VCU Center for Drug Discovery

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Advancing discovery. Transforming health.

The VCU Center for Drug Discovery brings together scientists and partners to develop new therapeutics, technologies and solutions that improve lives in Virginia and beyond.

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Explore Our Research

Discover how our teams are advancing new therapies, technologies and drug targets across multiple disease areas.

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Meet Our Scientists

Connect with the faculty and researchers whose expertise drives discovery and innovation.

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Access Our Facilities

Use advanced labs and equipment designed to support collaboration and accelerate breakthroughs.

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News

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."

VCU professors Javier González-Maeso, Ph.D., and Malgorzata Dukat, Ph.D., have collaborated for more than 10 years to better understand the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Aug. 31, 2026

Psychedelic drug candidate could boost mental health while preserving gut health

VCU researchers are exploring psychedelic-inspired treatment for psychiatric disorders that avoids gastrointestinal side effects.

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.

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