Drug Discovery Centers

Center for Investigational Therapeutics

Therapeutic Approaches: Biologics, Small Molecules, Biomarkers, Antibodies, Stem Cells, Drug Delivery, Drug Devices

Therapeutic Areas of Expertise: Immunology, Oncology, Opthalmology

Center/Program Highlights:

The goal of the Center for Investigational Therapeutics (CIT) laboratory program is to identify clinical candidate compounds as possible cancer-fighting agents to be considered for Phase I (first-in-man) clinical trials. Researchers with the CIT work to discover new agents that can be developed into drugs. Chemists in our laboratory discover and develop compounds they believe can be used to target cancer cells. Our team can screen thousands of experimental compounds each year using both cell and tumor-based assays. Our skilled researchers use cutting-edge techniques such as lead compound identification and proof-of-mechanism studies to rapidly advance compounds from discovery to clinical candidates. Our team also has years of experience with approved anticancer agents and understands the efficacy and toxicity profiles for approved chemotherapeutics. This allows detailed evaluation of novel agents in combination with standard therapeutic courses of therapy. Features of the preclinical program include the following: Computational chemistry, including modeling-based approach and liquid handling Biology resources, including assay development, screening, and in vivo models Biomarker development, including in vitro and in vivo validation and preclinical imaging

Sources of Funding: Philanthropy, Federal/State,