Medicinal Chemistry Department
Innovating at Pharmacy’s Edge, One Molecule at a Time
Drug discovery recruits the imaginative and curious who want to explore the unknown. At its broadest level, early-stage drug discovery involves chemical and molecular approaches applied for the purpose of treating and preventing diseases.
What Does Drug Discovery Research Really Entail?
Identifying and validating drug targets for treating and preventing diseases.
High-throughput screening and predictive and statistical modeling (machine learning) to determine which compounds bind to the target, called hits.
Exploration of these hits further studying and modifying using methods like mass spectrometry to ensure the safety and efficacy of the drug candidate.
Meet the Department Chair
Our team is led by Robert Cichewicz, PhD, John Searle Professor and Chair of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy whose research focus is the discovery of new therapeutic compounds from fungal sources. His research encompasses multiple therapeutic areas, including antimalarials, breast cancer oncolytics, anaerobic protozoal pathogens and tuberculosis.
Thought Leaders and Authorities in Their Fields of Study
From fungal, bacteria and parasites to RNA exploration, protein interactions and investigating small and large complex molecules, and medicinal and plant-based chemicals, our faculty are trailblazing paths in pharmacy science for cancers, autoimmune, cardiovascular, neurological and infectious diseases, to name a few.
