The CDD also incorporates a unique educational component to train new scientists in the multidisciplinary field of drug discovery as an area of concentration. CDD activities are supported by over 60 active student, predoctoral, postdoctoral, and faculty researchers and an infrastructure that includes state-of-the-art laboratories for chemical synthesis, molecular biology, cell culture, biochemistry, biophysical analyses (NMR and mass spectrometry), radiochemistry, imaging, computer-assisted modeling, and behavioral studies. The CDD collaborates with theīiotechnology and pharmaceutical industries to identify and characterize new drug targets, develop assays, and identify biomarkers. Research at the CDD is strongly supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health, research foundations, and industry. (honoris causa) from the University of Athens, Greece, the Mechoulam Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Cannabinoid Research Society, and the Research Achievement Award in Drug Design and Discovery from the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists, the American Chemical Society Research Lifetime Achievement Award in Medicinal Chemistry, and the American Chemical Society Hall of Fame Award in Medicinal Chemistry. Most recently, he was awarded the prestigious National Research Merit Award by NIH’s National Institute on Drug Abuse for the second time in the six years. Institutions, the National Institutes of Health, and the American Association of Pharmaceutical Sciences, among others. Professor Makriyannis has been formally recognized for his excellence in research by academic He has published over 380 original articles, has more than 30 approved patents, and nearly 40 applications filed or pending.

Professor Makriyannis is one of the world’s foremost researchers in the fields of medicinal chemistry, G protein-coupled receptors, and enzyme drug targets. The CDD was founded by and is directed by Alexandros Makriyannis, the Behrakis Chair in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology.

Alexandros makriyannis