UTSA researchers receive boost with technology from German biosciences company

UTSA Vice President for Research Mauli Agrawal and Cytocentrics CEO Dr. Jim Garvin

By Kris Rodriguez
Public Affairs Specialist

(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.

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