Biomedical Research & Industry Partners

Explore how biological engineering supports the development of new therapeutic approaches, including recombinant proteins such as antibodies, human growth hormone, and insulin. At KGI, you can also investigate the role of stem cell and gene therapies in restoring function in rare and complex diseases.

In our pharmaceutical research, you study therapeutic targets, drug action, delivery strategies, and disease mechanisms to learn how scientists assess safety, effectiveness, and clinical value.

Recent Biotech and Pharmaceutical Studies

A new emerging target for treating multiple sclerosis: DRAK2 deficiency remodels lipid and cholesterol composition to favor Treg expansion 4779

With her team, faculty member Jeniffer Hernandez explores DRAK2 as a potential therapeutic target for multiple sclerosis. By showing how a deficiency of the kinase changes T cell metabolism, her study points toward safer treatment strategies that could control harmful activity without weakening the immune system.

Synthesis, structure, in vitro pharmacology, and in vivo activity of trans-3,4-dichloro-N-[[1-(dimethylamino)-4-phenylcyclohexyl]methyl]-benzamide (AP01; 4-phenyl-AH-7921), a novel mixed μ-/κ-opioid

In their research, Dr. John Krstenansky and his team use structural analysis, receptor binding studies, and in vivo pharmacological studies to examine AP01, a newly synthesized compound related to AH-7921.

Their study shows how changes in chemical structure can influence a drug’s strength, effects, and toxicity. Specifically, the researchers discovered that adding a 4-phenyl group creates an active synthetic opioid that interacts with μ- and κ-opioid receptors. It also strongly binds to the serotonin transporter, which may help explain its potential risks.

Culture living cells to manufacture products that address major challenges in healthcare, biofuels, global warming, and biodefense. This work plays an important role in the creation of new vaccines and enzymes. By conducting bioprocessing research at KGI, you prepare to contribute to a field that needs more skilled professionals with modern laboratory experience.

Bioprocessing Research at KGI

Advances and Opportunities in Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) Manufacturing Process for Gene Therapy Application

By focusing on the upstream and downstream steps involved in manufacturing AAV viral vectors, our Amgen Bioprocessing Center addresses one of the biggest barriers in gene therapy: finding an efficient and affordable method to produce high-quality vectors. The study examines cell culture conditions, purification strategies, and capsid quality to make gene therapies more accessible.

Effect of extracellular matrices on production and potency of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes

Led by KGI faculty member Dr. Saurav Datta, this study addresses a major bottleneck in the development of cell-free therapy. The revelation that decellularized extracellular matrices can increase mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosome production and support wound-healing bioactivity points toward a widely applicable production platform for regenerative medicine approaches.

Support disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. When you join this work at KGI, you apply knowledge from biochemistry, engineering, physics, and computer science to help detect disease and guide treatment decisions.

By leading technological advances in health and medical research, you could develop:

• Instrumentation that measures biological signals or processes patient samples
• Software that helps analyze clinical, molecular, or imaging data
• Bioassays that identify biomarkers or detect disease-related changes
• Algorithms for diagnosis and monitoring

Learn to use genomics and proteomics to identify cell dynamics at the molecular level. Here, you collaborate with faculty and research partners to:

• Model signal transduction pathways and the regulatory mechanisms behind cell function
• Investigate evolving networks of genes and proteins
• Predict how biological systems respond to disease or stress
• Analyze interactions within and between cells
• Develop methods to process and evaluate data

KGI Research Predicts Antigen-Specific B Cell Receptors

In 2025, KGI faculty member Jeniffer Hernandez and her team presented a protein language model that can predict which B cell receptors bind specific antigens from sequence data. Their discovery reduces reliance on traditional experimental screening and accelerates immunology research and therapeutic development.

Study how life science companies grow, compete, and make decisions that affect both individuals and communities. Alongside KGI faculty, you analyze industry dynamics and public policy issues to better understand how biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and healthcare companies bring innovation to market. Your efforts can support access to treatments and help organizations make evidence-based decisions.

Business management research is a good fit if you are interested in questions like:

• Why do some regions become stronger biotechnology hubs?
• When should society invest in cures for rare diseases?
• What patterns shape pharmaceutical industry behavior and market dynamics?

KGI Faculty Advance Quality Management Maturity

Dr. Maxim Polonsky and his team evaluate whether an existing Parenteral Drug Association tool can help companies assess quality management maturity in pharmaceutical production. By connecting an organization’s culture to manufacturing reliability and drug shortage prevention, this research offers a tangible method to improve quality systems across the industry.