Palacký University Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine (IMTM) is a technological infrastructure and platform for performing molecular-oriented basic and translational biomedical research. Scientists endeavour to better understand the molecular basis of human infectious diseases and cancer. Research is aimed at identifying new biomarkers and therapeutic goals, followed by validation of biological activities of small molecules identified in high-throughput screening, preclinical testing and proof-of concept clinical trials.
The IMTM research is organized into six research programmes:
- Molecular Basis of Diseases and Molecular Targets
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Chemical Biology and Experimental Therapeutics
- Biomarkers – Identification and Validation
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Translational Medicine
The IMTM Director is one of the top specialists in drug development and molecular oncology in the Czech Republic, Marián Hajdúch. He is the author of more than 20 patents of anti-tumoural drugs and biomarkers. His team participated in a major success in the treatment of a severe disease – cystic fibrosis. In collaboration with their colleagues in Canada, they have discovered a drug able to prevent the development of an infection which is often the cause of death in patients with this hereditary disease.
