Pharmacy
Pharmaceutical sciences
The faculty’s pharmaceutical research is concentrated at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, whose diverse departments – ranging from clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical biology and biotechnology to pharmaceutical technology and medicinal chemistry – cover the entire spectrum of modern drug research.
Clinical Pharmacy
According to the definition provided by the ABDA (Federal Union of German Associations of Pharmacists), clinical pharmacy is the branch of pharmacy which, building on knowledge of pharmaceutical science and the natural sciences, focuses on optimising the use of medicines by and for patients. Under the new licensing regulations, clinical pharmacy is a compulsory subject for all pharmacy students.
Pharmaceutical Bioinformatics
Pharmaceutical bioinformatics – a close integration of computer science, biology, chemistry and the pharmaceutical sciences – uses state-of-the-art computer-aided methods to decipher biological data and discover new active substances. In Freiburg, researchers from a wide range of disciplines – from the pharmaceutical sciences and computer science to the life sciences – are pooling their expertise to model molecular structures, analyse genome and transcriptome datasets, and interpret extensive biomedical databases. Through the targeted use of advanced analytical and machine learning methods, they aim not only to identify previously unknown therapeutic strategies, but also to predict the underlying mechanisms of action with greater precision.
Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology
Pharmaceutical biology and biotechnology deals with substances of biological origin and investigates them, in particular, with a view to their use as active pharmaceutical ingredients and their further development into medicines.
Within this field, pharmaceutical biotechnology focuses on the application of biotechnological processes for the production of therapeutic agents from a wide variety of biomolecules, often using genetically modified microorganisms or cell cultures.
Pharmaceutical Technology
The Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy focuses on the development, manufacture and evaluation of modern drug formulations. It combines fundamental scientific principles with applied technology to deliver active ingredients in a safe, effective and patient-centred manner. This includes, among other things, the formulation of tablets, capsules, ointments and innovative biopharmaceutical products such as proteins, peptides or nanoparticulate drug carriers.
A particular focus is placed on optimising bioavailability, investigating release mechanisms and developing new drug delivery systems. Through interdisciplinary research, the department bridges the gap between pharmacy, materials science and biotechnology – thereby making a decisive contribution to modern, forward-looking therapeutic approaches.
Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry
The Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry conducts research into and develops active ingredients that form the basis of modern medicines. Its work focuses on the chemical synthesis, characterisation and optimisation of bioactive molecules, as well as on understanding their interactions within biological systems.
Through the use of modern analytical and computer-aided methods, new target structures are identified and existing active substances are specifically improved. The department thus combines basic research with translational drug development and makes a key contribution to our understanding of disease mechanisms and the development of innovative therapeutic approaches.
