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 $10 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.

Two researchers in lab coats using lab equipment.

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

Ally Thompson joins Dean K.C. Ogbonna to receive the Dean's Awards at the 2026 Graduate Awards Ceremony.

May 8, 2026

Students recognized for excellence at 2026 Graduate Student Awards Ceremony

"How do we sustain this journey to excellence through our careers?" asked keynote speaker Dr. Patricia Slattum. "Well, it requires keeping our attention on why we're doing it."

Dr. Holdford and Dr. Pontinha smile together for a photo while Dr. Pontinha holds a VCU Pharmacy pennant just before Dr. Pontinha graduates from VCU School of Pharmacy in 2022.

May 6, 2026

'Be that person that’s a joy to be with': Notable Pharmacy educator, researcher and dedicated mentor David Holdford retires after 31 years

Bringing 'wisdom' and 'the element of humor' to the job, the Pharmacoeconomics and Health Outcomes professor rarely gave students THE answer – and that, they say, is what made them better leaders.

Jurgen Venitz laughs alongside the audience at the VCU School of Pharmacy Research and Career Day in 2019 when the scholarship named for him was announced.

Feb. 3, 2026

Beloved mentor and champion of Pharm.D./Ph.D. dual degree program Jürgen Venitz dies at 70

Generous with his time and ‘an authentic leader,’ Venitz was a role model for the students, postdocs and colleagues he mentored in his more than 30 years in the Department of Pharmaceutics at VCU School of Pharmacy.