This research area deals with the development and optimization of drugs, their optimal delivery and maintenance at their sites of action as well as with the molecular diagnostics of human diseases.
The study of physicochemical properties of drugs and interactions with their targets, the development of drug formulations, new materials and strategies for design and controlled delivery of drugs to enhance therapeutic activity, targeted radiotherapeutic agents and molecular imaging agents, are examples of areas under investigation. Activities also include the study of drug transport mechanisms across biological barriers as well as the study of their absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination, which are important determinants of their biologic activity. The development of new nanomaterials, synthetic biology approaches for disease diagnostic applications, biological therapeutics including viral vector-mediated gene therapy, and the delivery of precision medicine are emerging topics of interest.
Investigators
Research News
Focused ultrasound enhanced delivery of targeted antibody therapy to breast cancer that spread to the brain
Radiopharmaceutical drug developed at Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy helps realize “breakthrough moment” enabling clinical researchers to determine if treatment can target brain metastases.
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New research grants support research to improve COVID-19 vaccination efforts
Two assistant professors at U of T’s Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy have been awarded new funding to examine different COVID-19 vaccine delivery efforts.
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Expert in pandemic ethics helps shape public conversations
Alison Thompson’s media expert and provincial advisory roles contribute to public discussions about challenging topics during COVID-19 pandemic.
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