Molecular Pharmaceutics & Drug Delivery

The University of Texas at Austin joins a six-member team led by DesiCorp, Inc., which recently received a contract award from HHS's Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), to develop an integrated platform that combines transient, reversible cellular modifications with a closed-loop bioprocessing system to enable room-temperature storage and on-demand reanimation of cells.

Hugh D. C. Smyth, Ph.D., has been named the 2026 William M. Heller Mentor of the Year by the American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education. The national honor recognizes his commitment to guiding and empowering the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists through mentorship, research and education.

Robert O. (Bill) Williams III, Ph.D. has been recognized for his exceptional dedication to faculty mentoring at the College of Pharmacy. His hands-on approach to faculty guidance has had a significant positive effect on students, faculty and the college community.

B.J. Kim, Ph.D., and the Kimmunity Lab have received their first research award: the 2025 Peg's Fight for Life Early Career Research Award from the A Breath of Hope Lung Cancer Foundation. Their funded project develops programmable RNA therapies to tackle immune resistance in EGFR-mutant non–small cell lung cancer, aiming to convert "cold" tumors into ones that respond to treatment. With this support, they'll drive forward their RNA immunotherapy platform, expand their team and build new collaborations.

Zhengrong Cui, Ph.D., Professor of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery and Alfred and Dorothy Mannino Fellow in Pharmacy, is among the UT faculty awarded TRC4 grants. His project focuses on developing dry powders of whole blood to improve storage and transport for trauma care. This innovative approach could expand access to life-saving transfusions in emergency situations.