Department of Pharmaceutics
Virtual Workshop on Computer-aided Drug Designing
The Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Amrita School of Pharmacy in association with Schrodinger organized a virtual workshop on “Computer-aided Drug Designing” during September 21 – 23, 2023.
Participants received practical online training sessions with guidance, covering various topics over the course of three days.
On Day 1, sessions on organic molecule sketching, protein selection, and data management functions of the Maestro GUI were conducted. The goal was to identify hit molecules against therapeutic targets through preparation and screening. Day 2 concentrated on the application of Ligand-based drug discovery for artificial intelligence drug discovery, utilizing cheminformatics, pharmacophore, and 3D QSAR. Day 3 was dedicated to exploring the molecular dynamics of the protein ligand complex.
A brief review of the background theory was provided during the workshop at the end of sessions on all days. The workshop successfully concluded on Day 3 with a valedictory function at 4 PM.
Report on the Online Workshop conducted on Design of Experiments (DoE)
A one-day online workshop was organized by the Dept. of Pharmaceutics, Amrita School of Pharmacy on the Design of Experiments (DoE) for research scholars and M. Pharm students on May 19, 2022. Dr. Muralidhara Anantmurthy from JMP academics was the trainer for the workshop. Amrita Vishwavidyapeetham now has a licensed version of the JMP software. DoE is a robust optimization tool used for product and process development. DoE based approach is used in pharmaceutical industry in a big way. DoE is expected to be a part of all the projects dealing with product development and optimization in the Dept. of Pharmaceutics. The key topics covered in the workshop are the following.
- Introduction to DoE
- Factorial design and response surface methodology (RSM)
- Mixture/Formulation design
- Custom design and optimization.
Students were given hands on training on the software with relevant example of drug product and development from the pharmaceutical industry. The workshop was followed by a Q&A session.
Webinar on “The Rising Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance and Novel Strategies for Antibiotic Discovery”
Dr. Anutthaman Parthasarathy, Post-Doctoral Associate, Rochester Institute of Technology, New York was the speaker of the webinar organized on 12th May 2021.
Highlights
- Briefed on the growing anti-microbial resistance medical threat
- Discussed the potential of plant defense molecules as promising anti-infective drug candidates
Webinar on “Innovator Drug vs Generic Drug”
Dr. Shinu Chacko, Manager, Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics, Sun Pharma, Haryana was the key note speaker for the webinar organized on 26th May 2021.
Highlights
- Briefed about the pharmacokinetic studies of both generic and innovator drugs
- Discussed the challenges faced in the development of drug formulations
Webinar on “Characterization of Sub-visible Particles in Drug Products”
Dr. Rishi Gupta, Application specialist, Anton Paar India was the speaker for the webinar organized on 9th June 2021.
Highlights
- Provided an insight on how the development of complex biological drug products such as monoclonal antibodies, peptides, vaccines etc. boosted the demand for innovative delivery mechanism
- Explained how the particles during different stage of manufacture can have an impact on drug’s effectiveness
Webinar on “Implementation of QbD in dissolution method development”
Mr. Vijay Kshirsagar, Director and CEO, TRAC Pharma Consulting” was the speaker for the webinar organized on 18th June 2021.
Highlights
- Explained the different steps in QbD process.
- Discussed how QbD can be applied to get an efficacious product.
Webinar on “Timeline, Budget and Procedures in Patent Filing till Granting”
Dr. R B Umamaheshwari, IP Consultant and Patent Analyst was the key note speaker for the webinar organized on 11th June 2021.
Highlights
- Introduced IPR, implementation of patent law and different types of patent.
- Insight about the eligibility criteria for obtaining the patent and the documents to be submitted
- Elaborated the rights of patentee, terms of patent, expiry of patent, surrendering of patent and its revocation.
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Analysis
Seminar on Data Analytical Tools and Discovery of Medicine
Objective
The objective of this Seminar was to educate next-generation scientists about rational drug design, discovery & development of drugs. This Seminar was an educational forum that endeavors to provide a comprehensive overview of the drug discovery process against a back drop of the technology and research revolution and includes a horizontal overview of the disciplines involved in the drug discovery process and a vertical delve in to the critical elements of each discipline.
Session 1
On the session 1, Seminar was started at 11:00 am with normal introductory speech by Ms. Aathira Sujathan Nair and session was hand over to Dr. Bijo Mathew, Professor, Head of Department, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Amrita School of Pharmacy in order to introduce the department research activities followed by the first session by Dr. Mandar Bodas, who is well known in training students and he is willingly in association with so many institutions for creating awareness regarding importance of the use of REAXYS in drug discovery. The review of the seminar that more than 90% students give excellent feedback of the seminar and they are willing to work more and take more interest in this seminar. We will try to give excellent when this kind of seminar will arrange in college campus.
Session 2
Session 2 was an interactive session explaining the various stages of drug discovery and the various types of drug designing, synthetic strategies of new chemical entity was explained. After completion, this seminar we conclude that student gets more benefits about this seminar and they are more familiar about the software. In market scenario the extra skills are require for getting good job so that software knowledge is most important factor of industry. We are very thankful to the management and principal of amrita school of pharmacy for such giving a good support for the seminar.
Webinar on “Flash Chromatography Systems in Purification Process”
Mr.Arjun G, Product Manager for Flash and Consumables, Spinco Biotech was the speaker for the webinar organized on 1st June 2021.
Highlights
- Explained different types and the mode of operation of flash chromatographic instruments
- Discussed the newer developments and applications in the area of flash chromatography
Webinar on “Organic Chemistry Laboratory Practice for Pharmacy Students and Scholars”
Dr. Rangarajan T.M, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Shri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi was the speaker for the webinar organized on 8th June 2021.
Highlight
- Explained the laboratory setting, safety measures, planning and documentation as well as various chromatographic techniques for the identification and purification of the synthesized compounds
“Hands on Workshop on In-silico Drug Design using Biovia Discovery Studio”
A “Hands on Workshop on In-silico Drug Design using Biovia Discovery Studio” was organized from 23rd to 26th July 2021 with Dr. Dhivya S, Senior Application Scientist, Altem Technologies as the resource person. The objective of this workshop was to educate next-generation scientists about rational drug design, discovery and development of drugs. Hands on training was provided individually for each step and the students were made to perform the work on their own project topics.
Highlights
- Day 1: Introduction to drug discovery and the various types of drug designing, Opening a protein data using RCSB PDB as well as preparation of protein and ligands for docking, Confirmation of criterias like Lipinski rule of five
- Day 2: Molecular Dynamics approach with 3DQSAR analysis
Department of Pharmacy Practice
Webinar on “Management of Obstetric emergencies”
Dr S. Viswanathan, Managing Partner cum Consultant, Zi Clinic, Chennai addressed the students and faculty of ASP about the topic “ Management of Obstetric emergencies” on 3rd June 2021.
- Covered the types of Obstetrics emergencies, their complication, how to manage obstetric emergencies and what to look out in future.
Webinar Series by the alumni working as Clinical Pharmacist in AIMS, Kochi
Objective: To give an idea about the roles and responsibilities of Clinical Pharmacist in various clinical departments.
Oncology Session on 11th May 2021 by Dr. Hridya Jayamohananon, Clinical Pharmacist, Medical Oncology.
Highlights
- Emphasized on the importance of medication reconciliation and medication history before initiating the therapy
- Briefed about the daily activities of clinical pharmacist in Oncology and about the chemo-order sheet, which include pre-meds, meds and home medications.
GI Surgery session on 13th May 2021 by Dr. Abhijith Muraleedharan, Clinical Pharmacist, GI Surgery.
Highlights
- Discussed about the outpatient set up followed in the department as well as the documentation processes of various data of the patient
- Mentioned about the importance of immune suppressants in post-transplant patients and TDM monitoring
Hematology session on 27th May 2021 by Dr. Shyamaprasad.
Highlights
- Highlighted the importance of medication reconciliation and medication history before initiating the therapy
Department of Pharmacology
World Bioethics Day 2023
The Bioethics SAARC Nodal Centre at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi is excited to announce the celebration of World Bioethics Day on October 6 – 7, 2023.
Myopia Awareness Week Report
Myopia Awareness Week 2023 was observed on December 3rd, 2022, by the Department of Pharmacology, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Department of Ophthalmology AIMS, and Entod Pharmaceuticals. The School of Pharmacy conducted a poster contest and a short video competition with the theme “My eye My life” and “Keep Myopia Away” as part of the celebration.
The programme began at 2.45 p.m. with a college prayer, followed by a welcome address by a third-year Pharm D student. Dr Sabitha M, Principal, delivered the event’s inaugural address, which was followed by lamp lighting by all dignitaries. Mr. Mohammed Kamil Khan, Corporate Marketing Head, Entod Pharmaceuticals, addressed the gathering by introducing Entod Pharmaceuticals and its dedication to eye care via online. Dr. Natasha Radhakrishnan briefly discussed myopia and the significance of early diagnosis in her fascinating session. Dr. Anil Radhakrishnan discussed over the different medical and treatment options. He also outlined the strategies for safeguarding our eyes in this digital world.
The chief guests handed prizes to the winners of the poster and video making competitions. the program concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Sreekumar Bhat, followed by the National Anthem.
Webinar Series
Dr. K. Sadasivan Pillai, Vice Chairman, Scientific Advisory Board, IIBAT-Tamil Nadu gave talks on “Dose response relationship and LD50” and “Preclinical safety evaluation of drugs” on 8th and 9th June 2021, respectively.
Highlight
- Discussed on preclinical safety evaluation of drugs, toxicology, toxicokinetics, dose response relationships and the significance of lethal doses.
Mr. Bibin Balan, Certified Medical Coding Instructor-USA, President, Kerala APPC gave a talk on “Medical coding and its work-force opportunities” on 9th June 2021.
Highlight
- Discussed on how medical coding is done, how to become a qualified medical coder and the opportunities available
