Future Drug Discoveries and Enhanced Partnerships

The University of Illinois Cancer Center, the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) College of Pharmacy, the Discovery Partners Institute (DPI), and the State of Illinois are partnering to construct the Drug Discovery and Cancer Research Pavilion, a new, state-of-the-art facility to house emerging areas of translational research. The Drug Discovery and Cancer Research Pavilion will bring together industry partners, educational and clinical programs, research and our community to create the collaborative environment needed to drive innovative therapeutic discovery.

The University of Illinois Cancer Center is dedicated to reducing cancer disparities — especially the ones experienced in our communities. Cancer can affect anyone. Yet it is a reality that certain groups of people experience higher rates of cancer and more deaths after diagnosis compared to others.  The Cancer Center serves patients across Cook County, a racially and ethnically diverse area that is home to more than 40% of the state’s population. Compared to other counties in the US, Cook County has higher rates of adult binge drinking, lack of health insurance, poverty, severe housing problems, violent crime, and air pollution. It has been designated by the federal government a Medically Underserved Area (MUA). The diversity of our patient populations improves the scientific understanding of how biology and societal factors contribute to an unequal cancer burden. Our goal: Precision oncology for every patient with cancer.

The Future of UIC is Beginning

UIC has long been a partner for drug discovery and commercialization. Our recent partnership with Deerfield Management will soon accelerate our activities. And, as the birthplace of many medical advances including Prezista, an anti-HIV drug sold by Janssen Therapeutics; Tice BCG, a bladder cancer drug sold by Merck; and Shingrix, a shingles vaccine sold by Glaxo Smith Kline, we are just getting started.

Drug Discovery and Cancer Research Pavilion will be located on the UIC campus, directly behind the College of Pharmacy building at 833 S. Wood St., Chicago. Drug Discovery and Cancer Research Pavilion will be a five-story facility dedicated to pharmaceutical research.  A clinical trials unit in the building will bridge the gap from pre-clinical to early phase clinical trials, and a Technology Park, ripe for Public-private partnerships, will account for 14,000 of the 190,000 sq. ft. building.  Our Drug Discovery research will focus on important therapeutic areas, including cancer, infectious disease, and women’s health.

Donors who share our priorities are invited to partner with the Cancer Center and the College of Pharmacy to fulfill the promise of innovative research and discovery. Naming opportunities for the state-of-the-art translational science building include laboratories, offices, as well as conference rooms, an auditorium and research floors.

Drug Discovery and Cancer Research Pavilion Partners

To discuss the Drug Discovery and Cancer Research Pavilion, please contact Derrick Collins, UIC College of Pharmacy, at (312) 996-3376, or Jane Erb, University of Illinois Cancer Center, at (312) 355-1386.