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Research at the School of Pharmacy

» Research at the School of Pharmacy

Research Centers

Chapman Pharmacy primarily uses two research centers and partners with academic, industry, and international organizations for dynamic and innovative research.

Facilities

Our facilities measure 18,200 square feet, allowing for dedicated space to research diverse topics and instruction on advanced analytical instrumentation for students.

Recent Publication Highlights:

Biologic TNF-α inhibitors reduce symptoms of tauopathy: Jo of Neuroinflammation
Dr. Rachita Sumbria
Both TfRMAb-TNFR (BBB-penetrating) and etanercept (non-BBB-penetrating) biologic TNF-α inhibitors showed therapeutic effects by reducing phosphorylated tau, microgliosis, and improving neuronal health. These results indicate potential benefits of TNF-α inhibitors in treating tau-related pathology in Alzheimer's disease.
AI is a viable alternative to high throughput screening: Scientific Reports
Dr. Keykavous Parang
Exploring potential of deep learning-based methods in identifying novel bioactive chemotypes, the study applied the AtomNet model to identify hits for 22 internal pharmaceutical targets. Src kinase was found, a key enzyme strongly linked to cancer development across various human cancers.
Unexpected Outcome in Pandemic-Related Opioid Challenges: Heathcare
Dr. Yun "Sherry" Wang
Contrary to past findings that relied on data to insured patients, the study found concrete reasons for policy adjustments in the state to improve patient safety as it pertains to the opioid crisis.
Genetic Editing with CRISPR Technology: Eur J of Pharm Sci
Dr. Hamid Minazeri
Utilizing enhanced carriers for the delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing entities into cellular structures, the results found efficient delivery mechanisms devoid of cellular harm, allowing for prospective medical applications. This may lead to more dependable approaches to manipulating genetic code and medical treatments.
Cost of Drugs Not Recommended in Other Countries: JAMA
Dr. Enrique Seoane-Vazquez
Of 206 new US drug approvals from 2017 through 2020, 47 drugs were refused marketing authorization or not recommended for reimbursement in other countries due to unfavorable benefit-to-risk profiles, uncertain clinical benefits, or unacceptably high prices.
Opioid Use in Pediatric Patients: Advanced Science
Dr. Surya Nauli
cELV is regulated and releasable by mechanical fluid force, with a novel protein composition identified through differential proteomic analyses. The findings reveal that cELV plays a unique role in ciliary signaling, cellular functions, and maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis.
Opioid Use in Pediatric Patients: JAMA
Dr. Sun "Coco" Yang
Opioid rates have decreased in recent years but inconsistencies in prescribing continue. A cross-sectional study of 69 152 emergency department visits found that opioid prescribing rates decreased between 2006 to 2010 (8.23%) and 2011 to 2015 (6.30%).
NRTIs stop HIV in its tracks: Science Journal
Dr. Keykavous Parang
NRTIs have been found to inhibit P2X7-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation, which is independent of their reverse transcriptase inhibition function. This suggests NRTIs could be repurposed for treating P2X7-driven diseases, as demonstrated by their efficacy cell's geographic atrophy, choroidal neovascularization, and GVHD.

NIH Awards Dr. Miao Zhang $434K for Rare Genetic Disease Research

Zimmermann-Laband syndrome 3 (ZLS3) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by gingival enlargement and intellectual disabilities. Recent research links ZLS3 to mutations in KCa2.3 channels, increasing their calcium ion sensitivity. The study aims to find treatments for the dysfunctional KCa2.3 channels to alleviate ZLS3 symptoms and develop targeted therapeutic interventions.

$2.2M R01 Grant is Awarded to Dr. Ren Ostrom

How do hormones, neurotransmitters, and drugs affect airway smooth muscle cells at a sub-cellular level? By using imaging techniques, the research will elucidate the spatial characteristics and unique signal patterns of G protein-coupled receptors and the relationship between spatial and temporal regulation of contractile proteins by cAMP and calcium signals. This may lead to the development of new drugs targeting signaling compartmentst to improve asthma symptoms.

Dr. Jerika Lam Receives Grant to Continue Search for HIV Prevention Outcomes

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medications are highly effective in limiting the spread of HIV, yet only 18% of persons at risk are prescribed PrEP in the United States. This research will investigatewhat the complex factors are that influence the adoption of pharmacy-based PrEP to improve the utility of this potentially powerful intervention.

Industry Partners

Chapman University School of Pharmacy is proud to partner with industry leaders to strive together in the development and discovery of new treatments and medicines that will improve lives around the globe. Some of our partners are listed below in the drop down. 

Interested in becoming a research partner? Contact our Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs, Dr. Jennifer Totonchy, for information.


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Research Areas

CUSP faculty are engaged with a wide-variety of exciting research areas. CUSP research happens in all landscapes, including wet labs, dry labs, as well as a few specialized cross-functional research centers. Primary CUSP research areas and their faaculty experts are listed below.

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Research Opportunities


There are several ways to get involved with the cutting-edge research offered. Many students conduct research alongside faculty during both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Chapman Pharmacy also has post-doctoral fellows and research associates that work in the labs.

On the CUSP


Every month, CUSP publishes monthly recaps of their publications, prestations, grants, awards, and other notable achievments.