New Center Enables Translational Biomedical Research
The newly configured Center for Molecular Discovery (CMD) builds on the legacy of Boston University’s NIH-funded Center of Excellence, the Center for Chemical Methodology and Library Development (2002-2007 and 2008-2013) to create a new functional core with a focus on the development of small molecule probes and therapeutic leads.
Integrating its small molecule screening collection and medicinal chemistry capabilities with the efforts of high-impact researchers in the biomedical field, the CMD is an enabling core resource for advancing translational science at Boston University.
The CMD will continue to engage in high-throughput screening (HTS) and medicinal chemistry collaborations with external researchers as part of the Chemical Library Consortium (CLC) network formed by the CMLD. The Center has new and ongoing collaborations with several research groups on the BU Charles River Campus, the BU School of Medicine, and the National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories. While some of these collaborations are in early stages, others have progressed to the point of early proposal development, proposal submission, and extramural funding. The CMD has also developed collaborations with companies (e.g., Cubist, AstraZeneca, and Vertex) and scientists at other research universities to further leverage its compound collection.
The CMD leadership team is comprised of Profs. John Porco, Aaron Beeler, Scott Schaus, Lauren Brown, and Ms. Lisa Holik.