Louvain Drug Research Institute

The general objective of the Louvain Drug Research Institute is to develop fundamental and / or
applied research projects in the field of drugs.

The research axes encompass the discovery and the conception of new active molecules, the study
of their pharmacological profile, their metabolism and toxicity, their formulation, and the
optimization of their use. These research projects are supported by two technological platforms:
mass spectrometry analyses and pre-clinical magnetic resonance.

The general objective is to develop and maintain, within the Medical sector of Université catholique
de Louvain, cutting-edge research, fundamental and/or applied in the field of drugs.

Research Excellence conducted at the Louvain Drug Research Institute must ensure the following:

• publications in well recognized international journals and / or patents and / or the creation
of spin-off,
• training of young researchers,
• dissemination of knowledge to the scientific community,
• expertise for the authorities of public health and/or pharmaceutical, chemical and
biotechnologies industries.

The general objective of the Louvain Drug Research Institute is to develop fundamental and / or
applied research projects in the field of drugs.

The research axes encompass the discovery and the conception of new active molecules, the study
of their pharmacological profile, their metabolism and toxicity, their formulation, and the
optimization of their use. These research projects are supported by two technological platforms:
mass spectrometry analyses and pre-clinical magnetic resonance.

Research themes
Overall, research activities are developed around the various poles that range from the design of a
new drug (and the discovery of new targets) to its optimal use through all modern means of
evaluation.
Research is conducted by members of the Louvain Drug Research Institute in the following areas:

• chemical synthesis, design and isolation of new active molecules

• quality control of medicines and natural products, and chemical analysis
• cellular and molecular pharmacology
• pharmacology, toxicology and pharmacokinetics in vitro and in vivo
• nutrition and metabolism
• molecular, cellular and functional imaging
• development and characterization of new formulations

A synopsis of the research themes is presented hereunder:

All major aspects of the drug are covered from its design to its use.

The approaches use in vitro (membranes and cells) and in vivo models (small animals). Patients-
oriented research is focused on the population pharmacokinetics and clinical pharmacy (in
development).

• Bioanalysis and Pharmacology of Bioactive Lipids

• Biomedical Magnetic Resonance
• Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Metabolism and Nutrition
• Pharmaceutics
• Pharmacognosy
• Toxicology and Cancer Biology