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

miguel pontinha vasco

Oct. 26, 2026

CMS selects Dr. Pontinha to serve as expert on yearlong drug price policy assignment

For the next 12 months, Vasco Pontinha, Ph.D., will be providing "expert and authoritative information and analysis" in Medicare policy work at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI).

yana cen

Oct. 5, 2026

Dr. Yana Cen receives grant from VCU Quest Fund awards

The two-year award will support the project, "Targeting NAD Biosynthesis in Malaria Parasites: A Novel Antiparasitic Strategy."

A smiling Provost Saavedra, in a suit with a black and gold bow tie, gestures toward the audience to emphasize a point while onstage at the School of Pharmacy's 4th Annual Convocation.

Aug. 25, 2026

Provost at Convocation: As problem-solvers, 'in 20 years, think, what will no longer be a problem?'

Keynote speaker Arturo Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A., addressed faculty, staff and new students to share what motivates him and what’s next for VCU’s academic enterprise before the community celebrated seven faculty and staff honorees and three faculty promotions.