FACULTY OF PHARMACY
Advancing Pharmacy for Health
Centre for Drug and
Herbal Development
Biopharmacy
Our research team investigates the fundamental biological and pharmacological principles underpinning drug functions. We aims to translate our research findings for clinical and therapeutic benefit.
CURRENT ACTIVE PROJECTS:
Dr Norsyafinaz Yaakob
Investigating the effects of 5-HT3 antagonists and gingerol-rich Zingiber officinale extract on chronic nicotine addiction & toxicity in rodents.
- This study seeks into targeting a serotonin receptor subtype (5-HT3R) as an adjunct treatment to smoking cessation. It involves repurposing the clinically available 5-HT3R antagonists such as palonosetron as well as 5-HT3R-acting natural product such as ginger for their potential to treat chronic nicotine addiction in pre-clinical experiments.
Dr Chua Eng Wee
Understanding the genetic basis of the Neuroprotective effect of caffeine on the developing brain using an in vitro CRISPR gene-editing system.
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The genetic basis of caffeine sensitivity is not well understood. We are using CRISPR to create a cell model that would allow us to gauge the effect of a DNA variant in the ADORA1 gene – the therapeutic target of caffeine – on caffeine response.
Optimising the amplification of long DNA fragments: the role of PCR additives and emulsion PCR.
- We are trialling PCR additives and emulsion PCR protocols to overcome some of the well-known challenges of long-range PCR, i.e. amplification failure and cross-over extension (template switching).
Dr Mohd Kaisan Mahadi
Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation: Investigation on macrophage polarisation through cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway in rats with induced myocardial infarction.
- There is growing interest on non-pharmacological approach in medicine. One of such avenue is neuromodulation. We are examining the effects of the non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation on macrophage polarization which potentially provides cardioprotection in myocardial infarction.
The proposed pathway of autonomic neuromodulation from transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation. Image acquired from Murray et al 2016.
EXTERNAL COLLABORATORS:
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