Xinyu (Eric) Wang, PhD | PCOM Georgia Faculty
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XINYU (ERIC) WANG, PHD
Professor of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology

Dr. Eric Wang received his Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Peking University in Beijing, China. He earned his PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Texas at Austin. Following his PhD, he underwent postdoctoral training at the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Wang joined PCOM in 2010 and has since been a foundational member of the faculty, primarily teaching courses related to pharmaceutics and pharmacology, such as Biopharmaceutics, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Compounding, Pharmaceutical Calculation, and pharmacology of medications in various diseases. His dedication to developing a rigorous and effective curriculum has been instrumental in improving student learning outcomes.

In his role as an educator, Dr. Wang has received numerous accolades, including being named Teacher of the Year four times (2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023) by his students. His mentorship extends beyond the classroom, guiding PharmD, DO, and Biomedical Science Thesis students through their research projects and presentations at local and national scientific meetings. His commitment to student success is evident in the numerous awards his mentees have received for their research posters at PCOM Research Day events.

Dr. Wang’s research interests focus on drug discovery and development, particularly in identifying compounds with anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. His recent work has explored the inhibitory effects of natural compounds on multiple myeloma, a type of plasma cell cancer. This research has garnered recognition, including the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) New Investigator Award in 2016. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and presented his findings at various national and international conferences.

In addition to his teaching and research responsibilities, Dr. Wang has been an active participant in numerous committees at PCOM, including curriculum, assessment, admissions, scholarship and awards, faculty development, and faculty search committees. He played a crucial role in the ACPE accreditation process and contributed to the success of the School of Pharmacy’s accreditation and site visits. Dr. Wang also serves as a guest editor for several peer-reviewed journals and a reviewer for various grants and scholarly publications. He is involved in faculty development initiatives, particularly supporting virtual teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. His multifaceted contributions have significantly advanced the academic and research missions of PCOM.

Education

  • PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, 2008
  • BS in Pharmacy, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China, 1997

Training

  • BRB-ArrayTools Data Analysis Workshop, NIH, Washington DC, July14, 2006
  • Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Modeling workshop; School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York; May 18-21, 2008
  • Introductory Compounding Lab Training, PCCA, Houston, Texas; June 8-9, 2015
  • Introductory GastroPlus® Virtual Workshop, Simulations Plus Inc.; Nov. 15-19, 2021.
  • Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling for FIH Predictions Virtual Workshop, Simulations Plus Inc.; Feb. 21-March 18, 2022.
  • Application Based Drug Discovery Workshop, Simulations Plus Inc.; Jan. 9-31, 2023.

Grants

Role: Principal Investigator
Award type: Internal funding for MS-Thesis of Biomed students
Funding Agency: PCOM Division of Research
Title: Synthesis, structure characterization, and inhibitory effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) derivatives on human multiple myeloma cell growth
Duration: 07/1/2024-06/30/2025

Role: Principal Investigator
Award type: External funding from pharmaceutical industry
Funding Agency: Aurinia Pharmaceuticals
Title: Comparing the Effects of Voclosporin, Cyclosporin A and Tacrolimus on Calcineurin Isoform Activity and Mediators of Fibrosis in Kidney Cells In Vitro
Duration: 08/1/2021-07/30/2023

Role: Co-Principal Investigator
Award type: The Community-Based Research Faculty Fellowship
Funding Agency: PCOM Alumni Association
Title: Impact of Implementing Medication Therapy Management Service for Underserved Populations Children with Disabilities
Duration: 03/2022 - 02/2023

Role: Principal Investigator
Award type: Internal funding for MS-Thesis of Biomed students
Funding Agency: PCOM Division of Research 
Title: Preparation of xanthohumol (XN)-incorporated iron oxide nanoparticles and their inhibitory effects on multiple myeloma cell growth
Duration: 07/1/2021-06/30/2022

Role: Principal Investigator
Award type: Internal funding for MS-Thesis of Biomed students
Funding Agency: PCOM Division of Research 
Title: Preparation of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE)-incorporated nanoparticles and their inhibitory effects on multiple myeloma cell growth
Duration: 07/1/2020-06/30/2021

Role: Principal Investigator
Award type: Internal funding for MS-Thesis of Biomed students
Funding Agency: PCOM Division of Research
Title: Anti-myeloma effect of xanthohumol, a prenylated flavonoid from hops plant
Duration: 07/1/2019-06/30/2020

Role: Principal Investigator
Award type: Internal funding
Funding Agency: PCOM Division of Research
Title: Preparation of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE)-incorporated nanoparticles and their inhibitory effects on multiple myeloma cell growth
Duration: 07/1/2019-06/30/2020

Role: Principal Investigator
Award type: Internal funding for MS-Thesis of Biomed students
Funding Agency: PCOM Division of Research
Title: Anti-myeloma effect and structure activity relationship of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on multiple myeloma
Duration: 07/1/2018-06/30/2019

Role: Principal Investigator
Award type: Internal funding for MS-Thesis of Biomed students
Funding Agency: PCOM Chief Research and Scientific Officer (CRSO)-funding
Title: Anti-myeloma effect of imidazole and methyl derivatives of a synthetic oleanane triterpenoid 2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9-dien-28-oic acid (CDDO)
Duration: 07/1/2017-06/30/2018

Role: Principal Investigator
Award type: Internal funding for MS-Thesis of Biomed students
Funding Agency: PCOM Chief Research and Scientific Officer (CRSO)-funding
Title: Effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and its derivatives on human hepatic cancer cells
Duration: 07/1/2017-06/30/2018

Role: Principal Investigator
Award type: New Investigator Award
Funding source: American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy
Title: Anti-Myeloma Effect of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester: The Role of Oxidative Stress
Duration: 1/1/2016-12/31/2016

Role: Principal Investigator
Award type: Internal funding for MS-Thesis of Biomed students
Funding Agency: PCOM Chief Research and Scientific Officer (CRSO)-funding
Title: Anti-Myeloma Effect of a Novel Derivative of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (FCAPE)
Duration: 07/1/2016-06/30/2017

Role: Principal investigator
Award type: Internal funding
Funding Agency: PCOM CSO-funding
Title: Attenuation of immune-complex mediated inflammation through inhibition of NF-κB activation by caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE)
Duration: 12/17/2013-11/30/2015

Role: Principal investigator
Award type: Internal funding
Funding Agency: PCOM Center for Chronic Disorders of Aging (CCDA)-funding
Title: Inhibitory effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on multiple myeloma cell growth: Nrf2 and NF-κB crosstalk
Duration: 08/01/2013-07/30/2014

Role: Principal investigator
Award type: Internal funding
Funding Agency: PCOM CCDA-funding
Title: Inhibitory effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on multiple myeloma cell growth
Duration: 08/01/2012-07/30/2013

Role: Principal investigator
Award type: Internal funding
Funding Agency: PCOM CCDA-funding
Title: Identification of potential drug candidates for ameliorating oxidative stress involved ischemia reperfusion injury
Duration: 08/01/2011-07/30/2012

Courses

DO230  Clinical Approach to Neuroscience and Neurology 
DO218  Clinical Approach to Gastroenterology
DO146 Comprehensive Basic Science Review and Synthesis
DO109  Introduction to Human Disease and Therapeutics
PHAR269G Biopharmaceutics
PHAR327G Integrated Basic and Applied Pharmacokinetics
PHAR141G Pharmaceutics
PHAR162G Patient Care Skill Lab II (Compounding)
PHAR145G Pharmaceutical Calculations

Research

Dr. Eric Wang’s research interest is focused on the drug discovery and development to identify potential drug candidates with anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties. Currently, he is investigating the effects of potential drug candidates from natural sources for the treatment of multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow. This disease remains incurable and results in 10 to 15 % of blood cancer and 20% human death related to blood and bone marrow cancer. His research is funded through PCOM intramural grants and supported by American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) as he is the recipient of AACP New Investigator Award 2016. He has presented his research in various national and international conferences and published peer-reviewed articles in different pharmaceutical fields including medicinal chemistry, molecular pharmacology, pharmaceutical analysis and pharmacokinetics.

Awards

  • 2023-2024 Peach Teaching Award, PCOM School of Pharmacy
  • 2023 Teacher of the Year, PCOM School of Pharmacy
  • 2022 Teacher of the Year, PCOM School of Pharmacy
  • 2020-2021 Teacher of the Year, PCOM School of Pharmacy
  • 2019 Teacher of the Year, PCOM School of Pharmacy
  • 2019 Advisor of the Year, Student Organization Council at PCOM
  • AACP New Investigator Award, 2016
  • 2014 Teacher of the Year, PCOM School of Pharmacy
  • 2013 Peach Teaching Award, PCOM School of Pharmacy
  • 2012 Peach Teaching Award, PCOM School of Pharmacy
  • Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society
  • Phi Kappa Phi honor society
  • Rho Chi honor society in pharmacy

PCOM Student Mentee Awards
  • 2024: PCOM Research Day Award: Best in Show – Georgia Campus, Effects of Second-Generation Calcineurin Inhibitor, Voclosporin, on Calcineurin Isoform Activity and Nephrotoxicity in Comparison to Cyclosporine and Tacrolimus. Tu Dang, Janice Tong, Joy Nish, Rana Sadde, Anna Staskiewicz, Teresa Collins, Robert Huizinga, Handong Ma, Srujana Rayalam, Shashidharamurthy Anna, Mindy George-Weinstein, Xinyu Wang.
  • 2024: PCOM Research Day Award: Best Original Research - Georgia Campus, Mechanistic Insights into Xanthohumol-Induced Apoptosis and Cytokine Modulation in Multiple Myeloma with a Focus on Nanoparticle Targeting Strategies. Joshua Bruner, Shamaza Rivers-Johnson, Anna Staskiewicz, Tu Dang, Yuancheng Li, Xinyu Wang.
  • 2023: Excellence in Research Award - PCOM Georgia, Evaluating the effects of novel calcineurin inhibitor Voclosporin on calcineurin isoform activity and nephrotoxicity in comparison to cyclosporine and tacrolimus. Tu Dang, Janice Tong, Teresa Collins, Robert Huizinga, Handong Ma, Srujana Rayalam, Shashidharamurthy Taval, Mindy George-Weinstein, Xinyu Wang.
  • 2021: Division of Research Award for Excellence in Research - PCOM Georgia, Preparation of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester-Incorporated Nanoparticles And Their Inhibitory Effects On Multiple Myeloma Cell Growth. Barkley Smith, Yuancheng Li, Travis Fields, Michael Tucker, Hui Mao, Xinyu (Eric) Wang.
  • 2021: Pharmacy Department Award for Excellence in Research, Anti-Myeloma Effect of Xanthohumol On Multiple Myeloma Cells. Michael Tucker, Erica Wong, Srujana Rayalam, Xinyu (Eric) Wang
  • 2020: AACP Walmart Scholar: Jonathan Park, AACP Walmart Scholar Mentor: Dr. Xinyu (Eric) Wang
  • 2018: PCOM Research Day PharmD student poster, Second Place. Inhibitory Effect of Resveratrol and its Derivative Pinostilbene on Multiple Myeloma Cell Growth.Jonathan Park, Jay Mehta, Jang Hee Cho, Deborah Adedeji, Xinyu (Eric) Wang.
  • 2017: PCOM Research Day PharmD student poster, First place. Anti-myeloma effect of imidazole and methyl derivatives of a synthetic oleanane triterpenoid 2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9-dien-28-oic acid (CDDO). Teena John, Elizabeth Hernandez Martin, Jonathan Park, Jay Mehta, Xinyu (Eric) Wang.
  • 2017: PCOM Research Day Biomed Thesis student poster, Honorable mentioning. Anti-Cancer Effect of Fluorinated Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (FCAPE) on Human Multiple Myeloma Cells. Elizabeth Hernandez Martin and Xinyu (Eric) Wang.
  • 2016: PCOM Research Day PharmD student poster, Second place. Inhibitory effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on human multiple myeloma cell growth: the role of oxidative stress. Yesung Ban, Jung-jung Shang, Xinyu (Eric) Wang.
  • 2014: PCOM Research Day PharmD student poster, First place. Inhibitory effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on human multiple myeloma cell growth: induction of apoptosis and stress / toxicity pathway. Hana Paek, Marie Bozman, Xinyu (Eric) Wang.
  • 2013: PCOM Research Day PharmD student poster, First place. Cytotoxicity of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) in human multiple myeloma cells: the involvement of oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Marie Bozman, Xinyu (Eric) Wang.

Memberships

American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists
American Association of Advancement of Science
American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy
American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
International Society for the Study of Xenobiotics

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