Course

I. Analytical Practical

1. Quantification of single component formulations/API / biological samples by UV Vis spectrophotometer using different methods like Calibration graph method, Linear Equation Method, Single point Analysis, Absorptivity Value methods
2. Quantification of the single component formulations /API / biological samples by HPLC using different methods like Calibration graph method, Linear Equation Method, and Single point Analysis.
3. Simultaneous estimation of multi-component formulations/API / biological samples by HPLC
4. Estimation of riboflavin/quinine sulphate by fluorimetry
5. Estimation of sodium/potassium by flame photometry

II. Pharmacology Practical

1. Handling of laboratory
2. Various routes of drug
3. Techniques of blood sampling, anesthesia, and euthanasia of experimental
4. Isolation and identification of DNA from various sources (Banana, Blood and Tissue).
5. Isolation of RNA from tissue
6. Estimation of proteins by Bradford/Lowry’s in biological
7. Estimation of RNA/DNA by UV Spectroscopy
8. Gene amplification by
9. Protein quantification and Western Blotting-Demonstration
10. Enzyme-based in-vitro assays (MPO, AChEs, α amylase, α glucosidase).
11. In-vitro antioxidant assays (DPPH radical scavenging, TAC, FRAP)- any 2 drugs
12. Cell viability assays (MTT)-Demonstration
13. Apoptosis detection using fluorescent imaging
14. Antioxidant assays in biological samples (MDA, GSH, catalase)
15. Quantification of biologic amines using fluorescent spectrometer

This course provides a thorough examination of advanced analytical instrumental techniques required for drug analysis, such as UV-visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, HPLC, and flame photometry etc. These procedures are essential for drug identification, characterisation, and quantification, giving reliable and precise information for pharmaceutical research and development. By mastering these procedures, students develop essential skills in evaluating the chemical characteristics and concentrations of compounds, which are critical for ensuring therapeutic agent efficacy and safety.

In addition, this subject dives into the molecular mechanisms that underlie pharmacological activity, emphasizing the use of molecular and cellular approaches for studying drug-target interactions. This includes investigating how drugs affect biological processes and signalling pathways. Students learn how to use these tools to investigate medications’ molecular effects, interpret experimental data, and build practical laboratory skills. This information is essential for understanding drug activities, developing novel medicines, and improving pharmacological research, all of which lead to efficient and focused pharmacological treatments.

Upon successful completion of the course, the students shall be able to;

KNOWLEDGE

K1 Summarize various guidelines like CCSEA and OECD maintenance

K2 Explain the analytical methods and techniques in preclinical studies

K3 Examine common laboratory techniques and assays used in molecular pharmacology research

K4 Discuss the impact of novel molecular technologies on disease diagnosis and drug development

K5 Explain the importance of statistical analysis in pharmacological assays

SKILL

S1 Perform animal restraining, routes of drug administration, blood and tissue sampling

S2 Choose ideal methods for estimating molecular markers

S3 Assess appropriate techniques for the analysis of various drugs and formulations

S4 Develop a fundamental skill in selecting suitable analytical techniques for analyzing drugs in biological fluids

S5 Interpret the spectral data to identify drugs in biological fluids

S6 Develop a suitable animal model for human diseases

ATTITUDE

A1 Develop a critical approach towards pharmacological research.

A2 Instill a strong commitment to laboratory safety

A3 Cultivate a sense of scientific curiosity and a passion for drug discovery research

A4 Promote collaborative and interpersonal skills

A5 Adapt the environmental impact of pharmacological research

A6 Promote scientific integrity and honesty

References

1. Ahuja S, Dong MW. Handbook of Pharmaceutical Analysis by HPLC. 2nd ed. London: Elsevier; 2019
2. Dong MW, Berthod A. HPLC Method Development for Pharmaceuticals. 2nd ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 2020
3. Buckingham, Molecular Diagnostics: Fundamentals, Methods, and Clinical Applications. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Company; 2018
4. Apak R, Capanoglu E, Shahidi F, Measurement of Antioxidant Activity and Capacity: Recent Trends and Applications. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley; 2018
5. Dieffenbach CW, Dveksler GS. PCR Primer: A Laboratory 3rd ed. Cold Spring Harbor, NY: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press; 2020.

Journals

1. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis
2. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
3. Pharmacology Reports