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University of Nebraska Medical Center

Wang Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Nanomedicine

Welcome to the Wang Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Nanomedicine. The laboratory was established in 2005 by Dr. Dong Wang. Our research focusses extensively on the design and development of polymeric prodrug nanomedicine for the treatment of musculoskeletal, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. 

Among our contributions to the field, we are best known for the conceptualization of the “ELVIS” mechanism, which govern the passive-targeting of nanomedicine to inflammatory pathologies.  We are also noted for our ground-breaking effort in the development of bone-targeted nanomedicine and formulations for dental and periodontal diseases. 

Our nanomedicine development philosophy is “disease driven”.  Through collaboration with clinicians and biologists, we take the “reversed molecular engineering” approach to design and synthesize polymeric prodrug nanomedicine, with full consideration of the pathophysiological features of the interested disease. 

For pre-clinical evaluation and translation, we have established over 10 animal models, recapitulating the pathology of diseases, such as delayed fracture union, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus, etc.  Multiple nanomedicines developed in our laboratory have filed for or been granted patent protection, some of which have been licensed to the pharmaceutical industry for commercial development. 

Over the past 16 years, the work in our laboratory has been continuously funded by federal, state and the pharmaceutical industry.  The trainees in our laboratory are expected to master basic organic and polymer chemistry skills.  They will also develop skills in small animal model establishment and microsurgery skills.  In addition to proficiency in operating micro-CT, X-ray, near infrared imaging instruments, our trainees are encouraged to acquire skills in tissue processing, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry.  Most importantly, we emphasize the development of critical thinking skills in our laboratory training.