News

Under the leadership of new director Yan Zhang, Ph.D., the Center for Drug Discovery has realigned its structure to mirror the industry-standard drug development pipeline and expanded to become a true universitywide hub for translational research. (Photo by Christopher Kendall)

VCU Center for Drug Discovery realigns to advance innovative therapies

May 30, 2025

Led by new director Yan Zhang and working with TechTransfer and Ventures, the center aims to commercialize treatments for sickle cell disease, opioid addiction, dementia and other conditions.

Dr. Youzhong Guo pioneers a new biopharma blueprint

May 23, 2025

A commitment to membrane proteins has rendered technology that has placed Youzhong Guo, Ph.D., an associate professor in our Department of Medicinal Chemistry, on the radar of some of the largest players in the biopharmaceutical industry.

At graduation, Class of 2025 reflects on perseverance and the support that got them through

May 16, 2025

Keynote speaker Tiffani Bailey Lash, Ph.D., encourages Ph.D. and Pharm.D. graduates to "embrace the tools of tomorrow without forgetting the humanity that brought you here."

Uhomba named 2025 ACCP-ASHP-VCU Congressional Healthcare Policy Fellow

May 16, 2025

"This fellowship offers an unparalleled opportunity to drive change at the intersection of health care and policy," Dr. Uhomba shared. "I believe that through this platform, I can create lasting reforms that impact health care access and equity across the nation."

Michael Hindle, Ph.D., left, and Worth Longest, Ph.D., right, in the aerosol research lab on VCU’s MCV Campus. The longtime collaborators are developing a hand-actuated dry powder inhaler to deliver aerosolized surfactant noninvasively to premature infants.

VCU inventors take a big step toward lifesaving therapy for premature infants in respiratory distress

May 16, 2025

The simple-to-use powder inhaler from Michael Hindle and Worth Longest shows strong test results and moves closer to market.

Silas Contaifer will earn his doctorate this spring in pharmaceutical sciences with a concentration in pharmacotherapy. (Contributed photo)

Class of 2025: Pharmaceutical sciences student from Brazil brings high-tech touch to health care projects

May 1, 2025

Silas Contaifer, who will earn his doctorate this spring, has built 3D simulation tools that use virtual reality to enhance education and training.

Sunny Makwana plans to focus his doctoral research on respiratory pharmaceutics, including how inhaled medication affects the lungs and body. (Mary Kate Brogan, School of Pharmacy)

Class of 2025: Sunny Makwana emerges from his shell in the School of Pharmacy

April 18, 2025

In a dual-degree program, the first-generation student from a small town embraces leadership roles.

(Left to right) Burnside Watstein Award winners Aurora Higgs, Nicole Killian and Gray Scott. (Contributed)

19th Annual Burnside Watstein Awards highlight community empowerment

April 3, 2025

At a ceremony celebrating this year’s award honorees, the keynote speaker says ‘to go forward fully and freely and fiercely in the fullness of who we are.’

Students in the new accelerated B.S. and Pharm.D. program can complete their required bachelor’s courses in their first three years to get a jump on the Doctor of Pharmacy program at VCU School of Pharmacy. (School of Pharmacy)

New VCU accelerated program will allow students to earn bachelor’s and Pharm.D. degrees in 7 years

March 19, 2025

The accelerated B.S. and Pharm.D. program, which starts in the fall, will help graduate more qualified pharmacy professionals sooner and reduce students’ potential debt.

Ellis appointed Director of B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences program

March 18, 2025

After serving as interim director since August, Keith C. Ellis, Ph.D., began his role as the Director of the B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences program, effective March 17.