Drug Discovery and Synthesis

The chemical design of potentially active pharmacological agents through an understanding of the molecular biology of the pharmacological target and use of quantitative structure activity relationships. Compounds are synthesized by innovative medicinal chemistry methodologies. Emphasis is placed on the discovery and synthesis of antiviral, anticancer, anti-epileptic, antiprotozoan, and antibacterial agents.

Molecular and Biochemical Pharmacology

The study of the action of pharmacologic agents on living organisms, the effects induced and their therapeutic applications. It is based on the biological sciences with particular emphasis on physiology and biochemistry. Specific programs are available in immunopharmacology and cardiovascular pharmacology.

Computational Chemistry and Biology

The study and development of computational methods to attack biomedical problems including structure and function of polymerases and mucleases, bioactive peptides, and role of selenoproteins in HIV.

Toxicology

A broad, multi-disciplinary field requiring expertise in biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, cell biology, and pathology; deals with the injurious effects of chemicals on humans and other living organisms. Ongoing research programs involve studies of drug/chemical interactions, toxicokinetics of inhaled and ingested hydrocarbons, biochemical role of calcium in cellular injury by chemicals, influence of nutrition on chemical metabolism and toxicity, and the role of diet in chemically induced cancers.

Bioanalytical Chemistry

The development of novel assay methodology for analytes in dosage forms or biological matrices using high performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, capillary electrophoresis and mass spectrometry.

Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism

The study of antiviral agents, antibacterial agents, anticancer agents, and drugs of abuse. Pharmacokinetic studies evaluating the effectiveness of drug delivery systems, including prodrugs and liposomal formulations, to target specific sites of drug action, and mechanistic studies on drug distribution and elimination are conducted.

Drug Dosage and Delivery

Drug dosage form/delivery system design, development and stability. Physicochemical properties of the drug and delivery system are examined to design stable, effective dosage forms. Research is conducted on standard dosage forms such as tablets and capsules, as well as novel drug delivery systems, including polymeric microcapsules, liposomal formulations, macromolecule-drug conjugates, monoclonal antibody drug delivery systems, gene delivery systems and transdermal formulations.

Structural Pharmacogenomics

Pharmacogenomics is an emerging area that encompasses the prediction of pharmacological effects based on genetic information. In the near future, drugs will be designed based on a persons's unique genetic makeup to combat diseases or to correct metabolic imbalances. A detailed understanding of a drug's protein target makes it possible to optimize the drug for a given person. Furthermore, analyzing how this drug might specifically interact with other host proteins, again based on their genetic information, can prevent dangerous drug interactions. Structural pharmacogenomics is the association and use of atomic structures with genetic data to more accurately make these pharmacological predictions.

Nutraceutical Research and Product Development

Current research is concerned with the pharmacology of nutraceuticals. The goal of the research project is to define biological targets that can be effectively manipulated with nutraceuticals.

Diane K. Hartle, Ph.D.

Graduate Student and Post Doc Conference Awards

Brianna Peterson won the Honorable Mention Graduate Student Poster Presentation award at the Inaugurual UGA Conference on Drug Discovery, April 4, 2007. Ms. Peterson is a graduate student in Dr. Cummings' lab. She is pictured below with Dr. Vasu Nair, head of the Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences Department and Director of the UGA Center for Drug Discovery.

Dr. Xiao-Hui Na was awarded Best Postdoctoral Poster Presentation at the Inaugural UGA Conference on Drug Discovery, April 4, 2007. Dr. Ma is a post doc in Dr. Vasu Nair's lab. She is pictured below with Dr. Vasu Nair, Head of the Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences Department and Director of the UGA Center for Drug Discovery.