Entrepreneurship

School of Pharmacy

The School of Pharmacy is driving a new era of discovery, where breakthrough science is transformed into real-world applications with far-reaching impact. From chronic diseases to cancer to neurodegeneration, our faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars are pioneering technologies and therapies that reshape how we address the world’s most pressing health challenges. 

With more than 44 faculty-founded startups, 192 invention disclosures, and 64 patents issued, we are a leader in the nation’s academic entrepreneurship. Our Researchers are advancing novel drug candidates and innovative approaches that can be optimized for clinical trials, accelerating the long journey from discovery to treatment with the greatest chance of success. Many groups within the UCSF School of Pharmacy help move these innovations beyond the lab, guiding our community through the complex path of technology development and commercialization. 

From identifying promising drug candidates and securing funding to building external partnerships and launching new companies, our collaborative innovation ecosystem gives researchers and trainees the support, knowledge, and connections needed to bring life-changing therapies closer to the patients who need them most.

Faculty Founded Startups

44

Invention Disclosures

192

Patents Issued

64

Leadership

  • Michelle Arkin

    Michelle Arkin, PhD

    Vice Dean of Research Technology and Entrepreneurship

    My research focuses on the development of drug-like molecules that alter important biological processes. These molecules will help us understand human biology and may lead to the design of new drugs. I also chair the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry. Details: Administration.

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  • Adam Renslo

    Adam Renslo, PhD

    Professor

    I am the School’s representative in collaborations between our academic scientists and industry, aiming to translate the most promising discoveries and technologies from our research into therapies that reach patients.

    My research group is engaged at the interface of chemistry and biology.…

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Companies founded

A sampling of Companies, built on our expertise, linked to profile or company of founders. 

All product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.