William Zamboni, Pharm.D., Ph.D.

Dr. Zamboni has been involved in translational development and pharmacology studies of small molecule drugs, nanoparticles, conjugates, biologics, and implantable agents for over 25 years. A majority of his work and interests have been on anticancer agents. His research interests focus on the application of pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, phenotypic and pharmacogenetic principles in the optimization of the chemotherapeutic treatment of cancer. Information obtained from preclinical and clinical translational studies can greatly add to the understanding of the pharmacology of anticancer agents, allow for the rational design of therapeutic regimens, and permit individualization of treatment via precision medicine approaches.

One focus of Dr. Zamboni’s research is evaluating the processes and mechanisms associated with the delivery and distribution of anticancer agents into solid tumors. He is especially interested in identifying barriers to the delivery of agents into solid tumors and developing novel methods to measure these barriers. In addition, he is extremely interested in the development of novel technologies and modulators to overcome these barriers and increase the delivery and efficacy of anticancer agents in the treatment of solid tumors.

A second focus of his research is on the development of complex agents, such as nanoparticles, liposomes, conjugates, biologics, antibodies, and antibody drug conjugates (ADCs). As part of these studies, the Zamboni group has developed methods and technologies to differentiate between the inactive-conjugated and active-released forms of these agents in blood, tumor, and tissues. The Zamboni lab also focuses on evaluating the bi-directional interaction between these agents and the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS), which part of the innate immune system (IIS), and is the primary clearance pathway for these agents. They have developed biomarkers of the IIS/MPS, which can be used to predict the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and the potential for drug-drug and drug-disease interactions of these complex agents, especially immune-oncology agents, antibodies, and nanoparticles. The IIS/MPS biomarkers are also being evaluated as a method to optimize the dose and regimen of these complex agents, in special populations, such as in obesity, inflammatory diseases, and COVID-19 infection.

The clinical relevance of Dr. Zamboni’s research is underscored by the need to optimize the selection of the best agent, dose, regimen, and combination therapies for the treatment of cancer and other diseases as a path to increase efficacy and reduce toxicities.

To learn more about Dr. Zamboni’s major research interests and accomplishments, click here.

The Zamboni lab, in the Genetic Medicine Research Building, is a drug development and clinical pharmacology lab that focuses on the translational development of drugs, anticancer agents, and nanoparticles. Dr. Zamboni also supervises the Good Laboratory Practice Analytical Facility in Kerr Hall, which supports the development of newly discovered drugs and medical testing procedures.

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The Advanced Translational Pharmacology and Analytical Chemistry (ATPAC) core uses analytical chemistry and pharmacologic infrastructure to supports the translational development of drugs, anticancer agents, and carrier-mediated agents.  The lab provides bioanalytical services including LC-MS assay development, validation and analysis of samples to quantify a wide variety of drugs, ranging from small molecule therapeutics to complex drugs such as monoclonal antibodies, drug conjugates and polymers.  The ATPAC is equipped to support your entire project:  assistance in PK/PD study design, LC-MS/MS or ICP-MS assay development, quantification of drugs from biological samples, PK/PD analysis and report generation. The ATPAC Core encompasses the Analytical Pharmacology and Analytical Chemistry (ACPC) core and the Translational Oncology and Nanoparticle Drug Development (TOND₂I) Lab.

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