The Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics (MOPH) is engaged in education and research in targeted drug delivery that will ensure optimal therapeutic efficacy of pharmacologically and immunologically active agents. It is a multidisciplinary endeavor requiring knowledge in basic pharmaceutics, chemistry, biopharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism, and pharmaceutical analysis. Understanding of the pathophysiology may be required for assessing pharmacodynamic outcome. Drugs in this context may include small MW conventional drug molecules, peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, and human genes.

Our division has undergone a major change in its research direction since 2005.  We have recruited five primary faculty members, all at the senior level.  Dr. Leaf Huang (non-viral gene therapy and cancer vaccines), Dr. Xiao Xiao (viral gene therapy), Dr. Russell Mumper (nano-based cancer and vaccine delivery systems), Dr. Rudy Juliano (delivery of macromolecular drugs) and Dr. Michael Jay (nano-based imaging and radiopharmaceutics) are all leaders of advanced drug delivery systems.  The division has grant support, mainly from NIH, totaling over $9M which has quadrupled since 2004.  We now enjoy the reputation as one of the best drug delivery programs in the nation.

Juliano to Oversee School’s Research and Graduate Education

The UNC School of Pharmacy has named Rudy Juliano, PhD, an expert in drug targeting, as its new associate dean for research and graduate education.

Huang Receives More than $3 Million in NIH Funding

Leaf Huang, PhD, the chair of the School's Division of Molecular Pharmaceutcis, has received two grants from the National Institutes of Health, each worth more than $1.5 million over five years, to support cancer-therapy research.

UNC Researchers Proof Inhaled TB Vaccine

Scientists at the UNC School of Pharmacy led by Tony Hickey, PhD, vetted a tuberculosis vaccine provided by Harvard University that is administered by inhaling a dry powder. The new vaccine is easier to administer and store and just as effective as one commonly used worldwide.