Friday ID Conference: “Biophysical properties of the mucus barrier against viruses”

Dr. Lai is an assistant professor in the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy.  Dr. Lai's previous research focused on nanoparticle-based delivery of bioactive molecules to mucosal tissues. He helped pioneer the development of mucus-penetrating particle (MPP) technology, a breakthrough that formed the basis of Kala Pharmaceuticals, launched in 2009 based on funding from a syndicate of leading VC firms. Dr. Lai remains an adviser to Kala. Dr. Lai's current research focuses broadly on infectious diseases as well as drug delivery to and imaging of metastatic tumors.  For more info, please see the lab Web site.

About Friday ID Conference

IGHID co-sponsors a weekly conference series which features distinguished clinicians and scientists from UNC, local universities and other national and international institutions. The topics are varied and appeal to not only infectious disease specialists, but also professionals in epidemiology, public health, microbiology, biostatistics and other global health-related disciplines. The conference takes place every Friday (September through June) from 8:30-9:30 a.m. in 1131 Bioinformatics (first floor auditorium) on the UNC campus. For more information, please contact the conference coordinator, Kathy James. To sign-up to receive weekly announcements of the conference, click here.

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Institute for Global Health & Infectious Diseases contact: Lisa Chensvold, (919) 843-5719.