UTSA researchers receive boost with technology from German biosciences company
(June 12, 2015) – The Center for Innovative Drug Discovery (CIDD), a joint venture between UTSA and the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA), has entered into a research development partnership with German-based company Cytocentrics Biosciences.
The partnership has significant potential impact for drug discovery research across multiple therapeutic disciplines, and will benefit several departments at both institutions. It also complements UTSA’s drive to Tier One status by creating opportunities for excellence in education and research.
The CIDD launched in 2012 with $3.5 million in funding and provides expertise and core services to spur the development of pre-clinical drug candidates. In Fall 2014, center researchers Stanton McHardy and Rong Li received $1.9 million from the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas to develop next-generation breast cancer treatment drugs.
The unique research center is composed of a 2,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art Medicinal Chemistry and Synthesis Core Facility on the UTSA West Campus. The technological center provides chemistry and synthesis services to support small molecule drug discovery efforts. The center also includes a High-Throughput Screening Facility at the UT Health Science Center.
Cytocentrics has agreed to donate two Cytopatch machines to the CIDD that will enable researchers to advance novel therapies in the areas of biochemistry, physiology and neuroscience. Cytocentrics manufactures the CytoPatch machine, which automates a medical “patch clamp” technique that looks at cell membranes to determine how they will react to different drugs.
Over the long term, the donation will help CIDD researchers train students and could make them more competitive for extramural funding.
This week, Cytocentrics announced it was relocating its corporate headquarters and operatons to San Antonio after City Council members approved a one million grant over five years. As part of the city's agreement with the company, Cytocentrics will invest $15 million and create 300 high-wage jobs with an average salary of $70,000.
“San Antonio is known for its collaborative spirit. Cytocentrics’ relocation to San Antonio serves as an example of how the private sector, academia and the City can partner together to enable progress, drive innovation and ultimately create more jobs,” said Mauli Agrawal, UTSA Vice President for Research.
Learn more about the Center for Innovative Drug Discovery.
Connect online with UTSA on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.
Events
Aproduction of the Gudalupe Cultural Arts Center, Rio Bravo showcases the vibrant music and dance traditions of the Texas-Mexico border region. Featuring the Guadalupe Dance Company and Mariachi Azteca de América, the performances will be filmed live both nights, courtesy of UTSA's College of Liberal and Fine Arts.
UTSA Downtown CampusCheer on our Roadrunners as they face Houston Christian University. Featuring a special halftime show with Ballet Folklórico Sol de San Antonio and Mariachi Los Paisanos performing with the Spirit of San Antonio Marching Band.
AlamodomePubMed is an essential database for anyone conducting biomedical or health-related research. This workshop will teach attendees how to navigate this free resource effectively and locate peer-reviewed articles using basic & advanced search features, MeSH subject headings, and Boolean operators.
Virtual EventIn this workshop, we will review the basic concept of metadata and how it can influence digital projects, particularly those that include images like exhibits and mapping. Through the lens of preserving cultural heritage, you will learn about some of the more popular types of metadata schema and participate in a hands-on Dublin Core cataloging exercise.
CEDISH Co-Lab 3.02.38, 3rd Floor, John Peace LibraryMariachi Los Paisanos & Mariachi Juviniles will perform. Free and open to the public.
UTSA Recital HallAre you looking for a job/internship? Connect with over 60+ employers to learn more about their job/internship opportunities. All students and classifications are welcome to attend.
HEB BallroomsJoin UTSA Libraries and Museums to learn more about the publishing discounts available for UTSA researchers. Current agreements include Elsevier, Cambridge University Press, Springer Open, and more. Please bring your questions and feedback for the library as we continue to pursue partnerships with publishers to reduce costs for our researchers.
Virtual Event