; Allegheny College, Meadville, PA
1975 Ph.D Chemistry; University of Delaware, Neward, NJ
1974-1976 Postdoc Neurochemistry; Roche Institute of Molecular Biology
Biographical Information
Chief Scientific Officer, director, and co-founder of M3 Biotechnology, Inc., a Seattle based company which is developing novel treatments for neurodegenerative diseases based on technology developed here at WSU.
Research
My laboratory is focused on the development of small molecule therapeutics that target growth factors. These include both activators and antagonists. Most recently we have been developing activators of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which have powerful regenerative properties. Two of these molecule are poised to enter human clinical trials for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In addition to their potential utility in treating multiple neurodegenerative diseases they are currently being considered in my laboratory and collaborator's laboratories as treatments for traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, transplant reinnervation, hearing loss, general wound healing, fibrotic diseases, type II diabetes and congestive heart failure. Conversely we are actively developing and examining the utility of HGF and dual HGF/macrophage stimulating protein (MSP) antagonists as anti-cancer and anti-angiogenic therapeutics. Dual HGF/MSP antagonist have exhibited promising therapeutic activity in xenograph models of pancreatic cancer, which has up until now been untreatable. Future work will include the: 1) the evaluation of HGF activators as treatment for new clinical indications; 2) the design and development of new HGF activators with modified pharmacokinetic and targeting properties; 3) the further development of HG/MSP antagonists with a goal of entering clinical trails for one or more cancers in three years; and 4) the expansion of our technology to other growth factors like BDNF and VEGF.- Joe Harding named a 2020 National Academy Inventors Fellow
- Staff and faculty recognized during Research Week 2020 awards ceremony
- WSU research behind potential game-changing Alzheimer’s drug
- Athira Pharma raises $204M in IPO, reaching ‘big milestone’ in fight against Alzheimer’s and other diseases
- Seattle biotech firm scores $85 million for work on Alzheimer’s drug.
Utah State University Adjunct Faculty
Joe Harding
Professor
hardingj@wsu.edu
Office
Room: (VBR) 471
Phone: (509)-335-7927

Current Positions
1976-PRESENT Professor: Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University (WSU)
1979-PRESENT Adjunct Professor: Biochemistry/Biophysics Program, WSU
1982-PRESENT Adjunct Professor: Psychology Department, WSU
1985-PRESENT Graduate Faculty: Pharmacology/Toxicology Program, WSU
1993-PRESENT Graduate Faculty: Neuroscience Program, WSU
Education
1970 B.S. Chemistry; Allegheny College, Meadville, PA
1975 Ph.D Chemistry; University of Delaware, Neward, NJ
1974-1976 Postdoc Neurochemistry; Roche Institute of Molecular Biology
Biographical Information
Chief Scientific Officer, director, and co-founder of M3 Biotechnology, Inc., a Seattle based company which is developing novel treatments for neurodegenerative diseases based on technology developed here at WSU.
Research
My laboratory is focused on the development of small molecule therapeutics that target growth factors. These include both activators and antagonists. Most recently we have been developing activators of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which have powerful regenerative properties. Two of these molecule are poised to enter human clinical trials for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In addition to their potential utility in treating multiple neurodegenerative diseases they are currently being considered in my laboratory and collaborator's laboratories as treatments for traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, transplant reinnervation, hearing loss, general wound healing, fibrotic diseases, type II diabetes and congestive heart failure. Conversely we are actively developing and examining the utility of HGF and dual HGF/macrophage stimulating protein (MSP) antagonists as anti-cancer and anti-angiogenic therapeutics. Dual HGF/MSP antagonist have exhibited promising therapeutic activity in xenograph models of pancreatic cancer, which has up until now been untreatable. Future work will include the: 1) the evaluation of HGF activators as treatment for new clinical indications; 2) the design and development of new HGF activators with modified pharmacokinetic and targeting properties; 3) the further development of HG/MSP antagonists with a goal of entering clinical trails for one or more cancers in three years; and 4) the expansion of our technology to other growth factors like BDNF and VEGF.- Joe Harding named a 2020 National Academy Inventors Fellow
- Staff and faculty recognized during Research Week 2020 awards ceremony
- WSU research behind potential game-changing Alzheimer’s drug
- Athira Pharma raises $204M in IPO, reaching ‘big milestone’ in fight against Alzheimer’s and other diseases
- Seattle biotech firm scores $85 million for work on Alzheimer’s drug.
All Other Adjunct Faculty
Joe Harding
Professor
hardingj@wsu.edu
Office
Room: (VBR) 471
Phone: (509)-335-7927

Current Positions
1976-PRESENT Professor: Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University (WSU)
1979-PRESENT Adjunct Professor: Biochemistry/Biophysics Program, WSU
1982-PRESENT Adjunct Professor: Psychology Department, WSU
1985-PRESENT Graduate Faculty: Pharmacology/Toxicology Program, WSU
1993-PRESENT Graduate Faculty: Neuroscience Program, WSU
Education
1970 B.S. Chemistry; Allegheny College, Meadville, PA
1975 Ph.D Chemistry; University of Delaware, Neward, NJ
1974-1976 Postdoc Neurochemistry; Roche Institute of Molecular Biology
Biographical Information
Chief Scientific Officer, director, and co-founder of M3 Biotechnology, Inc., a Seattle based company which is developing novel treatments for neurodegenerative diseases based on technology developed here at WSU.
Research
My laboratory is focused on the development of small molecule therapeutics that target growth factors. These include both activators and antagonists. Most recently we have been developing activators of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which have powerful regenerative properties. Two of these molecule are poised to enter human clinical trials for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In addition to their potential utility in treating multiple neurodegenerative diseases they are currently being considered in my laboratory and collaborator's laboratories as treatments for traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, transplant reinnervation, hearing loss, general wound healing, fibrotic diseases, type II diabetes and congestive heart failure. Conversely we are actively developing and examining the utility of HGF and dual HGF/macrophage stimulating protein (MSP) antagonists as anti-cancer and anti-angiogenic therapeutics. Dual HGF/MSP antagonist have exhibited promising therapeutic activity in xenograph models of pancreatic cancer, which has up until now been untreatable. Future work will include the: 1) the evaluation of HGF activators as treatment for new clinical indications; 2) the design and development of new HGF activators with modified pharmacokinetic and targeting properties; 3) the further development of HG/MSP antagonists with a goal of entering clinical trails for one or more cancers in three years; and 4) the expansion of our technology to other growth factors like BDNF and VEGF.- Joe Harding named a 2020 National Academy Inventors Fellow
- Staff and faculty recognized during Research Week 2020 awards ceremony
- WSU research behind potential game-changing Alzheimer’s drug
- Athira Pharma raises $204M in IPO, reaching ‘big milestone’ in fight against Alzheimer’s and other diseases
- Seattle biotech firm scores $85 million for work on Alzheimer’s drug.