Advances in antiviral research pharmacy, or antiviral pharmacology rely on precise research, focused analytical methods, and a deep understanding of how medications perform across diverse patient populations. At the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Assistant Professor Kristina Brooks, PharmD, plays a central role in this work. As a clinical pharmacologist and co-director of the Colorado Antiviral Pharmacology Laboratory, Dr. Brooks is at the center of research that is shaping the future of HIV treatment in children, pregnant women and people around the world. Her work focuses on understanding how antiviral medications behave in the body, and how dosing and formulation can dramatically influence treatment outcomes.
"A lot of the work we do directly translates into improving patient care. Understanding how medications behave in the body helps ensure we deliver safe and effective therapies. Knowing our data can inform global treatment guidelines is incredibly rewarding."
For Brooks, taking research findings beyond the laboratory and connecting them back to real patient outcomes is a core part of her work. Under her leadership, the lab uses advanced mass spectrometry techniques to measure antiviral drug concentrations in blood, tissues, and key cells targeted by HIV. By bridging this antiviral research with clinical trials, Brooks helps ensure the science happening in her lab translates into treatment strategies that directly improve patient care on a global scale.
As antiviral pharmacology advances, Brooks is optimistic about where the science is headed, especially as new dosing strategies and long-acting medications continue to expand. Each advancement brings the possibility of better outcomes and a future where treatment is more accessible, effective, and personalized. "There's so much innovation happening right now," she said. "The work we're doing today is helping build a future with safer, more effective therapies for the people who need them most."
There are multiple ways to connect with Dr. Brooks to learn more about her career in antiviral research pharmacy:
- Mar. 23: Follow the @CUPharmacy Instagram account and submit your AMA questions to Dr. Brooks.
- Mar. 24: Watch for Dr. Brook's answers to your Instagram questions.
- Mar. 26: Engage with Dr. Brooks in the virtual Mile High Meetup webinar to learn more about her pharmacy career and what makes CU Anschutz Pharmacy such a great place to start your graduate education.
Antiviral research pharmacy is just one of the specialties you can pursue with a Doctor of Pharmacy at CU Anschutz Pharmacy. Learn more about what a career in pharmacy looks like and connect with Dr. Brooks below.