The Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics is engaged in education and research in targeted drug delivery that will ensure optimal therapeutic efficacy of pharmacologically and immunologically active agents. It is a multidisciplinary endeavor requiring knowledge in basic pharmaceutics, chemistry, biopharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism, and pharmaceutical analysis. Understanding of the pathophysiology may be required for assessing pharmacodynamic outcome. Drugs in this context may include small MW conventional drug molecules, peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, and human genes.

Our division has undergone a major change in its research direction since 2005.  We have recruited five primary faculty members, all at the senior level.  Dr. Leaf Huang (non-viral gene therapy and cancer vaccines), Dr. Xiao Xiao (viral gene therapy), Dr. Russell Mumper (nano-based cancer and vaccine delivery systems), Dr. Rudy Juliano (delivery of macromolecular drugs) and Dr. Michael Jay (nano-based imaging and radiopharmaceutics) are all leaders of advanced drug delivery systems.  The division has grant support, mainly from NIH, totaling over $9M which has quadrupled since 2004.  We now enjoy the reputation as one of the best drug delivery programs in the nation.

NIH Funds Xiao's New Approach to Treating Muscular Dystrophy

Xiao Xiao, PhD, the Fred Eshelman Distinguished Professor of Gene Therapy in the Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, has received a five-year grant worth up to $1.66 million from the National Institute of Arthritis and Muscoskeletal and Skin Diseases of the NIH to support his research into treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Mumper Study: Nanocapsules Can Overcome Chemotherapy Resistance

New research led by pharmaceutical scientist Russell Mumper, PhD, director of the UNC Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery and member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, uses nanotechnology to overcome multi-drug resistance.

Graduate Student Wang Wins Scientific Art Competition

Sheena Wang, a graduate student at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, has won first place in the Scientific Art Competition at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.