Ripon College working with Eli Lilly to screen molecules for potential pharmaceutical use

Ripon College now is affiliated with the Open Innovation Drug Discovery Program at Eli Lilly. Through this program, students and faculty will use the technology at Eli Lilly to virtually screen molecules for their potential to be pharmaceuticals. After virtual screening, students and faculty will send molecules prepared at Ripon College to Eli Lilly for actual biological testing.

This program allows students and faculty to use their research to directly participate in the discovery of new pharmaceuticals. For example, several students in Assistant Professor of Chemistry Patrick Willoughby’s research lab have synthesized many completely new molecules. These molecules now can be assessed for their viability to treat disease and other ailments.

“I am excited to see student research at Ripon College directly contribute to the discovery of new drugs,” Willoughby says. “This undoubtedly will enhance their understanding of modern medicine and positively affect the prospect of them pursuing a career in health sciences.”