From Lab to Life: Drug Discovery at UTMB
In this episode of The Pulse, Dr. Jochen Reiser, UTMB President and CEO, UTMB Health System, sits down with Dr. Sanja Sever, Vice President of Drug Discovery and Director of the Sealy Institute for Drug Discovery. Dr. Sever offers a behind-the-scenes look at how UTMB is advancing the science of drug discovery—from foundational research to real-world therapies. With a spotlight on chronic kidney disease, she illustrates how discoveries in UTMB’s labs are translated into innovative treatments, powered by strategic investment, philanthropic support, and a growing ecosystem of experts in small molecules, biologics, and cell-based therapies.
The episode also explores UTMB's pioneering efforts to integrate artificial intelligence and expand academic-industry collaborations—enhancing speed, precision, and success rates in the development pipeline. Dr. Sever’s insights reveal the Sealy Institute’s vision for bridging the gap between discovery and delivery, emphasizing UTMB’s unique position in transforming medical research into better patient care. Tune in to hear how a bold vision, philanthropic support, and cross-sector collaboration are setting a new standard in academic drug discovery.- 100:00:00,840 --> 00:00:09,600[Auto-generated transcript. Edits may have been applied for clarity.]Welcome to The Pulse, a UTMB health podcast, your gateway to the latest insights, ideas and innovations shaping our community and beyond.200:00:10,230 --> 00:00:16,530Stay tuned for engaging discussions, compelling stories, and the information you need to stay informed and connected.300:00:16,830 --> 00:00:26,160Right here on The Pulse. Hello everyone, and welcome back to the Pulse podcast.400:00:26,670 --> 00:00:36,420I'm Dr. Jochen Riser, UTMB's president and CEO of the UTMB Health System, and today we have a fascinating episode lined up for you.500:00:36,810 --> 00:00:45,510I'm thrilled to welcome Dr. Sanja Sever, our vice president of drug discovery and director of the Sealy Institute for Drug Discovery.600:00:46,380 --> 00:00:55,890Dr. Sever recently had the honor of presenting at the University of Texas System Chancellor's Council Executive Committee at its winter meeting,700:00:55,890 --> 00:01:04,560held right here in Galveston. Her presentation offered a compelling look into the groundbreaking work being done at the Sealy Institute,800:01:04,560 --> 00:01:08,940and highlighted how UTMB is shaping the future of drug discovery.900:01:09,780 --> 00:01:10,950In this episode,1000:01:11,250 --> 00:01:20,310we'll explore how the Sealy Institute for Drug Discovery is bridging the gap between basic science discoveries and clinical applications,1100:01:20,640 --> 00:01:26,100as well as learning about her vision for the future of drug development at UTMB.1200:01:26,580 --> 00:01:30,900Sanja, welcome to The Pulse. It's a pleasure to have you with us.1300:01:31,890 --> 00:01:37,440Thank you, Dr. Reiser. And as you are the new director of the Sealy Institute for Drug Discovery.1400:01:37,860 --> 00:01:46,290Can you explain in simple terms to us what drug discovery entails and why it's so important for advancing clinical care?1500:01:46,770 --> 00:01:54,990A wonderful question. So drug discovery is a process of finding and developing new medicines to treat disease.1600:01:55,020 --> 00:02:02,760It has several steps. And I like to demonstrate those steps by focusing on chronic kidney diseases.1700:02:02,940 --> 00:02:07,410It is just my example of how we develop novel treatment options.1800:02:07,770 --> 00:02:11,370So chronic kidney diseases, is the disease,1900:02:11,370 --> 00:02:17,489When you lose the kidney function over time..., slow.., and ultimately when you lose the kidney function,2000:02:17,490 --> 00:02:21,420you go either on dialysis or you require kidney transplant.2100:02:21,750 --> 00:02:32,790And 10% of total U.S. population, approximately 34 million people, or four plus million Texans have some kind of form of chronic kidney disease.2200:02:33,150 --> 00:02:36,160So this is our unmet medical need, right?2300:02:36,180 --> 00:02:43,500We need to have a disease that really requires development of new... new therapies or new options for our patients.2400:02:43,860 --> 00:02:51,179So then we go and try to figure out what underlies that kidney disease, why people are developing kidney disease.2500:02:51,180 --> 00:02:53,040And, you know, the processes are very diverse.2600:02:53,430 --> 00:03:00,420Usually the basic science discoveries happen at institutions like UTMB in the basic science department.2700:03:00,870 --> 00:03:09,390And one of those discoveries identified a circulating protein in your blood that when it's present, it will actually injure your kidney.2800:03:09,400 --> 00:03:16,610So that's our target. So we basically say, okay, we want to develop a drug that will block our target.2900:03:16,650 --> 00:03:21,500That's a step three. So our drug in this case is going to be monoclonal antibody.3000:03:21,510 --> 00:03:25,590Maybe it can be just small molecules like a drugs that chemists synthesized.3100:03:25,980 --> 00:03:35,400So that is a screening process. We really need to go through several types of studies to identify the right antibody or the right drug.3200:03:35,700 --> 00:03:42,510Then we have to prove that it's safe. And then ultimately we have to prove that it's efficacious and it'll do something really good.3300:03:42,840 --> 00:03:49,290So the process is quite complicated as a multiple steps, and it takes a lot of time and effort.3400:03:50,260 --> 00:03:58,810I think this is making it very clear, but it also shows how laborious it is and how many resources we need to deploy.3500:03:59,500 --> 00:04:05,650And as the Sealy Institute for Drug Discovery received a generous gift from the Sealy and Smith Foundation.3600:04:06,340 --> 00:04:11,110We would love for you to tell us more about how does this kind of support enhance3700:04:11,110 --> 00:04:16,360your ability to pursue innovative research and potentially develop new therapies?3800:04:17,050 --> 00:04:28,240So the philanthropy is truly essential in, uh, providing both funding resources as well as strategic support to develop new therapies,3900:04:28,240 --> 00:04:32,680because the process is so laborious and so expensive.4000:04:33,100 --> 00:04:41,170So the SIDD institute is actually... it was in envisioned and co-founded in collaboration with UTMB.4100:04:41,410 --> 00:04:50,170So you UTMB provided uh, finances of amazing, uh, state of the art space, uh, that we have currently.4200:04:50,560 --> 00:04:58,210And, uh, in order to develop new therapies, we really need to have resources in a space where that can actually happen.4300:04:58,450 --> 00:05:09,840And then the Sealy and Smith is providing, uh, funds for recruitment of new, uh, faculty with a really diverse knowledge in drug, uh, development.4400:05:09,850 --> 00:05:15,009So classically, you know, 7 or 8 years ago, most of the drugs are small molecules.4500:05:15,010 --> 00:05:24,129But nowadays we have a lot of different tools we can use, you know, monoclonal antibodies, we can use nucleotides, we can use cell based therapies.4600:05:24,130 --> 00:05:31,600So all of those knowledge is hopefully being, you know, uh, contained within the SIDD.4700:05:33,240 --> 00:05:41,760Very well explained, Dr. Sever. Can you share with our listeners how the Sealy Institute for Drug Discovery is working4800:05:41,760 --> 00:05:47,340to bridge the gap between basic science research and the development of new medicines?4900:05:48,370 --> 00:05:56,970The basic science discoveries about the molecular mechanisms that underlie diseases is primarily driven, uh,5000:05:57,100 --> 00:06:05,500and happens in a basic science departments such as our biochemistry department or pharmacology department or M&I.5100:06:05,710 --> 00:06:16,420So and then, uh, in order to translate those basic discoveries where we identify molecular mechanisms or new druggable targets,5200:06:16,660 --> 00:06:26,830in order to actually run that all the way until, you know, testing in humans, it's a really long, long process with a lot of different steps.5300:06:27,040 --> 00:06:35,530So that's where philanthropy comes in plays. And that's what actually where support of UTMB as such also is absolutely essential.5400:06:35,890 --> 00:06:42,790I think nowadays more and more, uh, steps are actually taken place within the system...5500:06:42,790 --> 00:06:54,640as you UTMB, we are really trying to run all, all steps capable from discovery to maybe proof of the concept in humans within the UTMB.5600:06:54,850 --> 00:07:03,430So that's really a new, uh, vision for UTMB, where innovation is our fourth pillar, really plays an essential role.5700:07:04,000 --> 00:07:11,280Seems like with what you just explained, it becomes really clear that we have an ecosystem of innovation.5800:07:11,770 --> 00:07:14,799At UTMB and for that, you need the health system.5900:07:14,800 --> 00:07:20,620You need basic science, you need drug discovery and, uh, drug discovery institutes.6000:07:20,620 --> 00:07:24,340And we have all those elements in place now. That is correct.6100:07:24,370 --> 00:07:29,010That is correct. And I think that's what is really making UTMB....6200:07:29,020 --> 00:07:39,219And I believe that's a really... the vision to make UTMB be truly unique in translating our discoveries into truly new therapies.6300:07:39,220 --> 00:07:46,420You know, where we test our own discoveries in our own patients and make them, you know, live better, healthier lives?6400:07:47,050 --> 00:07:53,620Great. With all those positive news, what are some of the biggest challenges that you see for drug discovery today?6500:07:54,070 --> 00:07:59,500And how do we perhaps at UTMB trying to avoid those or overcome those.6600:08:00,490 --> 00:08:02,049So that's a wonderful question.6700:08:02,050 --> 00:08:13,450I like to explain, uh, the challenges and expenses that go in drug discovery by making a parallel will basically drilling for oil.6800:08:13,720 --> 00:08:21,010Uh, we are in a state of Texas. So I think our, you know, uh, people that are listening will really understand what we are saying about here.6900:08:21,190 --> 00:08:31,120So basically, if you are going for offshore exploration, your success rate is anywhere between 10 to 25%, and it's quite expensive.7000:08:31,390 --> 00:08:37,629But if you have to go for deep water or an ultra deep water, you know, uh, rigging, then, you know,7100:08:37,630 --> 00:08:46,360your success rate is as low as 5% and it is extremely expensive due to, you know, extreme conditions and uncertainties.7200:08:46,540 --> 00:08:54,220So I think our success rate in developing new drugs currently is between, you know, 5 to 15%.7300:08:54,580 --> 00:08:59,950And if you ask pharmaceutical industry, it cost $10 billion, you know, billion dollars in over ten years.7400:09:00,220 --> 00:09:04,240So what UTMB is truly trying to do, which is amazing.7500:09:04,510 --> 00:09:09,820Is that really one of the forefront leaders in artificial intelligence.7600:09:10,060 --> 00:09:15,580So we have a new director, uh, Dr., uh, Peter McCaffrey, who is, uh,7700:09:15,580 --> 00:09:23,290putting in place essential steps so we can maybe speed up the process as well as increase our7800:09:23,290 --> 00:09:28,450success rate by use of artificial intelligence in some of the steps that are happening in.7900:09:28,460 --> 00:09:35,650So that's that's great. And seems like all the different components are truly coming together... At UTMB...8000:09:35,650 --> 00:09:39,010Absolutely. Yes. It's an extremely amazing place.8100:09:39,070 --> 00:09:46,060How do your academic industry collaborations fit in the entire concept of drug discovery?8200:09:46,570 --> 00:09:49,629Is this important is to something we need to do more of?8300:09:49,630 --> 00:09:53,920How do you look at that? So. So maybe I am personally biased.8400:09:53,920 --> 00:10:04,540I believe that... that truly development of new drugs, at least identification of new druggable pathways, is coming from the academia.8500:10:04,780 --> 00:10:09,670We are truly the bloodline of ultimately new drugs and pharmaceutical industry.8600:10:09,970 --> 00:10:16,629So, um, for people who kind of know drug discovery a little bit better, uh, you will know that, uh, you know,8700:10:16,630 --> 00:10:23,830industry usually comes later in the game, you know, after the safety or even efficacy trials has been done.8800:10:24,100 --> 00:10:34,509So more and more burden on those early steps of development of new therapies is really relying on, uh, institutions like UTMB.8900:10:34,510 --> 00:10:37,389And that's where, you know, funding by, you know,9000:10:37,390 --> 00:10:47,770UT system as well as philanthropy is so essential to really de-risk this early steps and make them more successful because pharma will not9100:10:47,910 --> 00:10:49,470really do it for... for us.9200:10:49,920 --> 00:10:58,920And how does the Sealy Institute for Drug Discovery collaborate with other departments and institutes at UTMB to accelerate the drug discovery process?9300:10:59,790 --> 00:11:08,340So the vision of SIDD was always to be really center part that can work with every single department.9400:11:08,370 --> 00:11:14,960So when I.. when we were recruiting a new faculty, we were recruiting faculty in each department.9500:11:14,970 --> 00:11:23,340So our faculty are basically part of neurology and neurobiology department and pharmacology and internal medicine.9600:11:23,670 --> 00:11:33,239So we are really here to be available for drug discovery and development within every single,9700:11:33,240 --> 00:11:36,840you know, by collaborating with every single department at UTMB.9800:11:36,840 --> 00:11:44,399So we are truly center... and we are actually going step forward by now collaborating with other centers9900:11:44,400 --> 00:11:53,910at UTMB, because there are quite a number of centers at UTMB uh, that we really like to work with, like our new, uh, brain health institute.10000:11:53,910 --> 00:12:01,280So we really are looking for the right collaboration with our colleagues in that institute, maybe new cardiovascular center.10100:12:01,320 --> 00:12:10,610So. So we really are I believe in a year from now, the picture is going to look even more dramatic and even more integrated than it's now.10200:12:10,620 --> 00:12:16,080Wonderful. Looking ahead, Dr. Sever, what do you envision for the future of drug discovery?10300:12:16,530 --> 00:12:21,660And how is the Sealy Institute positioning itself to be at the forefront of these advancements?10400:12:22,560 --> 00:12:25,980Well, I love that question because the answer is I have no idea.10500:12:26,340 --> 00:12:30,990So so I believe the truth is that the speed by which, uh,10600:12:31,050 --> 00:12:39,960artificial intelligence and the drug discovery is changing is so dramatic that to predict the future is becoming almost impossible.10700:12:40,170 --> 00:12:43,380But I can predict that it's going to be very different.10800:12:43,800 --> 00:12:49,890And I believe that SIDD, as well as UTMB and division of, uh,10900:12:49,890 --> 00:12:56,820you Dr. Reiser to put innovation is the fourth pillar is really timely because now is the time,11000:12:57,030 --> 00:13:02,579you know, five years later, I believe we would have lost that particular, uh, race.11100:13:02,580 --> 00:13:08,160But I think we are in a perfect place to really be at the forefront of new drug development.11200:13:09,150 --> 00:13:12,450I think you summarize it very well, Dr. Sever.11300:13:12,450 --> 00:13:18,390These are trying times, uh, exciting times and times of rapid change.11400:13:18,900 --> 00:13:23,729And I think we stand very strong, uh, in all of this, uh,11500:13:23,730 --> 00:13:28,770in part through this wonderful drug discovery effort that you're leading for the institution.11600:13:29,280 --> 00:13:35,810And hopefully our readers and our listeners, uh, will get as much out of this as I did.11700:13:35,820 --> 00:13:41,230Thank you for coming here with us today and sharing your expert views on this.11800:13:41,250 --> 00:13:45,840Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you for tuning into The Pulse11900:13:46,350 --> 00:13:51,570We hope you've gained valuable insights, discovered new perspectives, and feel inspired by the stories shared today.12000:13:52,860 --> 00:13:57,720Please join us for future episodes to stay informed and connected right here on The Pulse.
More Information
Dr. Sanja Sever, Vice President for Drug Discovery and Director of the Sealy Institute for Drug Discovery (SIDD), brings deep expertise in cell biology, kidney disease, and translational research. A former faculty member at Harvard Medical School and investigator at Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Sever leads efforts to transform basic discoveries into potential therapies by leveraging UTMB’s strengths in academic research, strategic partnerships, and technology transfer.
- The Sealy Institute for Drug Discovery (SIDD) is a cornerstone of UTMB’s research and innovation strategy. Under Dr. Sanja Sever’s leadership, the institute aims to advance therapeutic discovery and development by fostering early-stage research that bridges basic science and clinical application. SIDD supports investigators working across a range of impactful areas—including cancer, infectious diseases, neurological disorders, and beyond. Through targeted pilot funding, strategic collaborations, and scientific guidance, the institute strengthens UTMB’s ability to bring new treatments from concept to preclinical validation.
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