SPOTLIGHT on NEW RESEARCH 

Wanli Smith, Ph.D. was just awarded a contract from Merck to identify potentially novel therapeutic drugs to prevent or treat Parkinson's Disease (PD). PD is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders, however the pathogenesis of PD is not well understood. Moreover, therapeutic options for treatment of PD are limited. Studies will focus on identifying new compounds that inhibit a novel protein called leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) activity. Further studies will test these molecules for therapeutic benefits in treating PD.

Frank Palumbo, Ph.D. JD. Dr. Palumbo continues his work with IMS Government Solutions to evaluate how benefit-risk assessment assists in understanding how regulatory decisions are made. His research is focused on a number of related areas: health services research, food and drug law and regulation, drug use review, drug use in the elderly, pharmacoepidemiology, pharmacoeconomics and outcomes research. He also cofounded and currently directs the work of the Center on Drugs and Public Policy.

 
Nicole Brandt, PharmD, CGP, BCPP has received funding from Talyst, Inc. to evaluate remote dispensing in long term care pharmacies at skilled nursing home facilities.She oversees the geriatrics pathway for PharmD students as well as directing an accredited geriatric pharmacotherapy residency.  Her research interests have focused on medication management issues as well as improving the use of cholinesterase inhibitors in a VA setting. She also serves as director of the Peter Lamy Center on Drug Therapy and Aging.