Pharma Middle East November 02-04, 2015 Dubai, UAE

Biography:

Manal Zaidan holds BSc (Pharm), PharmD degrees. She obtained her BSc Pharmacy from University of Jordan in 2001 and PharmD degree from Purdue University, Indiana, USA in 2013. She is currently the Pharmacy Director at the NCCCR Since 2007 and was the Director of the Heart Hospital Pharmacy from 2007 to Feb 2015. She has worked as Program Coordination Assistant to the Dean of the College of Pharmacy, Qatar University from December 2006 to July 2007. Her role was mainly to assist the new Dean in the planning, development and establishment of the new College of Pharmacy according to the Canadian Accreditation Standards CCAP Canada. She has conducted several research projects, has published several papers in reputable pharmacy journals and has presented several papers in local and International conferences

Abstract:

Chemotherapy is the mainstay of cancer treatment. However, chemotherapy treatment may cause nausea and vomiting, which could cause 25–50% of patients to consider delaying or refusing further cancer treatment. Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) can be prevented in 70–80% of patients with evidence-based anti-emetic regimen. The purpose of this study is to assess prescribing patterns with regard to prevention of CINV, in the NCCCR, and develop and implement a standardized evidence-based guideline for the management of CINV. Methods: 25 anti-emetic prescriptions were audited to assess their conformity with either of the published guidelines; Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC), American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), or the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), to establish baseline data. A multidisciplinary team of clinical pharmacists and oncologists developed and implemented a guideline for the prevention of CINV. The guideline was promoted using a variety of strategies; education, pocket cards, academic detailing and pharmacist intervention. Physician anti-emetic orders were audited by pharmacists, to assess their conformity with NCCCR anti-emetic guidelines. A data collection form was developed to capture relevant information including; patient demographics, type and emetogenic level of chemotherapy, and the conformity of anti-emetic order with NCCCR guidelines. SPSS statistical software was used to analyze the data. Results: The conformity of anti-emetic physician order with NCCCR anti-emetic guidelines increased from 0% baseline in June 2008 to an average of 60.006% (n=331) by December 2010 and consistently increased reaching 94.3827% (n=792) by December 2013, (p value=0.0002). Conclusion: The introduction of anti-emetic guidelines succeeded in standardizing CINV management, toward an evidence-based approach

Biography:

Lamia W Mohamed has completed her PhD in the year 2005 from Cairo University and Postdoctoral studies from Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University (FOPCU). She is the Director of Career Center, FOPCU. She has published more than 10 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as Member in the American Chemical Society. She is also a Reviewer at Science Publishing Group. In addition, she has participated in organizing both 5th and 6th International conferences of Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University

Abstract:

During mitosis, tightly regulated microtubule dynamics is essential for spindle formation and chromosomal separation. Microtubules are cylinder-shaped protein polymers composed of α-tubulin and β-tubulin heterodimers arranged head to tail. Microtubules are elements of the cell cytoskeleton that play key roles in cell division and cell shape. Indeed, targeting tubulin is a successful strategy for cancer therapy. Many natural and synthetic products of varied structures bind to the colchicine site of tubulin, thus suggesting a high plasticity of tubulin at the colchicine site. Combretastatins are strong inhibitors of tubulin polymerization, which have attracted much attention owing to their potent cytotoxic and vascular disrupting activities. Many SAR studies have established the key structural elements responsible for high antitubulin and cytotoxic activities in combretastatins and related compounds are the trimethoxyphenyl ring. Several rings were synthesized as tubulin polymerase inhibitors in addition to inducing apoptosis. 1,3,4-benzotriazepine ring system was previously synthesized and was found to have anti-tumor effect by inhibition of several enzymes. Combining both colchicine and combrestatins structures new 1,3,4-benzotriazepine analogues were designed, their docking to the tubulin site has been studied, finally their inhibition of tubulin polymerase and anti-tumor effect were screened

Biography:

Prof. Dr. Salwa Elmeligie has completed her PhD at the age of 29 years from Cairo University and postdoctoral studies from Faculty of Pharmacy, Iowa University, USA. She is Head of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University. She is also reviewer for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), conducted by the National Authority of Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education (NAQAAE), and credited trainer in Egypt. She has published more than 36 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of repute in addition to attending more than 20 training courses in Quality Assurance systems.

Abstract:

Special interest in targeted cytotoxic agents is directed towards protein kinases which play several roles in cell proliferation, and targeting these proteins has been shown to be a successful strategy towards controlling different malignancies. In an attempt to develop novel antitumor agents acting through inhibiting Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor (VEGFR), a series of new aryl phthalazine derivatives has been designed and synthesized. The targeted compounds were planned and implemented into docking studies to qualitatively predict their affinity and binding modes with VEGFR-2 kinase enzyme. Docking studies were performed on the designed compounds using Accelry’s Discovery Studio 2.5 software CDOCKER protocol. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by elemental analyses and spectral data (IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and Mass spectroscopy). Furthermore, biological screening in the National Cancer Institute (NCI), USA is applied to test the cytotoxic activity for the prepared compounds against full NCI 60 cell panel at a single dose (10 μM). Additionally, the target compounds are evaluated for their enzymatic inhibition of VEGFR-2 kinase

Biography:

Abstract:

External whole breast radiotherapy (WBRT) is standard treatment after breast-conserving treatment for breast cancer. WBRT markedly reduces recurrence rates and also improves survival. However the RT course lasts 5-7 weeks, and in many countries RT centers cannot meet the demand and may be distant from the patient’s abode. There was therefore much interest in developing intra-operative RT which would complete the RT treatment in a single intra-operative session during surgery. There is also interest in performing only partial irradiation of the tumor bed instead of the whole breast since most recurrences occur close to the scar. In 1999 the European Institute of Oncology (EIO) started a new method of irradiation called ELIOT (intra-operative RT with electrons) which employs a mobile linear accelerator to deliver electrons directly to the reconstructed tumor bed after the surgeon has removed the tumor. The electrons are directed by a Perspex collimator, placed by the surgeon, after a radiation shield has been placed between the breast tissue and the chest wall. The method applies sufficient radiation to the tumor bed, but irradiation to the skin and chest wall is greatly reduced. The aims of this talk are to present the results our ELIOT trial and assess which patients are suitable to ELIOT in the future. The randomized controlled trial to evaluate recruited in 1305 breast cancer patients treated by quadrantectomy and randomized to either conventional external radiotherapy (RT) (654) or ELIOT (651). ELIOT patients received a single dose of 21 Gy to the tumor bed, immediately after quadrantectomy. Patients in the conventional RT arm received 50 Gy in 25 fractions followed by a boost of 10 Gy in 5 fractions. After a median follow-up of 5.7 years, distant metastases and deaths were similar in the two arms, but local relapses (20 cases) in the index quadrant were significantly (p=0.0004) more numerous in the ELIOT than in external RT arm (4 cases). Subsequent analyses found that the excess recurrences in the ELIOT were mainly confined to specific subgroups (those adhering to ASTRO guidelines), allowing indications for ELIOT to be refined. ELIOT appears safe (no difference in survival compared to conventional radiotherapy) and its particular advantage is that it permits definitive surgical and RT treatment for early breast cancer in a single session.

Biography:

An industrial pharmacist with over 20 years experience in area of quality. He received his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Mansoura in Egypt in 1990. Started his career in 1993 pharmaceutical industry as a Quality inspector in Gulf pharmaceutical industries (Julphar). Has an extensive experience in manufacturing and control of Large volume parentrals , gained this experience during his 16 years tenure in Pharmaceutical Solutions Industry (PSI) , The leading manufacturer of large volume parentrals (LVP’s) in MENA region. Having extensive knowledge of Blow/ Fill/ Seal (BFS) Technology, Form/fill/seal (FFS) and Large volume parentrals manufacturing, participated in many projects of erecting , qualifying and operating large volume parentrals lines. Strong expertise of moist heat sterilization processes and autoclaves. Highly knowledgeable of packaging materials solutions for LVP’s. During his career in PSI, Mr. Mohab has been Extensively involved in development of container closure sytems and packaging components of many of PSI new products and forms. Has been recognized for his efforts as key participants in SAP implementation project in PSI as well as for his contribution in it’s relevant computer system validation. Accredited by American Society of quality as a certified GMP professional in 2014. Currently working as a quality control manager in Arabio, A leading biopharmaceutical company in MENA region.

Abstract:

Large volume parentrals (LVP’S) represent a strategic medicinal product that is essential to Health care industry. With increasing expenditure on health care services supported by policies in MENA region states, the demand for a quality LVP’s become essential. • Definition, What are LVP’S? Evolution and History. • What are the characteristics of LVP’s over other categories of injection dosage forms. • Types of LVP’S and their indications. • Process description and control points. • Quality Control of LVP’S • Container closure systems and product stability. • Blow-fill- Seal Technology. • Regulatory requirements and expectations.

Biography:

Sherif Kamal is one of the second generation Egyptian Clinical Pharmacists, with more than fifteen years of experience in this field, involved in the planning, designing and implementation of pharmaceutical care in oncology centers as Senior Clinical Pharmacy Consultant. He is the Director of Pharmaceutical Services at the Children’s Cancer Hospital in Egypt. He earned his BS in Pharmacy and is undergoing Post-Graduate studies from Cairo University School of Pharmacy and completed a Visiting Fellowship at St. Jude’s Children Hospital in the United States. He conducted a wide variety of research studies involving the pharmaco-therapeutics management on pediatric oncology diseases and presented his work at international meetings (35 poster presentation accepted and 3 papers). His primary research interest focuses on pharmacy practice, patient safety, pharmacogentics, pharmacoeconomics, pharmacovigulance and pharmacoepidemiology of pediatric cancer.

Abstract:

Peter Drucker, the man who invented management said: “We cannot manage what we cannot measure” and “What is measured improves’. In this context, the WHO 7 star pharmacists listed the role of pharmacists including being a leader and a manger. Being a manger of the patient care process and the medication management process made the pharmacist an integral part of the clinical decision making and made the pharmacist responsible for the patient safety. We will discuss the medication management process, the pillars of quality, the 7 quality values, the role of the pharmacist in translating theory into practice, creating the culture of patient safety and we will be introduced the human factor and proactive approaches to prevent errors. Moving from the 6 R rules, through the Swiss Cheese Model, Poka Yoka, touching base with the FMEA process, the role of pharmacist in risk management and looking into some tools that will help the pharmacists improve the patient safety in their setting. I will urge all of us to proactively empower pharmacist to be an integral part of the clinical decision making and encourage patient safety research and clinical guidelines implementation Initiatives as a tool to improve patient safety.

Biography:

Mr. Ben Ajepe is a licensed & registered Pharmacist. He started his sales career in Pfizer a multinational Company in 1987. He loves to understand goals and objectives. He has had a 28+year’s career which has reflected continual advancement, a depth of valuable, diversified leadership experience in cost-effective sales and marketing strategies. All his career life has been involved in improving supply chain management of pharmaceutical products in Nigeria and some African countries. He is currently the MD/CEO of Today’s Pharmacy and Stores Ltd and B.Perazim Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Abstract:

Introduction: The pharmaceutical supply chain is often a 'hidden' element within healthcare systems – the elaborate pathway between a medicine leaving the manufacturer and being dispensed to the patient. Middle men sit in the middle, playing a vital role in ensuring constant supply of high quality medicines to the medical front line. Africa like the middle-east countries is a continent ripe with potential, but the challenges for developing a viable market strategy are formidable, with distribution being consistently one of the largest challenges for drug makers. Inefficient or expensive distribution increases the final price to patient, reducing volume sales and hurting family finances in the largely out-of-pocket private market for medicines. That said, the problems in African distribution also provide an opportunity for those willing to take on this challenge. Pharmaceutical supply chains are one of the most complicated of logistics processes. Not only do they rely upon infallible temperature control and meeting stringent border regulations across regions, but logistics providers also have to guarantee the integrity and security of the products throughout the process. A single loose link in the chain could mean that costly and essential pharmaceuticals are left in an unusable or even potentially dangerous state, with the spin off problems associated with lack of adequate vital medicinal stocks or even legal procedures. Conclusion: (1) Strengthening supply chain management: The government should establish a structured supply chain management system with a logistic manager at both state & local government level ensuring the distribution system to flow in top to bottom approach. (2) Strengthening procurement system: In order to ensure hassle free procurement all the level of government should create a procurement society to make the process even faster. It will be a great idea if the government at grass-root level has decentralized small purchases at the local government level.

Biography:

Alireza Behshadfar has completed his Doctorate in General Medicine in 1991, from Medicine Faculty of Tehran University, Iran and his MBA in Integrated Information Processes in 2011 from Julius-Maximilians-Universität, Würzburg, Germany. He is Chairman of the Board in Rahaward Co. Ltd., a leading Medical Device Supplier, and Vice President of Nikan Medical Group, a premier pharmaceutical organization. He has translated Schwartz's Principles of Surgery, Clinical Neurology (Aminoff), and Clinical Gynecologic Endocrinology and Infertility (Speroff) to Persian and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of Kowsar Corp., a medium open access publisher of more than 72 journals, a COPE Member.

Abstract:

The history of Iran pharmaceutical industry returns back to about 70 years ago with a structure mostly based on generic and brand-generic medicines. More than 85 domestic pharmaceutical factories cover more than 96% of country demand and consumption in terms of quantity which generate 65% of the value market size. In 2014, around USD 2.5 Milliard investment in medicine production resulted in more than USD 4.5 Milliard sales value in Iran market. Although Iran pharma industry shows 100% self-reliance and self-sufficiency, it is mostly true in materials used for primary and secondary packaging steps in production lines but not in APIs as a whole (40% of domestic demand), or APIs for vitamins, hormones, and enzymes (70% of local requirement), and high tech medicines. However, the main policy of Iran Ministry of Health and Food and Drug Organization stands on expansion of production facilities either through governmental pharmaceutical holdings or supporting investors from private sector specially in biotic, recombinant medicines, and vaccines. In this respect, GMP revising and upgrading have been instructed to manufacturing premises to meet PIC/s guidelines providing an integrated GMP scheme throughout the country as a requisite for being a member of this convention founded in 1970. Apart from the medicine, there is a significant market for supplements with market size of around USD 1 Milliard and promising consumption trend for nutrition and probiotics. In our study on these market dynamic trends, valuable opportunities were revealed in consistent with and in favor of local and global investments

Biography:

Dr. Malik has completed her PhD in 2013, at the age of 30 years from University Sains Malaysia in Pharmacy Practice. She has been serving as an Assistant Professor and coordinator for M.Phil Pharmacy Practice at Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University Islamabad, Pakistan. At present she has been working as Post-doctoral research fellow at Medicine Usage in South Africa (MUSA), School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom. She has published more than 50 papers in reputed journals and serving as an editorial board member of repute.

Abstract:

Background: Malaria is one of the global public health problems and imposes a major health burden in developing countries. It is a major health problem, threatening the health of the people due to prevailing socio-economic conditions and epidemiological situation in Pakistan. Malaria control program was initiated in Pakistan in 1950s and has passed through several evolutionary phases. A malaria control strategy was adopted in 1975 with provincial commitment to implementation and Pakistan joined the global Roll Back Malaria (RBM) initiative in 1998 to combat the disease, thus a qualitative study was designed to explore the role of malaria control program, major outstanding challenges faced by the program in promoting rational drug use, achievements and future prospective of the program for advancing resource mobilization and collaborative partnerships. <\br> Purpose & Methods: A qualitative study design was used to explore the perceptions’ of malaria control program officials regarding role of malaria control program in Pakistan. The study was approved by experts at Malaria Control Program, Ministry of Health, Pakistan. Eight semi-structured interviews with all the officials working at malaria control program in Islamabad were conducted by using an interview guide. The interviews, which were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim, were evaluated by thematic content analysis and by other authors’ analysis. <\br> Results: The interviews with officials focused on three major components, i.e., working and outreach of the program, strategies and major challenges faced for promoting rational drug use in malaria control and achievements and future prospective of the program. Thematic content analysis of these components yielded additional major themes and sub-themes. In view of most of the officials’ inappropriate diagnosis, anti malarial resistance, lack of trained staff and inappropriate drug management are the major factors promoting irrational drug use in the treatment of malaria in Pakistan. All the respondents agreed on successful implementation of malaria control program in Pakistan in controlling malaria by improving diagnostic and treatment facilities and promotion of rational case management through training of prescribers. Most of the officials think training, rational drug use, low number of cases of resistance and effective treatment of confirmed cases of malaria as the major achievements of the program. Monitoring plan and reviewing the sale of antimalarial drugs are seen as the tools for monitoring of the program by the officials. Public awareness, proper coordination with health care system and extensive coverage of the program are seen as the future prospective by the officials. <\br> Conclusion: The findings suggest that malaria control program in Pakistan has targeted high endemic areas which focus in the nineteen districts of the country and successful in achieving its targets. But still, funding is the major challenge faced by the program for its implementation in future. Thus, government of Pakistan, private sector, stakeholders and development partners have to unite their efforts and work together to expand the national malaria control program for achieving the national millennium development goals.

Biography:

Abstract:

Compounds when presented in the crystalline state to the gastrointestinal tract are typically dissolution rate limited and dissolution rate is directly proportional to the solubility of compound. The compounds are typically BCS class II or class IV compounds. The rate and extent of absorption of class II compounds is highly depended on the performance of the formulated product. Solid dispersion are one of the most promising strategies to improve the oral bioavailability poorly water soluble drugs. Carvedilol is poorly water soluble (BCS class II) antihypertensive drug. The purpose of this study was to increase solubility of Carvedilol of solid dispersion (SDs) technique with poloxamer (PXM) 407 in aqueous media. The Carvedilol- PXM 407 solid dispersion system was prepared by solvent evaporation, kneading method and melting method. It was characterized by differential scanning Calorimetry (DSC),X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis, Fourier transformation infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and in vitro dissolution studies. The results from DSC, XRD and SEM studies shows that PXM 407 inhibits the crystallization of Carvedilol. The solid dispersion prepared in this study were found to have higher dissolution rates compared to intact Carvedilol.

Biography:

Amina Mahdy has completed her PhD in 2002 from College of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Egypt, in the specialty of Pharmacology & Therapeutics. She got a Clinical Pharmacy Preparatory Diploma from Oxford Academy for Medical Science, United Kingdom. She is currently an Associate Professor and Head of Pharmacology Department in Dubai Pharmacy College, UAE. She has published 14 original articles in peer-reviewed journals and is serving as an Editorial Board Member in a reputed journal.

Abstract:

Prescription analysis highlights the prescribing behavior of clinicians and helps achieving rational drug use. The incidence of drug toxicity is higher in elderly than younger population due to several factors. The present study was undertaken to investigate the trends of drug prescribing for elderly patients in an attempt to assess the extent of potentially-inappropriate prescribing for this population in a tertiary hospital in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Using a retrospective analysis, 718 prescriptions issued to elderly outpatients at different clinics were investigated. The study was performed from 1st of January till 20th of February 2013. WHO prescriber indicators were used to analyze prescriptions recording the average number of medicines per encounter, number of medicines prescribed as generics, number of prescriptions containing an antibiotic, or an injection, and therapeutic group of all the prescribed medicines. The extent of potentially-inappropriate prescribing was estimated using American Geriatrics Society Updated Beer’s criteria (2012). Data were presented using SPSS program. Findings revealed poly pharmacy in elderly with an average number of drugs per prescription being 3.2 deviating from the WHO standard of 1.6 to 1.8. Cardiovascular drugs were the most widely prescribed medications. Prescriptions were found to contain antibiotics and injection by a percentage of 10.8% and 12.9%, respectively. 14.7% of prescriptions had one or more potentially inappropriate medication with anticholinergics, NSAIDs and aspirin being the most common. A feedback through personal interviews as well as workshops for the health care team may be considered an effective intervention to optimize the prescribing pattern for the elderly.

Biography:

Ola Sayed Mohammed Ali had received her Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of pharmacy, Cairo University in 1982 and PhD in 1995. She worked as a Professor of Biochemistry in 2007 and as an ex-Dean of Faculty of Pharmacy at Al Azhar University during 2009-2012. She is currently working as a Head of Biochemistry Department from 2009 till now. She supervised 30 members in obtaining their PhD thesis. She had published 30 papers in different National & International Journals. She is a reviewer of 3 National & 2 International scientific journals.

Abstract:

Aim: The current study investigates the hypothesis that obesity increases serum hepcidin level and hence worsens anemia in hemodialysis patients through an observational case controlled study. Anemia is an important complication of CKD. Hemodialysis patients are subjected to repeated blood loss and hence they suffer more severe anemia. Hepcidin the iron regulatory hormone that has an iron blocking effect plays an important role in anemia in CKD. Obesity in normal population is associated with an increased risk of CVD and mortality, but among HD patients with higher BMI is associated with survival advantage. This is known as obesity survival paradox. Methods: The study included 90 CKD 5HD with corrected anemia divided according to BMI into three groups (normal weight, overweight and obese groups). Hemoglobin and iron indices including serum iron, TIBC, ferritin and TSAT% for all groups was measured in addition to URR and creatinine. Hepcidin and HsCRP level were measured by ELISA. Results: The obese HD group showed significant higher mean age than the normal weight group (54.04±10.95, 45.22±13.67 years, respectively, at p<0.05). The median of HsCRP of obese group is significantly higher than both normal weight and overweight groups (23.5 (3.5-128), 8.9 (0.1-42.3) and 11.53 (0.1-108.5) mg/l, respectively, at p<0.001. The mean hepcidin level of the obese HD group is significantly higher than both normal weight and overweight groups (221.56±44.89, 153.56±22.44, 176.3±45.01 ng/ml, respectively, both at p<0.01). No significant difference was found among the three groups as regard to URR, creatinine, Hgb and any of iron indices. The correlational analysis revealed a positive correlation between hepcidin and each of BMI (p<0.01, r=0.49), HsCRP (p<0.05, r=0.24) and ferritin (p<0.01, r=0.46) and a negative correlation with hemoglobin (p<0.01, r=-0.59), URR (p<0.01, r=-0.35) and TSAT (p<0.01, r=-0.38). BMI has a positive correlation with CRP (p<0.01, r=0.49) and age (p<0.01, r=0.317) and a negative correlation with hemoglobin (p<0.05, r=-0.22). Hemoglobin has a positive correlation with each of TSAT (p<0.01, r=0.61), iron (p<0.05, r=0.24) and URR (p<0.01, r=0.65) and a negative correlation with ferritin (p<0.01, r=-0.67). The direct effect of BMI on hemoglobin was lost after multivariate linear regression analysis of hemoglobin as the dependent variable. Only hepcidin, ferritin and URR have an independent relation with hemoglobin. Conclusion: Obese HD patients have higher hepcidin and HsCRP levels than their normal and overweight counterparts. The negative effect of BMI on hemoglobin is indirect; it is through its effect on hepcidin which consequently affects iron indices, especially ferritin.

Biography:

Muhammad Ijaz is a PhD student at the University of Innsbruck Austria. He did his Master of Philosophy (Pharmaceutics) from The Islamia University of Bahawal Pur and secured an Outstanding Research Scholarship for PhD from Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC). He has published a review article on pre-activated thiomers in reputed journals of Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery and is currently working on various projects of advanced drug delivery systems using thiolated polymers.

Abstract:

The objective of the present study was to synthesize and characterize Cysteamine conjugated β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD-Cys) as a novel muco-adhesive polymeric excipient for vaginal drug delivery. Increasing concentrations of cysteamine (0.25%, 0.5% and 0.75%) were covalently attached to oxidized β-CD via reductive amination. Quantification of immobilized thiol groups through Ellmans test revealed 851.84±107 µmol/g, 1040.44±132 µmol/g and 1563.72±171 µmol/g of free thiol groups attached to the polymer backbone, respectively. Viability studies of thiolated derivatives of β-CD at concentrations of 0.5% (m/v) showed no toxic effects on Caco-2 cells within 72 hours. Solubility of thiolated β-CD was furthermore 3.5-fold improved in comparison to unmodified β-CD. Thiolated derivatives of β-CD (β-CD-Cys851, β-CD-Cys1040 and β-CD-Cys1563) showed 3, 12.47 and 32.13-fold improved muco-adhesive properties on porcine intestinal mucosa and 5.84, 15.95 and 17.14-fold improved muco-adhesive properties on porcine vaginal mucosa, respectively. Inclusion complexes of antiviral drug acyclovir with thiolated β-CD resulted in increased drug solubility. According to these results, thiolated β-CD might be a promising novel tool for vaginal delivery of poorly water soluble therapeutic agents, such as acyclovir.

Biography:

Kesinee Netsomboon is a PhD student of Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Innsbruck, Austria since 2012. She graduated Bachelor of Pharmacy from Chiang Mai University, Thailand in 2008 and Master of Science in Pharmacy from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand in 2012. She was awarded the scholarship from the Chula-Chiba University Pharmaceutical Student Exchange Program during her Master’s degree study to carry on a part of her research at Chiba University, Japan in 2009.

Abstract:

Apomorphine is a non-selective dopamine agonist which is used for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Apomorphine, however, shows low oral bioavailability of less than 2% due to hepatic first-pass metabolism. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate an improvement of apomorphine absorption through nasal mucosa by co-administration with a pre-activated thiomer. Poly(Acrylic Acid) (PAA) molecular mass of 250 kDa was used as polymer backbone. PAA was first thiolated by coupling with L-cysteine (Cys) followed by pre-activation via immobilization of 2-Mercapto-Nicotinic Acid (2MNA) in order to protect sulfhydryl groups towards oxidation. In vitro permeation across freshly excised porcine nasal mucosa was investigated. The influence of degree of pre-activation on drug absorption was thereby addressed. In total, 2816.7±185.0 μmol of thiol groups were immobilized per gram of polymer. Due to the omission of DMSO and pH variations, different degrees of pre-activation were achieved. In the presence of thiomer, 67.3% and 82.6% pre-activated thiomers, the cumulative amount of apomorphine permeating the mucosa was 1.2, 2.7 and 3.4 fold higher than the control (buffer only). Because of this pronounced effect, highly pre-activated thiolated PAA could be considered as promising excipient for nasal apomorphine delivery.

Biography:

Background: Malaria is one of the global public health problems and imposes a major health burden in developing countries. It is a major health problem, threatening the health of the people due to prevailing socio-economic conditions and epidemiological situation in Pakistan. Malaria control program was initiated in Pakistan in 1950s and has passed through several evolutionary phases. A malaria control strategy was adopted in 1975 with provincial commitment to implementation and Pakistan joined the global Roll Back Malaria (RBM) initiative in 1998 to combat the disease, thus a qualitative study was designed to explore the role of malaria control program, major outstanding challenges faced by the program in promoting rational drug use, achievements and future prospective of the program for advancing resource mobilization and collaborative partnerships. Purpose & Methods: A qualitative study design was used to explore the perceptions’ of malaria control program officials regarding role of malaria control program in Pakistan. The study was approved by experts at Malaria Control Program, Ministry of Health, Pakistan. Eight semi-structured interviews with all the officials working at malaria control program in Islamabad were conducted by using an interview guide. The interviews, which were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim, were evaluated by thematic content analysis and by other authors’ analysis. Results: The interviews with officials focused on three major components, i.e., working and outreach of the program, strategies and major challenges faced for promoting rational drug use in malaria control and achievements and future prospective of the program. Thematic content analysis of these components yielded additional major themes and sub-themes. In view of most of the officials’ inappropriate diagnosis, anti malarial resistance, lack of trained staff and inappropriate drug management are the major factors promoting irrational drug use in the treatment of malaria in Pakistan. All the respondents agreed on successful implementation of malaria control program in Pakistan in controlling malaria by improving diagnostic and treatment facilities and promotion of rational case management through training of prescribers. Most of the officials think training, rational drug use, low number of cases of resistance and effective treatment of confirmed cases of malaria as the major achievements of the program. Monitoring plan and reviewing the sale of antimalarial drugs are seen as the tools for monitoring of the program by the officials. Public awareness, proper coordination with health care system and extensive coverage of the program are seen as the future prospective by the officials. Conclusion: The findings suggest that malaria control program in Pakistan has targeted high endemic areas which focus in the nineteen districts of the country and successful in achieving its targets. But still, funding is the major challenge faced by the program for its implementation in future. Thus, government of Pakistan, private sector, stakeholders and development partners have to unite their efforts and work together to expand the national malaria control program for achieving the national millennium development goals.

Abstract:

Malik M has completed her PhD in 2013 from University Sains Malaysia in Pharmacy Practice. She has been serving as an Assistant Professor and Coordinator for MPhil Pharmacy Practice at Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University Islamabad, Pakistan. At present, she is working as a Post-doctoral research fellow at Medicine Usage in South Africa (MUSA), School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom. She has published more than 50 papers in reputed journals and serving as an Editorial Board Member of repute.

Biography:

Liljana Makraduli is currently completing her PhD thesis at the “Ss Cyril and Methodius University” Skopje, Macedonia. She is R&D Director at Replek Farm Ltd., Skopje, Macedonia. She is an expert in Pharmaceutical Technology with specialization at the “Faculty of Pharmacy”, “Ss Cyril and Methodius University” Skopje, Macedonia. She participated in two scientific projects financed by the Ministry of Education of Republic of Macedonia and by the NATO Science for Peace Program. She participated in more than 20 Workshops, Forums, Congresses and Symposia with published scientific work. Her paper “Factorial design analysis and optimization of alginate-Ca-chitosan microspheres” was published in Journal of Microencapsulation.

Abstract:

The purpose of this study is to apply experimental design in order to determine the influence of the formulation factors and their interactions on the dissolution of the active substance mesalamine (mesalazine) from the mesalazine film-coated tablets 500 mg. The delayed release of the active substance from the film-coated tablets at pH 1.2 during 120 minutes; at pH 6.8 during 60 minutes and at pH 7.2 during 90 minutes was analyzed according to USP/NF monograph for mesalamine delayed-release tablets. The formulation for achieving the best dissolution profile was chosen. The desired dissolution profile is as follows: maximum 1% of dissolved mesalamine/film–coated tablet expressed as a percentage of the declared content at pH 1.2 in 120 minutes and at pH 6.8 in 60 minutes; and minimum 80% (Q) dissolved mesalamine/film–coated tablet expressed as a percentage of the declared content at pH 7.2 during 90 minutes. With the study, it was shown that design of experiments could be successfully used in planning the experimental design, performing series of well-selected experiments and gaining the most informative combination out of the given factors. It is a science based and effective approach to analyze and optimize a given formulation; in contrast to the most frequently used “trial and error” approach when the experiments are first performed and the gained data are analyzed afterwards.

Biography:

Reenu Yadav is PhD student at NIMS University, Jaipur (RJ). She had done her MPharm and MBA from RGPV and Barkatullah University, Bhopal (MP). She has published more than 20 papers in reputed journals and is the Author of two reputed books. She is working as an Assistant Professor at IES College of Pharmacy, Bhopal (MP).

Abstract:

Natural products have served as a major source of drugs for centuries, and about half of the pharmaceuticals in use today are derived from natural products. The use of natural substances, particularly plants, to control diseases is a centuries old practice that has led to the discovery of more than half of all modern pharmaceuticals. Oral diseases continue to be a major health problem worldwide. Dental caries and periodontal diseases are among the most important global oral health problems, although conditions such as oral and pharyngeal cancers and oral tissue lesions are also significant health concerns. Despite general advances in the overall health status of the people living in industrialized countries, including oral and dental health, the prevalence of dental caries in school aged children is up to 90% and the majority of adults are also affected. There is a strong association between severe periodontal diseases and diabetes. There is also evidence linking poor oral health and systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis, while periodontal diseases and may also contribute to the risk of pregnancy complications, such as preterm lowbirth weight. Hence, the search for alternative products continues and natural phytochemicals isolated from plants used in traditional medicine are considered as good alternatives to synthetic chemicals. The development of bacterial resistance to presently available antimicrobial agents has necessitated the search for new antibacterial agent. It is considered worldwide to explore Indian tradition medicinal herb for development of the poly herbal dental formulations with dental protection potential. Purpose: The aim of the present work was to develop an oral gel for brushing with antimicrobial activity which will cure/ protect from various periodontal diseases such as periodontitis, gingivitis, and pyorrhea. Methods: Plant materials procured from local suppliers, extracted and standardized. Screening of antimicrobial activity was carried out with the help of disk diffusion method. gel was formulated by dried extracts of Beautea monosperma, and Cordia obliqua gels evaluated on various parameters and standardization of the formulation was performed. Release of drugs was studied in pH 6.8 using a mastication device. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were estimated by Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminium chloride method, and stability studies were performed (40 oC and RH 75%±5% for 90 days) to assess the effect of temperature and humidity on the concentration of phenolic and flavonoid contents. The results of accelerated stability conditions were compared with that of samples kept at controlled conditions (RT). The control samples were kept at room temperature (25 oC, 35% RH for 180 days). Results: Extracts possess significant antimicrobial activity at very low concentration (15 μg/disc, 20 μg/disc and 15 μg/disc) on oral pathogenic bacteria. Formulation has optimal characteristics as well as has pleasant appearance, fragrance, texture and taste is highly acceptable by the volunteers. The diffusion coefficient values ranged from 0.6655 to 0.9164. Since, the R values of Korsmeyer Papas were close to 1, drug release from formulation follows matrix diffusion kinetics. Hence, diffusion was the mechanism of the drug release. Formulation follows non-Fickian transport mechanism. Most formulations released 50% of their contents within 25-30 minutes. Results obtained from the accelerated stability studies are indicative of a slight reduction in flavonoids and phenolic contents with time on long time storage. When measured degradation under ambient conditions, degradation was significantly lower than in accelerated stability study. Conclusion: Plant extracts possess compounds with antimicrobial properties, can be used as. Developed formulation will cure/ protect from various periodontal diseases. Further development and evaluations oral gel including the isolated compounds on commercial scale and their clinical and toxicological studies are the future challenges.

Biography:

Amira Sayed Mahmoud Hanafy has registered for her PhD thesis on CNS delivery of neurotherapeutics in Sep 2013 in Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Egypt. She is an Assistant Lecturer at Faculty of Pharmacy and Drug Manufacturing, Pharos University in Alexandria (PUA). She is a Referee in AAPS PharmSciTech journal. She had the opportunity to attend the IBRO-UNESCO Interregional School on Computational Neuroscience, 2012, India, organized by International Brain Research Organization (IBRO), and won a travel grant for this school. She was an Organizer in the “Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at Glance” International Conference, Cairo- Alexandria, Egypt, 15-16 January 2009. She has 4 publications namely, ‘Novel treatment strategies for brain tumors and metastases’, Pharmaceutical Patent Analyst; ‘Pulsatile core-in-cup valsartan tablet formulations: In vitro evaluation’, Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences; a poster published in the 4th International Conference and Exhibition on Pharmaceutics & Novel Drug Delivery Systems, March 24-26, 2014 at Hilton San Antonio Airport, USA, titled as ‘Valsartan time-clock pulsatile tablet formulations: Preparation and in vitro evaluation’; a poster published in the IBRO-UNESCO Interregional School on Computational Neuroscience, 2012, India, titled as ‘Formulation and Evaluation of Some Pulsatile Drug Delivery Systems’.

Abstract:

The employment of biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles to deliver therapeutic drugs and macromolecules to the CNS has been pioneered in 1999. Since then, various polymers have been utilized to tailor nanoparticles with desirable properties from the “efficiency” point of view. In comparison with liposomes, a platform that have been enrolled into clinical trials and proved successful, several challenges face the development of CNS-targeted polymeric nanoparticles. The formulation, stability, processability, and cost/ benefit ratio are not the sole factors holding back the development of polymeric nanoparticles. The safety parameter of short and long-term administration of such nanoparticles is usually overlooked, especially that the exact in vivo fate of polymeric nanoparticles is not fully understood. Less that 2% of the published articles relating to CNS targeted polymeric nanoparticles between 2011 and 2015 dealt with the nanotoxicological assessment especially in the brain, liver, and kidney. In this presentation, the formulation factors that might affect the overall safety of the polymeric nanoparticulate delivery systems such as the particle size, surface properties, coatings, tendency to aggregation, and the addition of stabilizers will be discussed. In addition, the several in vitro and in vivo experimental models used to assess the toxicity of polymeric nanoparticles will be summarized. This presentation aims to redirect the current interest of pharmaceutical researchers to nanotoxicological aspects, and encourage them to comb their efforts with those of pharmacologists and toxicologists so as to push forward the development of polymeric nanoparticles for CNS drug delivery in the near future.

Biography:

Marwan Ahmed has recently completed his Master’s in Pharmacology from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. He also holds Diploma in Pharmacology (University of North West, South Africa, 2011), Post-graduate Diploma in Research Methodology and Biostatistics (University of Medical Sciences and Technology, Sudan, 2007) and Bachelor of Pharmacy (University of Sanaa, Yemen, 2003).

Abstract:

Context: The association between long-term metformin use and low vitamin B12 levels has been proven. However, the prevalence estimates of metformin-induced vitamin B12 deficiency showed considerable variation among the studies and have not been studied in African settings. The potential of the deficiency to cause or worsen peripheral neuropathy in T2DM patients has been investigated with conflicting results. Objectives: The main objectives were to determine the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency among metformin users and to examine the association between the vitamin status and neuropathy in those patients. The secondary objective was to investigate the risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency. Research Design & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, consecutive T2DM patients on long-term metformin attending the diabetes clinics in two public hospitals in Pretoria, South Africa, were approached for participation. Serum vitamin B12 levels were measured and neuropathy was assessed using the Neuropathy Total Symptom Score-6 (NTSS-6) questionnaire. Records were used to obtain other data. Vitamin B12 deficiency was defined by levels <150 pmol/L. Those with NTSS-6 scores >6 were considered to have neuropathy. The percentage of vitamin B12-deficient patients was determined. The relationship between vitamin B12 and neuropathy was investigated by using Chi-square test and Spearman’s correlation coefficient (rho) when the two variables were in the binary and continuous forms, respectively. Stepwise multiple logistic regression was used to determine the risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency. Results: Among 121 patients, the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency was 28.1%. There was no difference in presence of neuropathy between those with normal and deficient vitamin B12 levels (36.8% vs. 32.4%, P = 0.209). The level of vitamin B12 and the NTSS-6 scores were not correlated (rho = 0.056, P = 0.54). Stepwise multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that metformin dose (gram) (OR = 1.96, P = 0.053), HbA1c (OR = 0.71, P = 0.003) and black South African race (OR = 0.34, P = 0.033) were the only risk factors significantly associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. Conclusions: Close to third of metformin-treated T2DM patients had vitamin B12 deficiency. The deficiency was, however, not associated with peripheral neuropathy. Black South African race was a protective factor for vitamin B12 deficiency.