Pharmacology

Two new compounds developed at the Vanderbilt University Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery will enable research into a protein family with ties to Alzheimer’s disease, setting the stage for the development of a different kind of therapeutic than is currently available. Read More

Shan Meltzer was named a Sloan Research Fellow, one of the most competitive honors available to young investigators, for her research into how the neural circuits responsible for touch and pain processing are built and organized. Read More

Ann Richmond outlines a promising therapeutic strategy that may re-sensitize treatment-resistant tumors to immunotherapy. The research introduces a three-drug combination that enhances immune activity and suppresses tumor-promoting immune cells. Read More

Meet Prashant Singh, senior research associate in the Tina Iverson lab within the School of Medicine Basic Sciences. Read More

Congratulations to our School of Medicine Basic Sciences faculty members who were promoted or received new appointments between October and December 2025! These individuals significantly enrich our pursuit of pathbreaking research and contribute to the growth and success of our school. Read More

Millions of Americans struggle with cocaine use, yet research tools don’t yet reflect real-world drug use. Vanderbilt scientists have developed a new approach that more accurately models how people use cocaine, strengthening efforts to understand addiction and develop better therapies Read More

Emeson was one of the first scientists to explore a newly discovered biological process called RNA editing, a mechanism by which cells can subtly change the function of proteins and non-coding RNAs to fine-tune their activities. His team’s pioneering research made seminal contributions to the field and laid the foundation for understanding how RNA editing contributes to the regulation of neuronal function. Reflecting on his career, Emeson said the best things have been “the science, the students, the opportunity to work with talented colleagues, and the IACUC.” Read More

As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on the achievements and contributions to science made by the School of Medicine Basic Sciences community over the past year. SOMBS facilitates outstanding fundamental science research across four departments, two institutes, 10 centers, and 18 core facilities. The work of our faculty,… Read More

With novel insights in understanding and treating substance use disorder that have redirected neuropsychopharmacological dogma, Erin Calipari receives award from the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology. Read More

Niswender’s project seeks to understand why levels of mGlu7 are reduced in Rett syndrome and to test a new therapeutic approach using DNA molecules to restore those levels. This work could pave the way for new drug therapies to address symptoms of Rett syndrome and related disorders, while also advancing advocacy and visibility for these conditions in the scientific community. Read More