Cancer researchers in the College of Pharmacy study the molecular basis of cancer — from understanding the pathways and cellular changes that accompany cancer to specific gene mutations that drive the disease.

Our faculty work to identify new cellular targets for cancer drugs, develop new drugs, and identify new ways of delivering drugs specifically to cancer cells. We use state-of-the-art methodologies and pharmacogenomic approaches to explore DNA mutations and gene expression in individual tumors, to identify the best chemotherapeutic drug to treat cancer patients and improve the effectiveness of cancer treatment and overall outcome.

Neuroscience researchers in the College of Pharmacy study the molecular basis of neurological disorders, addiction and neuroAIDS to understand the neuronal and cellular pathways that drive these diseases.

Equipped with state-of-the-art pharmacogenomic approaches, studies conducted by our faculty have successfully identified potential molecular targets for development of therapeutics in treating smoking cessation, neuroAIDS, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Addiction represents one of the most prevalent, destructive, and costly adverse health conditions in the United States. The College of Pharmacy has NIH-funded faculty in addiction and behavioral science, drug discovery, and pharmacogenomics of addictive substances. Our faculty conduct cutting-edge translational research in the biological and genetic bases of addiction, new and alternative therapies for addiction management, as well as non-addictive alternatives for acute and chronic pain treatment.

Utilizing big data, faculty in the College of Pharmacy translate knowledge and discovery gained from the basic sciences to its application in clinical and community settings. 

Faculty in the College of Pharmacy conduct systematic research that compares the effectiveness, benefits, and/or harm of two or more available therapeutic options for a given condition. The results provide evidence-based information usable by clinicians, patients, policymakers and health plans and payers. Researchers study the use of existing drug for new indications based on evidence from clinical data or biological experiments.

Pharmacists also play an important role in medication safety, working in partnership with prescribers to minimize patient risks and ensure the best possible health outcomes for patients. Our researchers aim to identify, understand and ultimately reduce medication adverse events.

More than a quarter of South Carolina residents live in rural areas, with these populations facing more health challenges than their urban counterparts. Pharmacists have an especially important role in bridging those barriers to care, as the most accessible health care providers in many communities. 

Our researchers are dedicated to understanding social determinants of health and developing innovative ways address disparities, including increased placement of pharmacists in rural health centers and on primary care teams in order to improve patient outcomes, close gaps in care, and enhance the satisfaction of patients and providers.

Infectious diseases are a constant threat to humankind, with new diseases continuing to emerge alongside resurgence of established pathogens. The College of Pharmacy has faculty who specialize in the use of microbiology and pharmacology to study and develop evidence-based drug regimens, optimize patient therapies, educate other health care professionals, and reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistance. 

Infectious diseases are a constant threat to humankind, with new diseases continuing to emerge alongside resurgence of established pathogens. The College of Pharmacy has faculty who specialize in the use of microbiology and pharmacology to study and develop evidence-based drug regimens, optimize patient therapies, educate other health care professionals, and reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistance. 

Pharmacoeconomics identifies, measures and compares the costs and consequences of pharmaceutical products and services. Our faculty engaged in pharmacoeconomics research measure outcomes via cost-minimization analysis, cost-benefit analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, and cost-utility analysis. Decision makers can use these methods to evaluate and compare the total costs of treatment options and the outcomes associated with these options.