Research

CMCP Vision for Research Success

The Centre for Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology (CMCP) is a medically focused research group investigating both fundamental and applied science of molecular-based systems related to medical research. The Centre is a part of the ‘Illawarra Institute for Health and Medical Research’ which aims to facilitate collaborative ventures with both our sister institute, The Centre for Medical Bioscience, and the newly formed University of Wollongong Graduate School of Medicine (GSM). The Centre brings together skilled personnel whose natural research focus is in medicinal chemistry and pharmacology.

The strengths of the CMCP are:

• The personnel and their current research programs together with their highly successful existing national and international collaborations.
• The proposed research, which incorporates both fundamental and applied aspects, but has a strong focus, thus maximising the potential for success.
• The strong link with UoW’s Medicinal Chemistry undergraduate degree (BMedChem(Hons)).

CMCP Core Objectives

The aims of the Centre for Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology are:

• To undertake directed and fundamental research to enhance the understanding of the molecular origins of disease.
• To undertake modern drug design and development leading to new pharmaceuticals.
• To maintain and further develop collaborative links with industry, national and international centres of research excellence, and with individual high profile researchers.
• To increase the level of externally-funded research to enhance the capacity and diversity of our research effort. This will be approached by continuing our strong record in individual grant success and further encouraging applications for block funding.
• To maintain and expand UoW as an exceptional training centre for post-graduate students in the medicinal chemistry and biomedical research fields for the growing Australian biotechnology market.
• To create a strong culture of support for research excellence.
• To promote the commercialisation of R&D efforts.

CMCP Research Focus

The CMCP research programs are currently focused on three major disease states:

• Anti-Infectives - which encompasses antibacterial agents, including multi-drug resistant strains, anti-viral agents (HIV, Dengue fever, Hepatitis C, anti-fungal), and anti-malarial agents.
• Anti-Cancer Agents - incorporating drug design and development as well as formulation and clinical aspects.
• Cardio-vascular disease - involving fundamental research associated with phospholipids and diet as well as the development of new small molecule therapeutics.

While these targets represent major themes with the possibility of the formation of clusters of researchers, additional research programs of members already in place will also expand. Research into the above defined disease targets is approached in an interdisciplinary manner (refer to the Figure below).

Figure: The synergy and cyclic interactive model of the CMCP operation integrating collaborative projects, cross defined research topics and links with external research operatives.

Additional information on specific research projects currently underway within the CMCP is available on individual members’ webpages. These can be accessed via the members’ link.