Robert Raffa PhD

Dr. Robert B. Raffa is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy and Professor Emeritus at Temple University School of Pharmacy. He earned bachelor’s degrees in Chemical Engineering and in Physiological Psychology (both from the University of Delaware), master’s degrees in Biomedical Engineering (from Drexel University) and Toxicology (Thomas Jefferson University), and a doctorate in Pharmacology (Temple University School of Medicine).

He was a Research Fellow and a Team Co-Leader for analgesic drug discovery at Johnson & Johnson, where he was pivotal in the elucidation of the mechanism of action and development of the analgesic drug tramadol (Ultram™). He is a cofounder of CaRafe Drug Innovation and Enalare, and is the CSO of Neumentum Inc. He is the co-holder of several patents, including for the combination of tramadol plus acetaminophen (Ultracet™).

He has published more than 300 papers in refereed journals, co-authored or edited several books on pharmacology and thermodynamics, and is a Co-Editor of the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics. He is a past president of the Mid-Atlantic Pharmacology Society of ASPET and is the recipient of research and teaching awards. He lectures and consults worldwide on pain pathways and analgesics.