School of Pharmacy

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Research

Innovating tomorrow's therapies for today's health challenges

The VCU School of Pharmacy is ranked among the top institutions for research funding reflecting our commitment to advancing pharmaceutical sciences and improving patient care.

Leading groundbreaking research in drug discovery and development

With annual research funding exceeding $15 million, an average of 21 invention disclosures per year, cutting-edge facilities and technology, and a collaborative environment, our researchers are leading groundbreaking advancements in drug discovery, delivery and optimization. Their work explores new therapeutic targets and agents, develops innovative drug delivery systems and evaluates the factors influencing the efficacy and safety of therapeutic interventions.

A researcher talks to students in a research lab.

Focusing on patient outcomes

We aim to identify the true value of therapies, policies and practices by focusing on patient outcomes, ensuring our research translates into better health care solutions and an improved quality of life. We study how treatments affect patient health in real-world settings and gather data on outcomes such as symptom relief, disease progression and patient satisfaction. Our patient-centered research identifies the most beneficial therapies and the best policies for optimal health outcomes.

a pharmacist administers a vaccine to a patient via syringe

Enhancing care delivery through education and collaboration

We aim to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice. Our research enhances care delivery through innovative pharmacy education, interprofessional collaboration and patient education. Insights from our studies are tested then implemented in health care settings, improving patient care. We work with health care providers, policymakers and other stakeholders to translate our findings into actionable strategies.

Three students stand next to a hospital bed with a human cadaver.

Focus Areas

  • Drug Discovery

    Identifying and developing new therapeutic compounds to treat diseases and improve patient health

  • Drug Delivery

    Developing and refining methods and technologies to administer medications effectively

  • Drug Optimization

    Improving therapeutic agents to enhance their efficacy, safety and performance

  • Patient Outcomes

    Developing and implementing innovative approaches to improve medication outcomes

  • Care Delivery

    Advancing pharmacy practice to improve medication management and enhance health outcomes

Pharmacy Research News

Keynote speaker Anna Prilutsky addresses the audience in the Library of Virginia auditorium at the 3rd Annual School of Pharmacy Convocation.

Aug. 22, 2025

Haleon R&D leader at Convocation: Innovation is ‘figuring out how to open doors for those who will make a difference’

Keynote speaker Anna Prilutsky addressed faculty, staff and new students to share how she got her start in her career as an innovator before the community celebrated seven faculty and staff honorees and five faculty promotions.

Jannatun Namme stands next to a research poster she shared during VCU Research Day

Aug. 21, 2025

Small molecule could alleviate acetaminophen-induced liver injury, Medicinal Chemistry student's research reveals

Jannatun Nayem Namme, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry at VCU School of Pharmacy, is presenting her team's results at the fall meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) this week.

A professor in a dress shirt and blazer sits smiling in his lab in front of a projector with a 2-D representation of the interconnection of molecules while holding two vials of different liquids as additional vials of liquid sit on his desk in front of him

May 23, 2025

Dr. Youzhong Guo pioneers a new biopharma blueprint

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.