Glen Kwon and Mel de Villiers, professors in the Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, were two of 10 individuals named 2012 Fellows by the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS).

Kwon, the holder of the inaugural Jens T. Carstensen Distinguished Chair at the School of Pharmacy, is interested in the novel therapeutic strategies that utilize hybrid nanomedicines for drug delivery and tumor targeting. The goal of this research is to turn synergistic drug combinations into hybrid nanomedicines that are uniquely safe, soluble and stable for advances in the treatment of cancer and systemic fungal diseases.

De Villiers, also an adjunct-professor in the School of Pharmacy at North-West University, Potchefstroom South Africa, oversees research performed by groups in Wisconsin and South Africa designed to improve the effectiveness of “old” drug molecules though the design of better drug delivery systems and testing methods. In particular, several strategies employing nanotechnology, solid state chemistry and novel analytical techniques are used to improve the manufacturing, quality and therapeutic effectiveness of drugs used to treat chronic and communicable diseases. The current research focus is on diseases such as high blood pressure, HIV-AIDS, malaria and worm infestations.

AAPS confers the honor of Fellow to recognize individuals for outstanding contributions, which elevate the stature of the pharmaceutical sciences, and for professional excellence in the field relevant to the mission of AAPS. Kwon and de Villiers were recognized at the annual meeting and exposition in Chicago, Ill. in October.