Research in the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry focuses on understanding fundamental biochemical mechanisms underlying health and disease, which are key to developing new and more effective diagnostics and medications. See all of our research areas.
Chemical biologists create chemical tools and methods to probe and dissect biological systems. This work provides insights crucial to the medicinal chemists’ rational design of small molecule drugs to alter the activity of these pathways, resulting in potential therapeutic benefit.
Researchers in this area use computer programs to model, predict, visualize, and analyze the structures, functions, and interactions of biologically important molecules. These include proteins and potential small molecule drugs and the cellular networks they engage.
Department physical biologists develop and apply techniques to identify, quantify, and visualize biologically relevant molecules.
Protein engineers alter, design, and synthesize protein molecules to understand and generate new functions, to monitor biological processes, and to provide new therapies. Department cellular engineers generate tissues with specific cell types to study intercellular and tissue-to-cell signaling in health and disease.
200+
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry researchers published over 200 papers in 2024, spanning topics such as drug discovery and proteomics. Visit our curated list of recently published papers.
45th year
In 2024, and for the 45th consecutive year, the UCSF School of Pharmacy received more research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) than any other pharmacy school.
150+
Our patents underscore a culture of innovation — turning fundamental discoveries into impactful, first‑in‑class solutions that deliver true novelty and real‑world impact.
Through our research, we facilitate access to shared services and facilities across the campus, playing a vital role in providing resources and support to the broader scientific community. See all of our research services and facilities.
Education
At the UCSF School of Pharmacy, Bo Huang, PhD, a professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, is blending biological discovery with tool-building to reimagine how scientists visualize and understand life inside cells.
Three faculty members — John Irwin, PhD, Aashish Manglik, MD, PhD, and Brian Shoichet, PhD — are named in Clarivate’s 2025 list of Highly Cited Researchers, recognizing their scholarly impact and influence in their fields.
More than 100 current and former graduate students gathered on Oct. 3 for the School of Pharmacy’s first “Bridging Past and Future: Highlighting UCSF Graduate Students and Alumni” symposium.