University of South Florida
Dr. Kevin Nash has identified a protein that can reduce inflammation in diseased brains and rescue neurons. The USF/SBP team sought to identify molecules that would mimic the anti-inflammatory protein. Equipped with strong data, Dr. Nash has applied for an Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation grant. With renewed FTRP funding, Dr. Nash would advance his research, apply for NIH funding, and begin clinical trials.
Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
Dr. Pamela McLean is searching for breakthrough Parkinson’s disease therapies. Her FTRP collaboration provided access to SBP’s 900,000 compound library and industry-trained drug discovery experts. Initial results led to a Michael J. Fox Foundation award—the largest MJFF grant ever awarded—demonstrating the ability of FTRP to enhance Florida research and attract out-of-state funding.
Moffitt Cancer Center
Drs. Said Sebti and Nicholas Lawrence are leading the charge to identify potent small molecules that will suppress tumor growth. With FTRP support, the Moffitt/SBP team seeks to identify chemicals that will kill cancer cells and then advance the compounds to the clinic, where they hope to broaden the spectrum of tumors that can be successfully treated.
Florida International University
Dr. Yuk-Ching Tse-Dinh seeks to discover new antibiotics to combat multidrug-resistant infections. Working with Dr. Tse-Dinh, SBP drug discovery scientists searched for new chemicals that might kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The need is great since all antibiotics in use today were discovered more than 30 years ago. The FTRP funding put research back on course to address the worldwide crisis.
University of Florida
Dr. Kirk Conrad studies relaxin, one of the body’s molecules that control blood pressure. His FTRP funded collaboration with SBP led the team to identify potential drug like molecules that mimic the effects of relaxin in test tubes, which in time may be the next best medicine for treating heart failure. This project has attracted the interest of a major pharmaceutical company.