Center for Targeted Therapeutics

SUMMARY The Center for Targeted Therapeutics (CTT) was established in 2014 at the University of South Carolina (USC), with the mission to develop the institutional research in the area of experimental therapeutics aimed at molecular targets implicated in different pathologies. The Center has been transformative for translational biomedical

research at USC. In phases 1 and 2, CTT has supported the research and mentoring of 15 junior faculty from several different Colleges who served as Research Project Leaders (RPL). Subsequently the RPLs have won 13 R01s and several smaller grants; 11 of them have been promoted to Associate or full Professor. In addition,

23 pilot projects were funded, with the pilot project leaders (PPL) subsequently winning 4 R01s and several smaller grants. Subsequent to CTT funding, the RPLs and PPLs published more than 300 articles and won over $50M in external funding, filed multiple patents and brought their drug candidates into the clinical trial pipeline.

The CTT supported the recruitment of 9 junior faculty members and engaged at least three SmartState Endowed Chairs related to Targeted Therapeutics. CTT supports the operation of three resource cores: Functional Genomics, Microscopy and Flow Cytometry, and Drug Discovery Synthesis, that provide state-of-the-art services

to investigators at USC and the State of SC. At the onset of COVID19 pandemic, the Functional Genomics core rapidly developed the SARS-Cov2 testing pipeline that, in the form of a CLIA lab, served the USC community throughout the pandemic. CTT also sponsored a special Pilot Project program in COVID19 therapeutics. During

Phase 3, CTT will transition to self-sufficiency and sustainability, leveraging the progress attained so far by pursuing the following activities: 1). Support high-impact research projects in Targeted Therapeutics, by funding pilot projects, identifying scientific priority areas, and promoting collaborations in the area of Targeted

Therapeutics. The pilot project awards will prioritize junior faculty, collaborative studies and the workforce diversification by engaging investigators that belong to or serve underserved groups. 2). Maintain and grow sustainable research infrastructure by supporting three strategic resource Cores: the Functional

Genomics Core, the Drug Design and Synthesis Core, and the Microscopy and Flow Cytometry Core. 3). Assure long-term development of the CTT by broadening collaborative networking in Targeted Therapeutics. For this purpose, CTT will conduct Center meetings, arrange scientific seminars and promote external

collaborations. CTT will also organize individual training and workshops aimed at developing multi-investigator and SBIR/STTR grant applications. CTT will work in alignment with Institutional priorities at USC to assure the sustainability of CTT research cores’ operation and continuous engagement and expansion of the critical mass

of Targeted Therapeutics investigators that has been established during Phases 1 and 2. The CTT will promote the mission of the NIH IDeA program and will enhance the State's stature in Targeted Therapeutics research, continuing to make an impact on the public health, scientific education and economic development of the State.