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The ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ Institute for Therapeutic Advances is a next-generation drug discovery institute at the intersection of basic science, artificial intelligence, systems biology, and translational research. Founded as part of Discovery Vanderbilt and led by piofneering pharmacologist Craig Lindsley, VITA builds on Vanderbilt’s proven excellence in neuroscience drug discovery to tackle a broad range of diseases.
VITA reimagines the path from discovery to clinical candidate by fusing rigorous science with cutting-edge tools like BioVU, the world’s largest academic biobank, and state-of-the-art AI modeling. By uniting expert faculty, industry partners, and scalable infrastructure, VITA is designed to produce more clinical candidates, deliver faster breakthroughs, and expand therapeutic impact, particularly in areas too complex or high-risk for traditional drug pipelines.
VITA is not just a research center. It’s a translational engine built for speed, rigor, and relevance.
Mission Statement
To accelerate the discovery of transformative therapies to bring novel treatments to patients faster and tackle diseases overlooked by traditional drug development.
Discovery Vanderbilt empowers our faculty to lead at the frontiers of knowledge. VITA embodies this ambition and is a flagship for what’s possible through visionary, cross-disciplinary investment.
Scientific Director
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Scientific Director
Scientific Advisory Board
- , Biochemistry Department Chair, Associate Director for Basic Science Research at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
- , Dean, Basic Sciences, School of MedicineÂ
- , Professor of PharmacologyÂ
- , Director of the Center for Computational Systems Biology
- , Director of the Center for Applied AI in Protein DynamicsÂ
- , Director of the ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ Institute of Chemical BiologyÂ
- , Barlow Family Director of the ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ Brain Institute
- , Chairman and Clinical Service Chief, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- , Director, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine
- , Director, Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation
Affiliated Faculty
- , Professor of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Research
- , Research Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
- , Biochemistry Department Chair, Associate Director for Basic Science Research at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer CenterÂ
- , Assistant Professor of Pharmacology
- , Director of the ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ Institute of Chemical Biology
- , Professor of Biomedical Engineering
- , Director, Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation