Research Focus Area: Infectious Diseases

The CDI hosts a number of laboratories which study infectious pathogens including viruses, bacteria, and fungi which pose a public health threat. The CDI hosts a wide variety of drug discovery programs focused on developing novel drugs to combat these high-threat pathogens. These programs, focused extensively on SARS-CoV-2, drug resistant Gram negative (GN) and Gram positive (GP) pathogens, and Candida and Aspergillus species, are supported by grants and contracts from public and private supporters, as well as pharmaceutical companies. Drug discovery efforts involving small molecules and biologics range from target development, early lead generation and compound optimization through IND-enabling studies. Public-private partnerships with industry ensure that promising drug candidates advance to clinical trials.