Synthesis The chemical design of potentially active pharmacologic agents through an understanding of the molecular biology of the pharmacologic 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. 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 neuropharmacology and cardiovascular pharmacology.
The development of novel assay methodology for drugs in dosage forms or biological matrices using high performance liquid chromatography, thin layer chromatography, gas chromatography, supercritical fluid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, electrochemistry, mass spectroscopy, nuclear spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and chemiluminescence spectroscopy. 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. 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 and transdermal formulations.