Dr. McCullough joined the faculty of the Department of Dermatology in 1979 as a dermatopharmacologist. He is currently a Professor of Dermatology and Director of the Dermatology Clinical Research Center. Dr. McCullough earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Indiana University and his Ph.D. in pharmacology from Yale University. He was an Associate Professor in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Miami prior to joining the University of California, Irvine.

Dr. McCullough is a pioneer in the field of Dermatopharmacology. During his academic career he has effectively combined his expertise in pharmacology to the basic and clinical areas of dermatology. His work in dermatopharmacology has focused on the skin barrier properties and topical delivery of drugs. He has worked extensively with pharmaceutical companies in the development of effective topical drug delivery systems. His work is unique, in that drug development is taken from formulation testing in vitro to studies in experimental models, and finally to clinical testing in patients. Dr. McCullough has obtained many contracts from pharmaceutical and skin care companies for developing new products for dermatologic therapy and has written over 40 IND applications for testing new topical therapies for skin disorders.

Dr. McCullough’s long-term research collaboration with the UCI Beckman Laser Institute has led to the development of innovative techniques for the therapy of a variety of skin and epithelial diseases using new applications of photodynamic therapy. Current research efforts are focused on the development of topical optical clearing agents to improve light-based diagnostics and therapeutics.               

The relevance of his research productivity is exemplified by the many patents which the University of California has filed on his behalf, each involving new therapies for skin disorders. All of these technologies have been licensed by major pharmaceutical companies. Several of these patents are based upon the development of a new polymer-based technology (TopiCare™) which enhances the penetration of drugs through the skin. This technology is now approved by the FDA for marketed topical retinoic acid and antifungal products, as well as incorporated into many OTC skin care products and cosmetics.

Dr. McCullough’s membership and active participation in numerous academic research societies reflects the wide variety of his research interests. He is an active member of the Society of Investigative Dermatology, American Academy of Dermatology, American Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, American Society for Photobiology, International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin, and the International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology.



Link to Dr. McCullough's Bio:  http://www.dermatology.uci.edu/JMc%20CV%20Web%20Site%209-2007.pdf