Research
Repurposing approved drugs for new therapies
November 9, 2022
One way to short-circuit the “valley of death” is to repurpose an approved drug for a new indication. The Food and Drug Administration has approved more than 20,000 drugs, and these drugs have demonstrated safety and efficacy in human trials. This population of proven compounds also offers researchers rich data sets to discover new indications for these drugs.
Bringing medical discoveries to clinical trials
November 8, 2022
The greatest engines for medical discovery in human history are U.S. academic medical centers, funded by the National Institutes of Health. These centers’ faculty have been awarded the majority of Nobel Prizes for Medicine and have discovered most of the pathways targeted by current drugs. However, this engine for discovery is running at half speed because many high-impact discoveries never make it to clinical trials. This is because of the infamous “valley of death” — the gap between the discovery of an important target and bringing an intervention for that target to clinical trials.
Unicorns among the mesquite
November 8, 2022
San Antonio’s reputation as a collegial, unpretentious place extends to the growing life science community. The spirit of collaboration among San Antonio’s biotechnology and medical device community has its origins in the history of cooperation between the military, academic and nonprofit research institutions.
Sister Faculty Members Share Dedication to Innovative Research
December 15, 2021
The School of Dentistry’s Department of Endodontics boasts two nationally acclaimed researchers who also happen to be sisters. Nikita “Niki” Ruparel, DDS, PhD, MS, and Shivani Ruparel, PhD, MS, come from a family of physicians but both chose to dedicate their careers to discovery in their endodontics laboratories.
Periodontics Professor Studying Saliva to Improve Quality of Life, Prevent Cancer
December 15, 2021
Brij B. Singh, PhD, associate dean for research and professor of periodontics in the School of Dentistry at UT Health San Antonio, has dedicated 20 years of multi-disciplined research on salivary gland function and believes epigenetics may hold the key to reversing the condition.
Just the Facts: Infographics on the School of Dentistry
December 15, 2021
Infographics offer quick snapshot of the School of Dentistry for Fiscal Year 2020 to 2021.
Kenneth M. Hargreaves, DDS, PhD, Presented 2020 President’s Award by AAE
December 15, 2021
Kenneth M. Hargreaves, DDS, PhD, professor and chair of endodontics, was awarded the esteemed 2020 President’s Award by the American Association of Endodontists.
Asma A. Khan, BDS, PhD, FICD, Earns a 2020 IADR Distinguished Scientist Award
December 15, 2021
Asma A. Khan, BDS, PhD, FICD, was awarded the 2020 IADR Distinguished Scientist Award in Pharmacology/Therapeutics/Toxicology Research by the International Association for Dental Research.
Camila Pacheco-Pereira, DDS, MBA, MSc, Receives Awards for Research, Residency Work
December 15, 2021
Camila Pacheco-Pereira, DDS, MBA, MSc, was presented with the 2020 William H. Rollins Award for Research in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology and the 2020 Howard R. Raper Graduate Student Award by the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
Ryushiro Sugita, DDS, MS, and Michael P. Vieth, DDS, MS, Named Orban Finalists
December 15, 2021
Ryushiro Sugita, DDS, MS, and Michael P. Vieth, DDS, MS, were named finalists in the 2021 Balint Orban Memorial Program by the American Academy of Periodontology. The Orban competition allows current and recent periodontal residents to present clinical and basic science research.
Winning the War Against Breast Cancer: One Battle at a Time
November 15, 2021
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio know that breast cancer is not one disease but many. Scientists are studying the genetic makeup of specific breast cancers to create targeted therapies that individualize treatment.
Of Tiny Mice and Giant Discoveries: Past Guides Future of Aging Research
November 15, 2021
UT Health San Antonio is finding answers to aging hidden among many abnormalities, such as deficient genes and tangled tau proteins. Discoveries at the Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies are being translated from the lab to the clinic.