The Center for Biotechnology and Drug Design promotes research in two areas that have revolutionized the natural sciences: genetic engineering and molecular modeling techniques.

The center’s research projects range from the detailed structural analysis of small DNA molecules to the development of genetically engineered vaccines against viral infection. Such research adds to the understanding of inherited diseases, transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS, and tumor formation. Knowledge gained from research in these areas can also help biotechnology companies increase production of previously scarce compounds that have commercial importance.

The center was established in 1994 to encourage cooperation between the biotechnology industry and Georgia State University.

Worth noting: In the United States alone, more than 1,100 companies have made substantial investments in biotechnology, with more than $2.3 billion spent annually on biotechnology-related research and development. 

Institutions involved: Georgia State University

Research focus: The center’s research interests focus on the following general areas: 

• Vaccines and diagnostics: Research includes development of vaccines and diagnostic reagents of extremely high purity, specificity and sensitivity for defense against disease-producing organisms.  
• Protein engineering: Research includes investigating approaches for maximizing protein yield. Protein production by genetic engineering has become an active and far-reaching aspect of biotechnology, with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies’ revenues exceeding $2 billion annually.
• Drug design and synthesis: Research includes designing and developing new pharmaceutical agents, including work on anti-HIV compounds and on drugs to counteract the opportunistic infections and neoplasms (abnormal tissue growths) that arise in patients with compromised immune systems.

Web site: http://chemistry.gsu.edu/BDD/