The University of Maryland School of Medicine is advancing discovery from bench to bedside in some of the most prevalent and lethal cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases worldwide. Our clinician-scientists are at the forefront of innovative research in heart failure, atherosclerosis, vascular disease, pulmonary hypertension, interstitial lung disease, asthma, and COPD. With a diverse patient population, robust clinical trial infrastructure, and integrated translational research programs, UMSOM is an ideal strategic partner for biopharmaceutical R&D companies seeking to accelerate development, de-risk programs, and generate meaningful real-world impact in cardiopulmonary disease.

Preclinical & Translational Development Assets

Cardiovascular Research Laboratories (CVRL) Integrates basic, translational, and clinical investigators focused on myocardial injury, repair, and remodeling.

Vascular Biology & Atherosclerosis Research Group Preclinical models of plaque formation, regression, and thrombosis and advanced imaging of vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction.

Biospecimen Resources Well-annotated cardiopulmonary biospecimen repositories linked to clinical phenotypes and outcomes. Access to longitudinal samples from heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and ILD cohorts.

Clinical Development Capabilities

Heart & Vascular Center and CVRL Clinical research at CVRL spans epidemiologic studies, outcomes research, and health services research with the mission of elucidating disease mechanisms, identifying socioeconomic contributions to health, and evaluating new treatment paradigms at the molecular and societal levels. High-volume referral center with strong enrollment capacity for complex cardiovascular trials. Advanced imaging (cardiac MRI, PET, CT, echocardiography) integrated into clinical research.

Advanced Heart Failure & Transplant Program Expertise in mechanical circulatory support, transplant, and novel device/therapeutic trials.

Pulmonary Hypertension Center Multidisciplinary program with strong clinical trial portfolio in PAH and CTEPH Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Program. Integrated pulmonology, radiology, and pathology team enabling precision phenotyping and trial enrollment.

Asthma & COPD Center Experience in biologics trials, precision medicine approaches, and severe disease populations.

HEOR and Post-Approval Capabilities

Cardiovascular Outcomes & Real-World Evidence Observational and pragmatic trial expertise in heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and vascular disease. Leadership in guideline-relevant outcomes research and quality improvement initiatives.

Pulmonary Outcomes & Health Services Research Population-based studies in asthma, COPD, ILD, and pulmonary hypertension. Health disparities research within racially and ethnically diverse patient populations.

Data & Analytics Strengths Access to UMMS enterprise EHR and disease-specific registries. Real-world data infrastructure to support real-world evidence generation. Advanced analytics including machine learning and large language model development for clinical prediction. Novel digital tools such as real-time risk stratification at the point of care.

Diverse Patient Population 2.3 million-patient health system with broad racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity. Community-engaged research partnerships enabling inclusive clinical trial design and recruitment.

We welcome partnership discussions across:

• Target identification and validation
• Preclinical proof-of-concept
• Early- and late-phase clinical trials
• Biomarker development
• Digital health and AI-enabled tools
• Real-world evidence generation
• Post-approval outcomes research

Let’s discuss collaborating, contact:

Robert McClain, PhD
Director of Industry Partnerships
Robert.McClain@som.umaryland.edu