Transplantation Immunosuppressive Pharmacology Research Program

This program, led by Professor of Pharmacy Practice Kathleen Tornatore, PharmD, explores clinical and translational research projects and therapeutic dilemmas though a multidisciplinary research team including PharmDs, nephrologists, nurse clinicians, immunologists, geneticists and biostatisticians. Extensive clinical pharmacology research has focused on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of immunosuppressive drugs including cyclosporine, tacrolimus, mycophenolic acid and glucocorticoids with specific emphasis on the impact of gender, race and age on these medications.

Pharmacodynamic investigations in renal transplant recipients have described the objective evaluation of chronic adverse effects with  targeted pharmacogenomic associations as well as immunologic responses describing  transcription factors, cell efflux transporters and T cell sub-populations. Pharmacogenomic endpoints including CYP3A5 and ABCB1 polymorphisms have been investigated with these studies.

Research projects may also include graduate students and fellows, and provide exposure to a variety of biomedical technologies including mass spectrometry (LCMSMS), flow cytometry and Q-PCR in collaborative research facilities. Research projects are supported by grants from government, pharmaceutical industry and foundations. 

Think about the many lives that are touched with organ donation. Further information is available at the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS).