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Kwon Research Group

The Kwon Research Group aims for cures against lung, breast, and ovarian cancers and fibrosis through the research of polymeric nanoparticles and polymeric conjugates for the delivery of potent yet toxic anticancer drugs and long-acting biologics. We study delayed-release polymeric nanoparticles devised to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells and deliver precise combinations of drugs to breast tumors. We investigate long-circulating polymeric peptide conjugates devised to reduce fibrosis, stimulate immunity, and enhance drug delivery.
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Glen Kwon, PhD
Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the School of Pharmacy
Jens T. Carstensen Distinguished Chair in Pharmaceutical Sciences in the School of Pharmacy
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18,000+
citations
20+
publications in the last 5 years
20
patents
Active grant

Oligolactic Acid Prodrug-Based Nanomedicines for Cancer Therapy

Active grant

Targeting Tumor Fibrosis with a Potent Peptide Inhibitor of Fibronectin Assembly

Active grant

PEGylated FN-Binding Peptide for Therapy and Imaging of Pulmonary Fibrosis

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Welcome

We invite you to discover the exciting research happening in the Kwon Research Group and meet the talented members who are making a difference every day in our quest for new nanomedicines that benefit people’s lives. We specialize in pharmaceutics—a discipline that turns new chemical entities, old drugs, and biologics into safe and effective medications for patients.

Located within a top research university, we work with leading researchers across multiple disciplines. Our research group is highly collaborative, working with groups at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, other R1 universities, and organizations throughout the world.

The Kwon Research Group has a track record of success with peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals, journal awards, patents, and licensed patents. Our alumni work in the highest levels of the pharmaceutical industry and as tenure-track professors in pharmacy schools around the world.

Meet the Team

Honors and Awards

AAPS Best Abstract Award (2018)
AAPS PharmSciTech Outstanding Manuscript Award (2016)
5th Most Cited Article (2009)
  • 2024 Dr. Glen Kwon is honored with a Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professorship, recognizing distinguished scholarship and standout efforts in teaching and service.
  • 2019 Co-D Therapeutics, a Madison-based company co-founded by Glen Kwon, was selected by NCI’s Nanomedicine Characterization Laboratory (NCL) as one of the most promising cancer nanomedicine candidates into its Assay Cascade Characterization and Testing Program for evaluation of a novel paclitaxel prodrug nanomedicine
  • 2018 American Association of Pharmaceutical Sciences (AAPS) Best Abstract Award
  • 2018 Dr. Glen S. Kwon is a founding member of the Wisconsin Center for Nanobiosystems (WisCNano). The mission of WisCNano is to research novel nanotechnology that enable drug molecules to go to specific sites in the body.
  • 2016 AAPS PharmSciTech Outstanding Manuscript Award
  • 2015 Co-D Therapeutics, Inc., a pre-clinical stage pharmaceutical company developing agents for the treatment of cancer, was granted orphan designation for Triolimus for the treatment of Angiosarcoma. Triolimus technology was developed by Dr. Glen Kwon. He is co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Co-D.
  • 2014 Highly Cited Researcher, Thomson Reuters, Pharmacology & Toxicology
  • 2013–2016 Board of Scientific Advisors, Controlled Release Society
  • 2013 Co-D Therapeutics, a Madison-based company co-founded by Glen Kwon, was selected by Bioforward, a state biotechnology association, as a winner in its 2013 Emerging Company Showcase
  • 2012 Fellow of AAPS
  • 2009 A mini-review published by Monica Adams, Afsaneh Lavasanifar, and Glen S. Kwon, entitled “Amphiphilic block copolymers for drug delivery,” is the fifth-most highly cited article in 2009 by the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. It reached 1,155 citations in 2021.
  • 2005–2009 Regular Member, NIH Gene and Drug Delivery Systems Study Section
  • 2003 Dr. Glen S. Kwon is a Founding Faculty Advisor for the UW Student Chapter for AAPS
  • 2003 CRS Young Investigator Research Achievement Award
  • 2001 Editorial Board, Journal of Controlled Release
  • 2000–2009 Scientific Advisor Board, Nanocarrier Inc.
  • 1998 NIH FIRST Award
  • 1998 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Faculty New Investigator Award
  • 1994 Jorge Heller Journal of Controlled Release/CRS Outstanding Paper Award
  • 1991–1993 Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Postdoctoral Fellowship