Day 2 :
Keynote Forum
Geert C Mudde
Keynote: Targeted vaccination and intrinsic adjuvant function: next generation checkpoint control of tumor specific B and T cells
Biography:
Geert C Mudde received a PhD in Immunology from the University of Utrecht in 1985 and started his international professional career at the Swiss Institute for Asthma and Allergy Research in Davos in 1989. In 1992, he joined the Pharmaceutical/Biotech Industry, where he held several Senior Management positions at the Novartis Research Institute in Vienna, Austria, the Parke Davis Research Institute in Fresnes, France, Ingenium Pharmaceuticals, Martinsried, Germany, and at Igeneon AG, Vienna, Austria.Finally, in 2006, while joining Baxter BioScience in Vienna as Interim Manager, he co-founded the biotech company F-star Biotechnology. In 2009, together with ChristofLanger, he started to develop the S-TIR™ technology platform for human specific therapeutic vaccines which led to the foundation of S-TARget therapeutics GmbH in 2010,and the spin-off companies OncoQR ML GmbH (2013) and TYG oncology Ltd. (2013). He serves as CSO and Managing Director for OncoQR ML.
Abstract:
OncoQR develops therapeutic cancer vaccines based on the S-TIR™ technology platform. Vaccines from this platform are
(non-)human specific and able to induce strong polyclonal B cell and T cell immune responses against tumour associated
(auto-)antigens. Two prototype vaccines, TYG100 and OQR200 resp., have reached in vivo proof of concept in non-human
primates (NHP). S-TIR™ vaccines consist of 2 modules, the disease specific module, “immunogen” and the generic module,
“warhead”, which directs the vaccines to CD32 on antigen presenting cells, especially pDCs and B cells and optimally activates
these cells1. The immunogen of TYG100 is G17, a growth factor for pancreatic cancer cells2 The immunogen of OQR200
targets and contains HER2/neu, overexpressed in ~20% of all breast cancer patients. TYG100 was tested as monotherapy and in
combination with gemcitabine. OQR200 were tested as monotherapy and in combination with TYG100 in a cross over study.
Four immunizations were given 2-3 weeks apart antibody titres were measured on a weekly basis. Under normal conditions no
clinically relevant immune responses can be induced against autoantigens. However, in combination with the warhead, thanks
to intrinsic check point control, all treated NHP (n=44) generated very strong and rapid dose dependent auto-antigen specific
antibody (IgG and IgA) and T cell responses. Two weeks after the 2nd immunization all animals were seroconverted. Despite
very high antibody titres no side effects were observed. Animals, sequentially treated with OQR200, TYG100 and OQR200
showed that the induced responses were 100% vaccine specific, resulting in animals with very high antibody titres against
2 different autoantigens at the same time. All responses are reversible and can be boosted. S-TIR™ vaccines do not induce
autoimmune disease and are tumour specific while optimally mobilizing both arms of the immune system. The immune
response can be fine-tuned on a patient to patient basis.
Biography:
Biography
Kang Choon Lee is Haengdan Distinguished Professor at the SungKyunKwan University (SKKU), Korea, and was Director of the Center of Excellence for Future Pharmaceutical Education and Research in the College of Pharmacy at SKKU. He served as a Professor and Dean at the College of Pharmacy as well as the Director of the Institute of Pharmaceutical Science. Prior to joining SKKU in 1992, he was a Principal Scientist at Dong-A Pharmaceutical Co. for ten years before joining Chonnam
National University as a Professor of Pharmacy. For over 30 years, his Drug Targeting Laboratory has focused on immuno-targeting including immunotoxins, preformulation
and bioconjugation of peptide and protein drugs. He is internationally recognized as one of the leading experts in site-specific peptide/protein PEGylation and firstly
demonstrated the therapeutic potential of novel site-specific PEGylated drugs such as GLP-1 and TRAIL. He served as President of the Korean-American Pharmaceutical
Scientists Association and Vice-president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Korea and Korean Society of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology. He is a recipient of the
Distinguished Pharmaceutical Scientist Award from the Pharmaceutical Society of Korea in 2002 and honored as a Fellow of the American Association of Pharmaceutical
Scientists (AAPS) in 2003. He currently serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of many international scientific journals including Pharmaceutical Research, Pharmaceutical
Development and Technology, PharmSciTech, Journal of Drug Delivery and Heliyon. For clinically translating and commercializing of site-specific PEGylated peptide/
protein drugs developed by his laboratory, he co-founded B&L DeliPharm, Korea and Theraly Pharmaceuticals, USA.
Abstract:
TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a member of the TNF cytokine family capable of inducing apoptosis by
its cognate receptors in cancer cells without apparent toxicity to normal cells. TRAIL has been considered as an anticancer
drug due to its unique ability to selectively induce DR-mediated apoptosis in transformed cells. To date, recombinant human
TRAIL and antibodies directed against TRAIL-R1 or TRAIL-R2 have been tested clinically. However, these have been
disappointing, showing a very limited benefit as an antitumor agent basically due to their poor agonistic activity of these
agents. And in recent years, the physiological importance of TRAIL has expanded beyond being a tumoricidal molecule to
one critical for a number of clinical settings - ranging from fibrosis and autoimmunity to cardiovascular anomalies. In an
attempt to overcome the poor agonistic activity and also low stability and solubility of rTRAIL in vivo, we developed a delivery
system by using PEGylation. PEGylation of protein improves solubility, reduces the interaction with blood cells and serum
proteins, provides a better biocompatibility, and extends circulation times. We recently confirmed the therapeutic efficacy of
this prolonged systemic TRAIL in vivo on different animal models. In this talk, I will introduce how our research experience,
at the crossroads of bioconjugation, drug delivery, and biology, enabled the engineering of stable TRAIL-based therapies,
the discovery of clinically viable targets for cancer, inflammatory, fibrosis and autoimmune disease therapy towards clinical
translation.
Keynote Forum
Roger RB Leakey
International Tree Foundation, UK
Keynote: From ethnobotany to mainstream agriculture: New crops for subsistence farmers in the tropics
Biography:
Roger R B Leakey DSc, FRGS has been Director of Research of a CGIAR Centre based in Kenya and responsible for research teams working in four ecological zones of Africa developing agricultural systems for subsistence farmers, and Director of Novel Crops Unit and Professor of Agroecology and Sustainable Development at James
Cook University, Queensland, Australia. He has produced over 350 research publications, including two recent books on Multifunctional Agriculture. His personal research on the interface of agriculture, horticulture, forestry, ecology, food science and social sciences has focused on the domestication techniques and strategies for ethnobotanically important tree species appropriate for local implementation in rural communities. He is Vice Chair of the International Tree Foundation in UK and Co-convenor of
the Agroforestry Alliance for Africa.
Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: Tropical agriculture is both failing local people and the environment with serious impacts on
food and nutritional security, poverty, the global well-being of society and the planet. Addressing this problem requires a new
mindset that recognizes the need to reverse the Cycle of Land Degradation and Social Deprivation that drives the complex
processes that result in very low and declining yields of staple food crops – creating a Yield Gap.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: To achieve this, African smallholder farmers have requested help to diversify their
farming systems with new crops that produce the traditionally and culturally-important food and medicinal products that
their ancestors used to gather from forests and woodlands. Cultivating these nutritious and ecologically important species
producing locally marketable products creates healthier agroecosystems and income generation opportunities; as well as new
business possibilities. Over the last 25 years, techniques and strategies to allow a decentralized and participatory approach
to the rapid domestication of these ethnobotanically important species have been applied and implemented in over 500
communities in Cameroon.
Findings: The results have been very positive and are being increasingly adopted and up-scaled; involving some 50 species. 1.
Communities can select individual trees with desirable traits from among the 3- to 10-fold intraspecific variation available at the
village-level. 2. These species are high amenable to simple, low-technology horticultural techniques for cultivar development
that can be implemented at the village level. 3. Participating communities have reported numerous social and economic
benefits from the domestication and cultivation of these species: and, in parallel, increased staple crop yields resulting from
improved soil fertility and health.
Conclusion & Significance: There are great opportunities to develop new tropical crops producing culturally important foods
and traditional medicines to transform subsistence agriculture and the lives of local people and benefit the global environment.
Keynote Forum
Amots Dafni
Haifa University, Israel
Keynote: Medicinal plants of the Bible - Past, present and future
Biography:
Abstract:
The Holy Land is located in the cultural continuum between ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. It is logical to assume that
the main medicinal plants used were similar throughout this region. The main species were represented in the families
Solanaceae and Lamiaceae. However, references to medicinal plants in the bible are uncommon and do not reflect the longterm
and regular uses of these plants. While many plants mentioned in the bible have and had medicinal uses most are not
mentioned within a pharmacological context within sacred verses. The main medicinal in the bible are hyssop, myrtle, myrrh,
Balm of Gilead and mandrake. The first four have other ritual uses. The present day use of the plants will be surveyed to
compare them to their ancient applications over the Middle East. It appears that the only plant group that has a pharmacological
future, as a potential source of bioactive compounds, is the species complex known as myrrh (Boswellia spp.).
Keynote Forum
Halina Baran
Karl Landsteiner Research Institute for Neurochemistry and Neuropharmacology, Austria
Keynote: Lowering of kynurenic acid formation – anti-dementia drugs
Biography:
Abstract:
Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is an endogenous metabolite of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan degradation and is an
antagonist of the glutamate ionotropic excitatory amino acid and of the nicotine cholinergic receptors and its involvement
in memory impairment has been suggested. The therapeutic effect of Cerebrolysin treatment of dementia and of brain injury
has been proposed because of neurotrophic properties of this compound. Since an increased kynurenine metabolism has
been shown in several brain pathologies including dementia we investigated the biochemical properties of Cerebrolysin with
respect to KYNA formation in an in vitro study. The activities of the KYNA synthesising enzymes kynurenine aminotransferase
I, II and III (KAT I, KAT II, KAT III) in rat liver, and rat and human brain homogenates were analysed in the presence of
Cerebrolysin. Data revealed demonstrate the ability of Cerebrolysin to lower KYNA formation in homogenates. We suggest
that the anti-dementia effect of Cerebrolysin observed in Alzheimer patients could be due to Cerebrolysin induced reduction
of KYNA levels, thus enhancing the cholinergic and glutamatergic neurotransmissions. D-Cycloserine, anti- mycobacterial
drug, known as a partial agonist at the glycine modulatory site of the glutamatergic NMDA receptor, exerts anticonvulsive
activities and improves cognitive function. We evaluated the action of D-cycloserine with respect to the biosynthetic machinery
of KYNA synthesis. Interestingly, we found that D-cycloserine blockes significantly KATs activities in rat liver and brain
homogenates and in the frontal cortex homogenate of human post mortem tissue, as well. These results allowed us to propose
that lowering of KYNA content likely due to D- cycloserine inhibition of KATs activities might be involved in the postulated
mechanism for D- cycloserine to act as a partial agonist at the glycine site of the NMDA receptor. It is reasonable to believe
that this mechanism(s) is in part responsible for the improvement of symptoms like dementia, cognition and/or delusion
in schizophrenia patients, Alzheimer’s, HIV-1 infected patients or Parkinson’s patients. Finally we evaluated the action of
Jerusalem balsam with respect to the biosynthetic machinery of KYNA synthesis. Jerusalem balsam is widely used because of
good reputation as a natural remedy. It is a mixture of certain plants, which supposes to have antibacterial and anti-oxidative
properties. Jerusalem balsam is used to improve liver and lung diseases, as for example bronchopneumonia. Interestingly,
we found that Jerusalem balsam blocks significantly KATs activities, too. Lowering of KYNA synthesis by Jerusalem balsam
represents notable biochemical effect since it might influence KYNA levels. Therefore increased KYNA levels observed in
stroke patient, in patient with respiration and cardiovascular problem, in neuropsychiatric disorders, in patient infected with
HIV-1 and patients with bronchopneumonia could be treating by Jerusalem balsam. We speculate the possible therapeutic
application and advantage of the remedy Jerusalem balsam, i.e. mixture of plants and discuss comparing to effect of antidementia
drugs D-cycloserine and Cerebrolysine.
Keynote Forum
Anupam Bishayee
Larkin University, USA
Keynote: Natural product-based cancer prevention and intervention: From ethnopharmacology to modern medicine
Biography:
Anupam Bishayee, Professor and Founding Chair, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Larkin University College of Pharmacy presented an invited lecture titled
“Current affairs: black currants in health and disease” during 4th International Phytocosmetics and Phytotherapy Congress held in the ancient city of Antigua, Guatemala
during June 4-8, 2016. Dr. Bishayee also joined a panel of international experts on natural products during a roundtable discussion “Advances in Phytotherapy and
Ethnopharmacology” which identified support mechanisms that various scientific, academic and governmental agencies should provide to raise awareness about herbal
medicines and their use in the prevention and treatment of various diseases, including cancer.
Abstract:
Natural products represent an important source for discovery and development of drugs for cancer prevention and therapy.
About 80% of all drugs approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration during the last three decades
for cancer therapy are either natural products per se or are based on, or mimicked natural products. Local and traditional
knowledge on natural resources has been instrumental for discovery and development of numerous successful drugs. To lead
the search for medicinal plants with potential anticancer activities, ethnopharmacological knowledge can provide a valuable
direction. Various extracts, fractions, mixtures and pure compounds from traditionally used plants have been found to
possess encouraging cytotoxic activities against numerous cancer cell lines. These agents have also been studied for cancer
preventive and therapeutic properties using preclinical animal models that mimic human cancers. The cancer preventive
and anticancer pharmacological attributes of various natural products and compounds can be explained by multiple cellular
and molecular mechanisms, including scavenging of free radicals, detoxification of free radicals, DNA repair, alteration of
cell cycles, programmed cell death (apoptosis), immune surveillance, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, anti-invasive and
antimetastatic activities as well as their ability to modulate a plethora of dysregulated oncogenic signaling molecules and
pathways. This presentation aims to present studies on cancer preventive and therapeutic attributes of various ethnobotanical
species and underlying mechanisms of action, including those reported from our own laboratory. Current limitations and
future directions of research for successful cancer drug development based on ethnobotany and ethnopharmacology will also
be discussed.
- Drug Delivery System of Biopharmaceutical Products | Clinical Trials on Biopharmaceutical Products | Drug Therapy | Biologics and Biosimilars | Biopharmaceutics: Drug Discovery and Development | Cellular and Gene Therapy | Biopharmaceutical Companies & Market Analysis
Chair
Vladimir P. Torchilin
Northeastern University, USA
Session Introduction
K Kvell
University of Pécs, Hungary
Title: Steroid-harboring nanoparticles provide anti-inflammatory response with less adverse effects
Biography:
K Kvell, MD PhD has primary expertise in Immunology and Biotechnology. He works in the field of Immune Senescence and its relation to steroid compounds.
Currently he is working at the Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, at the University of Pecs, Hungary. He is currently involved in
interdisciplinary research utilizing steroid compounds and nanoparticles. This field encouraged the collaborative research team to develop novel drug delivery
strategies of steroid treatment, to allow for targeted steroid treatment with potent anti-inflammatory effect, yet with reduced level side effects. kvell.krisztian@pte.hu
Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: Steroids are acknowledged anti-inflammatory drugs used in multiple conditions, including autoimmune
disease. Steroids provide strong suppression of inflammation however, their long-term utilization triggers numerous adverse
effects including obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, edema retention etc. As a result, only inflammatory flares are treated with steroid
compounds, for short term.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Our collaborative research team has produced nanoparticles of specific size harboring
steroid compounds. In theory, due to their specific size, steroid-harboring nanoparticles trigger phagocytosis in monocytes and
macrophages, but leave other (non-phagocytic) cells unaltered.
Findings: Our human in vitro data indicate that steroid particles show potent anti-inflammatory effect on monocytes / macrophages,
equivalent to that of steroid solution. However, their adverse effects are reduced using non-phagocytic cells. Liver cells, for example,
show increased viability with steroid particles as opposed to steroid solution.
Conclusion & Significance: Our working hypothesis was that steroid-particles of a specific size range can preferentially target
monocytes/macrophages, the major mediators of inflammation. Other (non-phagocytic) cell types shall largely be unaltered by
steroid particles, as opposed to steroid solution. This is confirmed by our data. Our technology allows for the production of regular
steroid compounds with significantly reduced side effects, with the promise of long-term use in human.
Theo Christie
NIHR Clinical Research Network, UK
Title: Biosimilars in the UK’s NHS: Attitudes, appetites and acceptance
Biography:
Divya Chadha Manek is the Head of Business Development (Commercial) for the NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN). Her role is to maintain strategic
relationships with global and UK life sciences companies and the Clinical Research Network. She also leads on ensuring that the Clinical Research Network
is abreast of new study delivery innovations to ensure that the organization is evolving to service life sciences industry requirements. With a degree in Clinical
Psychology and a Master’s in Clinical Research, she has worked with the Clinical Research Network for the past nine years. Her first role with the CRN was
delivering commercial contract clinical research within a National Health Service (NHS) hospital. Prior to her current role, she worked as the Industry Manager
within the Mental Health team, performance managing and maintaining oversight of the national mental health portfolio of studies. She has experience of clinical
research from a site level and from a national perspective in the UK. She is currently studying PhD in Dementia Care.
Theo Christie is a Business Development Manager (Commercial) for the NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN). Theo facilitates key discussions between industry
and the Clinical Research Network and is a point of contact for the life sciences companies engaging with the Clinical Research Network. Theo is able to provide
advice to companies on how they are able to tap into the Clinical Research Network study support services to ensure clinical studies are set up efficiently and
recruit to time and target. With a degree in Clinical Sciences, Theo has been with the Clinical Research Network for over four years. He previously worked within
the Research Delivery Directorate of the CRN, collaborating with the life sciences industry and national specialty groups across 10 therapeutic areas, providing
operational support through feasibility, set up and patient recruitment.
divya.chadhamanek@nihr.ac.uk
theo.christie@nihr.ac.uk
Abstract:
Is the NHS ready for the biosimilars boom? to most, biosimilars are a no-brainer. But as with anything new, there are early adopters
and sceptics. The NIHR CRN is an independent, government-funded organization which supports delivery of the majority of
clinical research in England - and with that comes unique insight. The NIHR CRN can report that attitudes, appetites and acceptance
in relation to biosimilars in the UK are changing. Despite being approximately ten years ahead of the US our approach and acceptance
of biosimilar drugs, in 2015 it came to light, some commercial trial sponsors were overlooking the UK as a destination for biosimilar
trials - claiming that the appetite for delivering these types of trials was low. The NIHR Clinical Research Network was drafted to
sharpen the UK’s competitive edge. In this presentation we will reveal why life science companies were overlooking the UK to deliver
their trials, and how these challenges are being overcome using the Clinical Research Network structure which is unique to the NHS
in England. Companies can now continue to place their biosimilar trial in UK with confidence and get ahead of the game when it
comes to study set-up, feasibility, and patient recruitment. This presentation will present a range of perspectives (via video clips)
which illustrate how the UK’s appetite, capacity and capabilities to deliver biosimilar clinical trials have developed in parallel with the
expansion of the biosimilars market. You will hear from those involved in conducting biosimilar trials - the clinicians, investigators
and nurses at the coal face of research delivery in the NHS. We’ve also captured the NHS Trust R&D viewpoint, along with some
thoughts from the NHS pharmacy team. The British Biosimilar Association offers up some interesting ideas, but probably the most
memorable perspective is that of the patient.
Claudia Menzel
University of Innsbruck, Austria
Title: 2,2’Dithiodinicotinyl ligands: Key to more reactive thiomers
Biography:
Claudia Menzel is a PhD student from the Institute of Pharmacy at University of Innsbruck. Her work focuses on the improvement of drug bioavailability and the
development of drug delivery systems for the non-invasive administration of poorly absorbed drugs. She has published three papers and one review article in
reputed journals.
claudia.menzel@uibk.ac.at
Abstract:
The goal of this study was to establish a new type of preactivated thiomers showing comparatively higher reactivity with mucus
and improved mucoadhesive properties. The dimeric form of 2-mercaptonicotinic acid (MNA-MNA) was directly attached
to the polymeric backbone of chitosan (CHI) to achieve a higher reactivity. Amide bond formation mediated by 1-ethyl-3-(3-
dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDAC) was used as a coupling reagent. The remaining free amino groups were reacted with
succinic anhydride (Succ) to gain a homogeneously anionically charged polymer (CHI-Succ-MNA-MNA). Within our study, various
coupling rates of up to 170 μmol MNA-MNA per gram polymer were obtained. The coupling of the dimeric ligand resulted in
a preactivated thiomer with a more reactive disulfide substructure due to the additional nitrogen atom in conjugation over the
aromatic moieties. Furthermore, the obtained polymer is completely preactivated and therefore protected against unwanted oxidation
reactions. Our kinetic studies of disulfide exchange reactions showed a 3.8-fold higher reactivity of CHI-Succ-MNA-MNA compared
to a state-of-the-art preactivated thiomer. Rheological measurements showed that CHI-Succ-MNA-MNA with a coupling rate of 170
μmol (CHI-Succ-MNA-MNA 170) lead to a 5.7-fold higher mucus viscosity than the non-thiolated control polymer (CHI-Succ).
This indicates a rheological synergism due to mucoadhesive properties. These results were confirmed by an additional mucoadhesion
experiment, which showed a significantly prolonged retention time of CHI-Succ-MNA-MNA on the small intestinal mucosa
compared to CHI-Succ (P<0.02). According to the presented results, the double preactivation seems to be a promising strategy to
obtain entirely preactivated polymers with improved mucoadhesive properties.
Humaira shaheen
Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Title: An ethnopharmacological evaluation of indigenous plants used by the communities of district kotli, azad jammu kashmir
Biography:
Abstract:
Aim of the Study and Ethnopharmacological Relevance: District Kotli is a mountainous area ranging from scrub to alpine forests
which is sporadically known with reference to ethnopharmacological research. Such studies are mandatory for discovering new crud
drugs based on the folk knowledge. This study was aimed to collect knowledge of medicinal plants and folk herbal remedies from the
local inhabitants.
Materials and Methods: In all, 100 local informants including 55 were males and 45 were interviewed using semi-structured
questionnaire in addition to group discussions and field observations. Different ethnobotanical indices such as Spearmann test,
relative frequency of citation (RFC), Relative Importance (RI), Informants Consensus Factor (FIC) and Medicinal Importance (MI)
were calculated from the recorded data. Besides, to check the novelty of information, the recorded data was compared with the
literature from the recent past.
Results: In all, 80 medicinal plants were used in treating 58 diseases/ailments by the indigenous communities. Comparing the
knowledge held by men and women, men had much higher knowledge on medicinal plants (Z = -2.8; p < 0.05) and their uses (Z
= -0.252; p< 0.005): they reported 14.05 (±10.18) species and 6.12 (±4.13) uses, while women 8.55 (±6.06) species and 5.83 (±3.65)
uses. Abdominal pain was the most prevalent problem treated with nine species (7.38%), followed by acute injuries & pain (7 spp.,
5.74%) and diabetes (5 spp., 4.10%). The Informants' Consensus Factor (FIC) analysis indicated that among the 19 disease categories
used, mouth, ear and eye problems (0.91), skin and related symptoms (0.91), circulatory problems (0.90), allergies (0.90), hair related
problems (0.90) and diabetes (0.90) had the highest FIC values. Aerial parts (21spp.) and leaves (20 spp.) were highly utilized for
making recipes. The oral application of powder was the leading mode of application (21 spp., 26.25%). Zanthoxylum alatum possessed
the highest relative importance (93.75), followed by Adhatoda zeylanica (91.67).
Conclusions: The high informant consensus suggests that current use and knowledge of medicinal plants are still strong and local
inhabitants have a high dependency on medicinal plants in meeting their primary health care. This knowledge can be exploited in
validation of this knowledge for the drug development and pharmacological activities in addition to the conservation and management
of these valuable plant resources of this territory.
Keywords: Ethnopharmacological research, Local inhabitants, Frequency of Citation, Relative Importance, Informants Consensus
Factor, Medicinal Importance.
humaira.shaheen@comsats.edu.pk
Humaira shaheen
Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Title: An ethnopharmacological evaluation of indigenous plants used by the communities of district kotli, azad jammu kashmir
Biography:
Abstract:
Aim of the Study and Ethnopharmacological Relevance: District Kotli is a mountainous area ranging from scrub to alpine forests
which is sporadically known with reference to ethnopharmacological research. Such studies are mandatory for discovering new crud
drugs based on the folk knowledge. This study was aimed to collect knowledge of medicinal plants and folk herbal remedies from the
local inhabitants.
Materials and Methods: In all, 100 local informants including 55 were males and 45 were interviewed using semi-structured
questionnaire in addition to group discussions and field observations. Different ethnobotanical indices such as Spearmann test,
relative frequency of citation (RFC), Relative Importance (RI), Informants Consensus Factor (FIC) and Medicinal Importance (MI)
were calculated from the recorded data. Besides, to check the novelty of information, the recorded data was compared with the
literature from the recent past.
Results: In all, 80 medicinal plants were used in treating 58 diseases/ailments by the indigenous communities. Comparing the
knowledge held by men and women, men had much higher knowledge on medicinal plants (Z = -2.8; p < 0.05) and their uses (Z
= -0.252; p< 0.005): they reported 14.05 (±10.18) species and 6.12 (±4.13) uses, while women 8.55 (±6.06) species and 5.83 (±3.65)
uses. Abdominal pain was the most prevalent problem treated with nine species (7.38%), followed by acute injuries & pain (7 spp.,
5.74%) and diabetes (5 spp., 4.10%). The Informants' Consensus Factor (FIC) analysis indicated that among the 19 disease categories
used, mouth, ear and eye problems (0.91), skin and related symptoms (0.91), circulatory problems (0.90), allergies (0.90), hair related
problems (0.90) and diabetes (0.90) had the highest FIC values. Aerial parts (21spp.) and leaves (20 spp.) were highly utilized for
making recipes. The oral application of powder was the leading mode of application (21 spp., 26.25%). Zanthoxylum alatum possessed
the highest relative importance (93.75), followed by Adhatoda zeylanica (91.67).
Conclusions: The high informant consensus suggests that current use and knowledge of medicinal plants are still strong and local
inhabitants have a high dependency on medicinal plants in meeting their primary health care. This knowledge can be exploited in
validation of this knowledge for the drug development and pharmacological activities in addition to the conservation and management
of these valuable plant resources of this territory.
Keywords: Ethnopharmacological research, Local inhabitants, Frequency of Citation, Relative Importance, Informants Consensus
Factor, Medicinal Importance.
humaira.shaheen@comsats.edu.pk
- Ethnopharmacology of Medicinal Plants | Ethnoveterinary Medicines |Phytochemical Studies of Plants and Plant Extracts | Pharmacology and Toxicology | Clinical pharmacology | Natural Products Chemistry and Pharmacology | Immunopharmacology | Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics
Chair
Ning-Sun Yang
Session Introduction
Gabriela Hrckova
Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Slovakia
Title: Hypoxic and aerobic culture systems influence activity of selected flavonoids in eukaryotic parasitic organism in vitro: An interesting model for pharmacological research
Biography:
Abstract:
Larval stage of flatworm, tetrathyridium, has ability of survival and asexual multiplication in a wide range of vertebrate hosts what
indicates a high biochemical and physiological potential for adaptation. We recently developed axenic long-term in vitro cultivation
systems of larvae under both hypoxic and aerobic conditions, representing the unique eukaryotic model for pharmacological and
molecular studies. This in vitro system allowed us to study the dose- and time-dependent effects of various natural compounds on
multiple biochemical and molecular pathways in larvae. We have focussed on flavonolignans (silybin, dehydrosilybin and silychristin)
prepared from silymarin, the main component of herb Silybum marrianum and two other flavonoids: bergenin and arbutin. Activity
of individual compounds on metabolic activity of larvae, which reflects activity of enzymes of complex I and II in mitochondria, was
dependent on oxygen tension in culture. Flavonolignans also modulated activity of other enzymes like GST, SOD, enzymes involved
in glucose transport, in lipogenesis, cell death and motility, indicating their complex activity on multiple targets in larvae.
Hrcka@saske.sk
Guillaume Arcile1
1Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles ICSN-CNRS, France
Title: Neuroprotective effect of SNC-1, a biocatalysis processed ayurvedic plant extract as a promising ethnopharmaceutic treatment for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
Biography:
Abstract:
The three ayurvedic medicinal plants Withania somnifera, Emblica officinalis, and Bacopa monnieri, were extracted by high-pressure
static extraction using the Zippertex technology. The extracts were mixed to reach quantifiable amounts of active compounds
identified by HPLC-MS analysis. The mixture of extracts was incubated with resting cells of the fungus Beauveria bassiana ATCC
7159. The fermentation promoted the fluidization of the starting dense mixture, while HPLC monitoring evidenced the disappearance
of glucogallin from E. officinalis extract and the concomitant increase in Gallic acid content. While topical exposure of the chick
embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) to the non-fermented extract led to an extensive necrosis, the fermented extract was
not toxic and reduced the CAM vascularization, supporting its antiangiogenic potency. The innocuity of the fermented extract was
demonstrated using the in vivo LD50 test, the morphological examination of internal organs of treated rats, as well as the evaluation
of blood biomarkers of liver damage (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase). The fermented extract SNC-1 was
developed as a nutraceutical antiangiogenic treatment of age-related macular degeneration and commercialized in an oral form
named Ethnodyne-Visio. Furthermore, study showed that SNC-1 (dried from of Ethnodyne-Visio) was able to significantly protect
neurons (cortical as well as dopaminergic neurons – in vitro models of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases) from different injuries
(β amyloid, mitochondrial toxins, glutamate). Additionally, SNC-1 stimulated neurite outgrowth). Interestingly these effects were still
observed at low doses and were still efficient when the extract was applied up to 4h after the toxins application. Extensive efforts are
dedicated to the identification of the active compound responsible of these effects. Clinical trials are underway to confirm the benefit
of SNC-1 for Alzheimer and Parkinson patients.
Guillaume.ARCILE@cnrs.fr
Ngono Ngane R A
University of Douala, Cameroon
Title: A Review of ethnopharmacological research of some cameroonian medicinal plants
Biography:
Abstract:
The use of herbal medicines as complements or alternatives to modern medicines has been on the increase. This review summarizes
research carried out on some Cameroonian medicinal plants between 2007 and 2017 by our research team at the Faculty of
Science of the University of Douala in collaboration with some national and international scientists. Medicinal plants are resources of
traditional medicines and modern medicine derived from plants. This study was designed to outline some biologic activities of various
medicinal plants extracts used by the Cameroonians’ and central African people. Several medicinal plants growing in Cameroon were
identified as having pharmacological properties. These plants species which include Crassocephalum bauchiense, Dichaentanthera
africana, Harungana madagascariensis, Milletia conraui, Nauclea latifolia, Pecedanum zenkeri, Ptelopsis hylodendron, Schefflera
barteri, Strychnos icaja, Strychnos malacoclados with healing properties are listed alongside their traditional use and a summary of
the scientific research achieved are given. They were tested for their in vitro or in vivo biological activity by standard protocols. These
ten plants have shown antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, immunomodulatory, analgesic, antipyretic, anti-Herpes simplex
virus and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Natural products (diterpenoids, alkaloids and flavone) have been identified from five of
them. The results suggest that the plants extracts could be a promising rough material for the development of new and more effective
modern drugs. Based on these results, drugs from Crassocephalum were developed but no patent is obtained till today.
angono@yahoo.com
Hoang Le Tuan Anh
Mientrung Institute for Scientific Research, Vietnam
Title: Searching for drugs from Vietnamese ethno-medicine plants
Biography:
Abstract:
Vietnam is easternmost country in Southeast Asia where the climate changes considerably from place to place due to differences
in latitude. There are two World Natural Heritage Sites (Halong Bay and Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park), and six biosphere
reverses (Can Gio Mangrove Forest, Cat Tien, Cat Ba, Kien Giang, the Red River Delta and Western Nghe An) in Vietnam. We
are one of 25 countries which possess a uniquely high level of Biodiversity. Vietnam is hometown to an estimated 12,000 species
of high-value plants; approximately 3,780 (~ 36%) medicinal plants; and account for approximately 11% of the 35,000 species of
medicinal plants known worldwide. There are 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam with their own characters (language, lifestyle and cultural
heritage). That’s why many ethno-medicine plants are not yet known and are used only by ethnic groups. Until now, hundreds of
Vietnamese medicinal plants were studied such as Physalis angulata, Cleistanthus indochinensis, Ophiopogon japonicus, Garnoderma
lucidum, Camellia bugiamapensis, Momordica charantia, Hedychium coronarium, Annona glabra, Callisia fragrans, Eurycoma
longifolia, Cudrania tricuspidata, Tacca species, Mallotus species, Glochidion species, Solanum species, Trichosanthes species, etc. A
lot of potential compounds were discovered from Vietnamese medicinal plants such as physalin B, D, F, G; malloapelta B, peaonol,
cleistantoxin, desgalactotigonin, berberin, rotundin, rutin, artemisinin, artesunat, etc. The opportunities to discover new drugs from
Vietnamese ethno-medicine plants with the collaborators worldwide are so big.
hoangletuananh@hotmail.com
Anat Elmann
Agricultural Research Organization, Austria
Title: Harnessing phytochemicals to protect neuronal and glial cells from oxidative stress
Biography:
Abstract:
Oxidative stress and amyloid beta toxicity are involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's diseases. We have previously demonstrated
that an extract prepared of the plant Achillea fragrantissima (Af) protected cultured brain astrocytes from oxidative stressinduced
cell death and down regulated microglial activation. Using activity guided fractionation, we have purified from Af an active
flavonoid named 3,5,4-trihydroxy-6,7,3-trimethoxyflavone (TTF). TTF protected cultured astrocytes from H2O2–induced cell death
via interference with cell signaling (inhibition of SAPK/JNK, ERK 1/2, and MEK1 phosphorylation) and by reducing the levels of
oxidative stress-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). The mechanism of the protective effect of TTF against H2O2-
cytotoxicity could not be attributed to a direct H2O2 scavenging but rather to the scavenging of free radicals as was shown in cell free
systems. In addition, TTF protected cultured neuronal cells from amyloid beta cytotoxicity via interference with cell signaling events
and by reducing the amyloid beta - induced levels of intracellular ROS. Moreover, TTF exhibited anti-inflammatory activities and
inhibited the LPS-elicited secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-1beta from microglial cells. Our
results suggest that TTF might be a therapeutic candidate for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease as well as other neurodegenerative
diseases where oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and amyloid beta toxicity are part of the pathophysiology.
aelmann@volcani.agri.gov.il
Vincenzo Rispoli
University of Magna Graecia, Italy
Title: From popular medicine knowledge to evidence ethnopharmacolgy efficacy can nature give us the tools to fight human neurodegenerative diseases?
Biography:
Abstract:
From the night of time, Man has always tried to relieve his suffering by turning his attention to Nature and seeking remedies
to cure the ills of his body. In recent decades, phytotherapy has been re-evaluated, not only because of the growing number of
patients who use it, but, above, all, since numerous preclinical and clinical researches have been able to demonstrate and confirm
the pharmacological bases of plant-based treatment, since acquired in the past from traditional medicine in empirical way. Today
phytotherapy has become a medical discipline in all aspects, because it applies the method and the rigor of scientific evidence. Here
it is addressed the history, current as well as the future perspective of AD treatment by Ethnomedicine, taking into consideration
the probable causes and preventive mechanisms together with the treatment methods. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible,
slowly progressive neuodegenerative disease of the brain, and it is characterized by memory deficits and progressive cognitive
impairment, accompanied by neuropsychiatric changes. It has become the fourth leading cause of death in developed countries.
The main symptoms of AD are primarily caused by a cholinergic dysfunction due to degeneration of basal cholinergic forebrain
(BCF). in particular, consistent neuronal loss into the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM), which produces a reduced cholinergic input
to target areas such as cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Pathogenic cause of AD remains incompletely understood. So, currently
acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs), which decrease the breakdown of the neurotransmitter, has been the main symptomatic
therapy for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s patients, approved by FDA. To date, AChEIs are considered the main pharmacological
strategy in the palliative approach in the therapy of AD; they undoubtedly, temporarily restore the disrupted cholinergic transmission
in brain. Consequently, the search for novel compounds is necessary. In recent times, several chemical and pharmacological studies
have searched for new drugs, in an attempt to extract and isolate from plants novel compound or better understand the effects of those
already known, in an effort to fight this terrible disease.
Conclusions: AD is a multi-causal and multi-factorial progressive neurodegenerative disease with complicated pathogenesis. Thus it
is likely that multiple drugs or drugs with poly-pharmacological activities will be the best therapeutic approaches to address the diverse
pathological aspects of the disease.Anti-cholinesterasic activities, anti-Aβ aggregation and anti-Aβ-induced oxidative injury such as
anti-NMDA-induced toxicity and anti-inflammatory activity showed by many herbal compounds, encourage their use as potential
disease-modifying drugs for neurodegenerative disorders, opening to new insight and future perspectives for a multi-functional
phytomedicine. From this point of view, we have to overcome our way to think Ethnomedicine and official medicine opposed each
other, or that orthodox medicine is better than traditional medicine, as well as phytotherapeutic remedies as an alternative to synthetic
drugs. The two pharmacological approaches are often, and it should always be, complementary; that is, to be able to complement each
other. Science and consciousness of physician will depend on the correct integration of. In conclusion, Evidence based pharmacology
(EBP) is the conscientious, explicit, judicious and reasonable use of modern, best pharmacotherapeutic evidence in making decisions
about the care of individual patients. EBP must integrate clinical experience and patient values with the best available research
information.
Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, Neurodegeneration, Multi-target drus, Disease-modifying therapy, Phytotherapy, Preventive
Mechanism, Treatment Methods.
rispoli@unicz.it
Antonella Smeriglio
University of Messina, Italy
Title: Essential oil of Citrus lumia risso: Phytochemical profile, antioxidant properties and activity on the central nervous system
Biography:
Abstract:
Background: The use of essential oils (EOs) is known since long time in traditional medicine and aromatherapy for the management
of various oxidative stress-related disorders and is further increased recently for their neuroprotective and anti-aging potential as well
as for reducing anxiety and stress.
Purpose: To evaluate, for the first time, the chemical composition of Citrus lumia Risso EO and its antioxidant, anti-cholinesterase
as well as neuroactive properties by cell-free and cell-based assays. Citrus lumia Risso is one of the oldest cultivated limettes in Sicily,
Mediterranean Europe and North Africa by which distinguished for the fruit shape and mainly for the sweet, no-acidic juice.
Methods: The distribution and morphology of oil glands in the fruit peel were analysed microscopically, by SEM. A phytochemical
profile elucidation, by GC-FID and GC-MS analysis, an in vitro evaluation of antioxidant and free-radical scavenging properties
of the EO, using different in vitro methods (Folin-ciocalteu, DPPH, TEAC, FRAP, Fe2+-chelating capacity, ORAC and β-carotene
bleaching assays) as well as anti-cholinesterase activity were carried out. The impact on the spontaneous electrical activity of rat
neuronal networks by means of microelectrode array (MEA)-based system, was evaluated.
Results: The EO has shown strong antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties, particularly in hydrogen atom transfer based
assays (β-carotene bleaching and ORAC assay, IC50 22 μg/mL and 46 μg/mL, respectively), that can be attributed to the high content
of monoterpene and monoterpene derivatives, especially d-limonene (48.905%), and linalool (18.245%). Furthermore, has shown
an interesting anti-acetylcholinesterase activity (IC50 258.25 μg/mL). Data from MTT analysis indicate that the cytotoxicity of OE,
evaluated on L929 mouse fibroblasts, is very low, with an IC50 higher than 500 ug/mL at 48 h. Rat neuronal networks subjected to EO
showed a concentration-dependent inhibition of spontaneous electrical activity.
Conclusions: Results indicate that this EO could be an important source of natural antioxidants potentially useful in the detoxification
mechanisms of the organism, suggesting an important preventive role in the onset of oxidative stress-related pathologies.
asmeriglio@unime.it
Ning Sun Yang
Agricultural Biotechnology Research Centre, Taiwan
Title: Immune cell type or signaling-specific effects of four candidate phytomedicines for cancerous and inflammatory diseases
Biography:
Ning-Sung Yang is a Distinguished Professor and Distinguished Research Fellow of Academia Sinica and the associated universities in Taipei, Taiwan. He has
helped the development of gene gun technology and pioneered its application to mammalian transgene experimental systems and gene therapy approaches. After
thirty years of a research career in USA, Dr. Yang established the Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center in Academia Sinica, Taipei. He was elected in 2006
as a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS, USA). He has published more than 160 research papers, and obtained 14 USA
patents.
nsyang@gate.sinica.edu.tw
Abstract:
In our recent studies, we showed that many phytochemicals or their derivatives can confer diverse pharmacological activities in
preventing tumor metastasis (See References). These phytochemical activities regulate the immune system or non-malignant
cells in a tissue microenvironment under various in vivo conditions. And these activities cannot be effectively addressed by the
conventionally used cell culture systems in vitro. Our current strategy is to initiate our study through a combination of omics
approaches and specified in vivo tumor model systems. Specifically, we first make predictions for candidate specific pharmacological
activities according to the “omics screening” profile of differential responsive genes, proteins or involved metabolites. Then we make a
list of hypothesis in priority sequence. Finally, we detect/evaluate the candidate mechanistic signaling cells/molecules for suppression
of well-defined tumor metastasis activity. With this strategy, we have been successful in evaluating several pharmacological effects
of nature plant phytochemicals or their derivatives on immune cell systems or the surrounding nonmalignant cells in defined tumor
microenvironment. The omics approaches we used to predict and reveal the specific pharmacological activity of phytochemicals
or medicinal herbal extracts/fractions, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and the next generation
sequencing (NGS) systems. The systematic analysis of the observed data is to “contemplate” the cellular or physiological responses,
according to the various pattern changes detected in different response elements. Technically, in our task on pathway and net-working
analyses, the overall or big trend/pattern of the different responsive elements or/and their signaling systems is the key for predicting
specific pharmacological mechanisms, instead of the “super” inducer or suppressor single gene activities. For instance, the “expression
pattern or trend”, rather than the “fold change”, of specific microRNA species is a much more important factor for predicting their
suppressive effect on target genes. As a result, the understanding and background knowledge of specific targets or signaling networking
pathways of specific disease targets are quite important and need to be carefully reviewed “first” before “searching the omics data” in a
totally randomized way. With this approach, whether the expression trend of their downstream genes can fit the proposed hypothesis
is also considered as a key factor.
Hesham R El-Seedi
University of Malaya, Malaysia
Title: Isolation and structure elucidation of new cytotoxic polypeptide from bee venom
Biography:
Abstract:
Honeybee is an important economic insect, which have vital role in the pollination for crops and wild flowers. In addition to
ecological importance, honeybee supplies with various products, including bee venom (BV). This venom has been used in
traditional medicine for thousands of years and there is an increasing interest in their applications in modern medicine. BV has
diverse biological activities as anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and hepatoprotective. Today there is an urgent
call to find anticancer agents from the natural products with less ecological damage and minimum health and environmental hazards.
Our main aim is to identify and characterize the bioactive peptides from bee venom. These peptides have been poorly characterized,
partly because they are generally present in trace quantities. Isolated active peptides from the bee venom have been identified using
techniques including High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Mass Spectrometry (MS, LC/MS, MS /MS), Amino Acid
Analysis (AAA) and 2D-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (2D-NMR). Polar fractionation prior to screening of anticancer
has been done. The bioassay-guided isolation for bee venom leads to isolation of four peptides melittin, apamin, MCD and secapin.
Melittin showed cytotoxic activity on three cancer cell lines: lymphoma cells U-937GTB, myeloma cells RPMI 8226/s, leukaemia
cells CCRF-CEM and two drug-resistant sub-lines (PRMI 8226/Dox40 and CEM/VM-1), with IC50 values of 1.3, 1.1, 1.4, 1.7, 2 μM,
respectively.
hesham.el-seedi@fkog.uu.se
- Latest Trends in Ethnopharmacology | Ethnopharmacology of Alkaloids | Ethnoveterinary Medicines | Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry | Applied pharmacology | Cardiovascular Pharmacology | Ethnobotany | Ethnopharmacy | Biologics and Biosimilars
Chair
Anupam Bishayee
Larkin University, USA
Session Introduction
Spiro M Konstantinov
Medical University of Sofia, Bulgaria
Title: Antineoplastic activity of cannabidiol containing products
Biography:
Abstract:
Malignancies are the second cause of death in humans worldwide. Despite many newly introduced and approved targeted drugs,
the problem of multidrug resistance and serious side effects remain unsolved and open the search for effective natural products
with fewer side effects. Curcumin is a practically non-toxic compound of plant origin with own antineoplastic and NF-kB inhibitory
activities. Curcumin is one of the most popular drugs derived from Ayurveda traditions. We investigated the cytotoxic activity of
curcumin loaded electrospun mats in human hepatic and colon carcinoma cell lines (HEP-G2 and HT-29). Disks with 5 mm diameter
of the electrospun mats caused nearly 80% inhibition in HT-29 colorectal cells. The efficacy against the HEP-G2 hepatocellular
carcinoma cells was weaker. The mats showed antibacterial features and were found to be biocompatible with human tissues of different
origin. The tested polymeric mats increased the accumulation of curcumin inside of the malignant cells as estimated by fluorescent
microscopy. One of the polymeric mats represents fully water soluble form of curcumin that may have distinct pharmacokinetic
advantages. Taken together our experimental findings indicate that the non-toxic yellow pigment curcumin after inclusion into
electrospun polymeric mats can be used for topical treatment of liver lesions (e.g. colorectal cancer metastases) and these results are
promising in terms of further clinical application.
Maya M Zaharieva
Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bulgaria
Title: Curcumin based possibilities for targeting protein kinase B and nuclear factor kapa B In cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
Biography:
Abstract:
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is an orphan disease which primarily affects the skin by clonal accumulation of neoplastic
T-lymphocytes and is characterized by a 5-year overall survival of 32% of the patients, if the skin is involved and only 7%
for extracutaneous involvement. CTCL therapy is challenging, often empiric because of the limited insight into the genetic basis
and single drug therapy is usually not applicable. Curcumin is one well-known ethnopharmacological non-toxic drug with
limited bioavailability. The objective of our study was to investigate new treatment modalities for targeting CTCL by combining
nanoencapsulated curcumin with alkylphosphocholines thus affecting malignant cell proliferation, skin inflammation and related
infections. The nanoparticle size and zeta-potential of Nano-systems containing curcumin were determined by photon correlation
spectroscopy and electrophoretic laser Doppler velocimetry. Curcumin concentration was measured by HPLC. MTT- (ISO 10993-5)
and CFU-assays were performed on CTCL cell lines for evaluation of cell viability and clonogenicity. Cell death ELISA, microscopy,
Hoechst staining and Western blotting were used to monitor hallmarks of apoptosis. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by ISO
20776-1:2006 (E). Chou & Thalalai software and response surface analysis of combination effects were used to design the experiments
and to estimate drug-drug interactions. The nano-sized curcumin delivery systems were prepared using two copolymeric carriers
with diameter less than 200 nm and negative surface charge. Encapsulated curcumin penetrated through the cell membranes of
CTCL cells faster than curcumin solubilized in ethanol. Combination effects were evaluated as additive to slight synergistic. We have
observed in treated samples induction of apoptosis and modulation of PKB/Akt and related signal proteins. Erufosine has exhibited
bacteriostatic activity against Gram-positive bacteria in concentrations ranging from 32 up to 100 μM. Combination of erufosine
with nano-sized curcumin has led to bactericidal effect. Taken together, our experimental findings clearly indicated that properly
designed combinations of curcumin with alkylphosphocholines may show higher antineoplastic potential than single compounds
and could be beneficial for the treatment of CTCL as orphan disease.
Wei-Hong Cong
Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, China
Title: Synergistic effects of chuanxiong-chishao herb-pair on promoting angiogenesis at network pharmacological and pharmacodynamic levels
Biography:
Abstract:
Objective: The objective of the study is to investigate the synergistic effects of Chuanxiong-Chishao herb-pair (CCHP) on promoting
angiogenesis in silico and in vivo.
Methods: The mechanisms of action of a herb-pair, Chuanxiong-Chishao, were investigated using the network pharmacological and
pharmacodynamic strategies involving computational drug target prediction and network analysis, and experimental validation.
A set of network pharmacology methods were created to study the herbs in the context of targets and diseases networks, including
prediction of target profiles and pharmacological actions of main active compounds in Chuanxiong and Chishao. Furthermore, the
therapeutic effects and putative molecular mechanisms of Chuanxiong-Chishao actions were experimentally validated in a chemicalinduced
vascular insufficiency model of transgenic zebrafish in vivo. The mRNA expression of the predicted targets was further
analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
Results: The computational prediction results found that the compounds in Chuanxiong have antithrombotic, antihypertensive,
antiarrhythmic, and antiatherosclerotic activities, for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction and
heart failure.In addition, compounds in Chishao were found to participate in anti-inflammatory effect and analgesics. Particularly,
estrogen receptor α (ESRα) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α (HIF-1α) were the most important potential protein targets in the
predicted results. In vivo experimental validation showed that post-treatment of tetramethylpyrazine hydrochloride (TMP•HCl) and
paeoniflorin (PF) promoted the regeneration of new blood vessels in zebrafish involving up-regulating ESRα mRNA expression. Cotreatment
of TMP•HCl and PF could enhance the vessel sprouting in chemical-induced vascular insufficiency zebrafish at the optimal
compatibility proportion of PF 10 μmol/L with TMP•HCl 1 μmol/L.
Conclusions: The network pharmacological strategies combining drug target prediction and network analysis identified some
putative targets of CCHP. Moreover, the transgenic zebrafish experiments demonstrated that the Chuanxiong-Chishao combination
synergistically promoted angiogenic activity, probably involving ESRα signaling pathway.
- Clinical Trials on Biopharmaceutical Products | Drug Delivery Systems | Therapeutic Biological Products | Drug Delivery System of Biopharmaceutical Products |Drug Delivery System | Biotechnological Products | Drug Disposition & Pharmacokinetics | Pharmacodynamics
Chair
Hiroshi Ohrui
Yokohama University of Pharmacy, Japan
Session Introduction
Géraldine Le Goff
National Center for Scientific Research CNRS, Institute for Chemistry of Natural Products ICSN, France
Title: New compounds from Withania Somnifera with neuroprotective activities. Isolation, structure elucidation bioassays and scale-up production
Biography:
Abstract:
The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases are increasing worldwide due to extensions in lifespan with more than 2.1 billion
people aged 60 and more in 2030. The most representative diseases are Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD),
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington’s disease (HD). Available treatments are limited in number and efficacy and
extensive efforts are dedicated to alternative herbal therapy. Among various promising plants, Withania somnifera roots and leaves
extracts demonstrated large spectrum activities on neural dysfunction (common name Ashwagandha). Based on our previous
encouraging results, our ongoing efforts are dedicated to identify new compounds from Ashwagandha and demonstrate their
mechanism of action and their relevance in neuroprotection. Besides the known major constituents, withanolides, withanone and
withaferin, now steroidal components were identified and their biological activity investigated.
Biography:
Chawita Netirojjanakul received her BSc in chemistry from MIT, conducting research in the laboratory of Prof. John Essigmann (MIT) and Prof. Steve Ley
(Cambridge). After graduation, she pursued her interest in science policy and commercialization studying MPhil in Technology Policy at University of Cambridge,
UK, as a Gates Scholar. She received HHMI International Student Research Fellowship to conduct PhD research under the supervision of Prof. Matthew Francis
in the Chemistry Department at UC Berkeley with a focus on "development and applications of well-defined antibody and antibody fragment bioconjugates." She
is a Scientist in Therapeutic Discovery Department at Amgen.
Abstract:
The use of automated high throughput screening in large molecule discovery research still lags behind that of small molecule
discovery. Recently we developed a high-throughput large molecule discovery platform to automate hundreds of bioconjugation
reaction setup in one setting. In addition, given LC-MS is a widespread analytical bottleneck, we also established a high-throughput
mass spectrometry (HT-MS) platform to accurately detect and rapidly quantitate protein conjugates. We showed that our HT-MS
platform can be used to quantitate the extent of covalent inhibitor adducts to a cysteine-containing protein construct (~19 kDa)
and of biotinylated adducts to mAbs and Fc domains (~150 and ~50 kDa, respectively). Sample acquisition time was ~20 seconds
per sample, 10-50x shorter time than traditional LC-MS methods. Site-specific bioconjugation of human Fc domains with cysteine
engineered at different positions were conducted under a matrix of reaction conditions varying equivalents of reductants, oxidants,
and alkylating agents using the high-throughput large molecule discovery platform. Using HT-MS, 4 x 384 well plates were analyzed
in ~8 hours, as opposed to ~11 days using traditional LC-MS. This approach facilitated rapid determination of DAR values for the
reduced and intact huFc domains and selection of optimized conditions for different cysteine-engineered Fc constructs which will be
used in preparation of Fc-peptide conjugates as therapeutic leads.
Marcin Pyrski
Institute of Plant Genetics - Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
Title: Oral booster vaccine against hepatitis B in the form of low-dosed lyophilised plant tissue bearing S-HBsAg VLPs
Biography:
Marcin Pyrski is a PhD student in Bioengineering Team led by Dr. Tomasz Pniewski in the Institute of Plant Genetics, PAS. He completed Engineering and Master’s
degrees in Biotechnology at the University of Life Sciences in Poznań. He had attended one year training in plant micropropagation in Floralab Company. Actually
he is working with plant-based HBV antigens on their expression, functionality and immunogenicity.
Abstract:
The continued HBV high prevalence coupled with deficiencies in vaccination programmes stimulate research on a new type
of vaccines. Potential orally administered plant-based vaccine is highly attractive regarding efficacy, cost-effectiveness and
availability of mass hepatitis B prevention. Freeze-dried oral formulations facilitate elimination of complex purification steps, size
reduction and better stability during storage, as well as ensure controlled administration regime in minimised medical facilities.
Micropropagation of lettuce expressing S-HBsAg was optimised to provide repeatable uniform feedstock for plant-derived oral
vaccine manufacturing. Lyophilisation protocol facilitating successful processing of lettuce leaf tissue containing S-HBsAg assembled
into VLPs (Virus-Like Particles) was developed. Several drying profiles and excipients as well as effects of freezing rate and postprocess
residual moisture were analysed. The profile of 20ºC for 20 h for primary and 22ºC for 2 h for secondary drying as well as
sucrose proved the most efficient stabilisation of S-HBsAg during freeze-drying. The process was highly reproducible (86-97%), and
provided a product with VLP content up to 200 μg/g DW. Atmosphere of nitrogen proved to preserve S-HBsAg VLPs for minimum
one year at temperatures up to 37°C. Low-dosed (5-200 ng) preparation used as oral booster vaccine elicited anti-HBs response in
animals at level of commercial injection vaccine (around 1000 mIU/ml). As a result, a plant-derived semi-product with good longterm
stability and immunogenicity of S-HBsAg was obtained for the definite formulation of oral booster vaccine against HBV.
Hesham R El-Seedi
Uppsala University, Sweden
Title: Identification of bioactive peptides from enzymatic hydrolysis of royal jelly
Biography:
Abstract:
Royal jelly (RJ) has been widely used in traditional consumables and in skin creams and ointments for health promotion. RJ is rich
in bioactive constituents such as jelleines, 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid, royalisin as well as the major royal jelly proteins (MRJPs),
all of which have shown antimicrobial effect in vitro. However, the characterization of RJ is far from complete, and the development
of new characterization techniques is allowing the discovery of new compounds. Many new bioactive peptides have been identified
using enzymatic hydrolysis as a tool. Enzymatic hydrolysis of RJ has verified the presence of peptides with anti-oxidant and antihypertensive
activity. In the current work, using bioassay guided fractionation of RJ enzymatic digests; a total of 42 peptides were
identified. The peptides, all belonging to the Apis mellifera genome, were identified using a combination of mass spectrometry
and bioinformatics tools. Bioassay guided isolation led to the isolation and structure elucidation of three peptides with promising
antimicrobial activity. These finding support the use of RJ as food preservative and its potential application as antibiotic.
Yannick Elias
Janssen (Cilag AG), Switzerland
Title: Achieving Quality by Design for parenterals filling with a time-pressure setup
Biography:
Yannick Elias completed his PhD from Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zürich) in Process Engineering, focusing on continuous heterogonous
reactions and has published several papers in reputed journals. Currently, he works for Janssen Pharmaceutical Development and Manufacturing Sciences
(PDMS) as a Process Engineer, focusing on development for parenterals fill and finish operations. He worked with Janssen for more than one and a half years and
is currently leading the strategic expansion of a large molecule drug product development laboratory.
Abstract:
Particulate matter in parenteral drug products is recognized by Health Authorities as a critical quality attribute. A strong focus of fill
and finish process development is put on the appropriate selection and operation of the filling system to reduce intrinsic particle
formation, often related to shear induced drug product degradation. Rotary Piston Pumps (RPP) have been a standard selection in
Janssen for many years, as they offer a simple, compact and robust design and show a very high dosing accuracy. However, as the
drug product acts as a pump lubricant, the product is exposed to very high shear rates, which in turn can cause enhanced intrinsic
particle formation. Thus, alternative filling technologies, such as peristaltic pumps (PP) or a time-pressure (TP) system, are required
for shear-sensitive products. A TP system consists essentially of a pressurized tank and a pinch valve. Dosing accuracy is achieved by
harmonizing the vessel over pressure and the valve opening duration. To improve the overall product quality during filling of shearsensitive
products, a Quality by Design and Right the First Time approach is chosen to ensure proper equipment operation. For this,
understanding the critical process parameters, risks associated with those parameters and their impact on critical product quality
attributed is crucial. Thus, a Design of Experiment study was performed to identify and characterize the impact of six distinct process
and equipment parameters on different solutions to obtain a Design Space for optimal TP filling operation.
Yannick Elias
Janssen (Cilag AG), Switzerland
Title: Achieving Quality by Design for parenterals filling with a time-pressure setup
Biography:
Yannick Elias completed his PhD from Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zürich) in Process Engineering, focusing on continuous heterogonous
reactions and has published several papers in reputed journals. Currently, he works for Janssen Pharmaceutical Development and Manufacturing Sciences
(PDMS) as a Process Engineer, focusing on development for parenterals fill and finish operations. He worked with Janssen for more than one and a half years and
is currently leading the strategic expansion of a large molecule drug product development laboratory.
Abstract:
Particulate matter in parenteral drug products is recognized by Health Authorities as a critical quality attribute. A strong focus of fill
and finish process development is put on the appropriate selection and operation of the filling system to reduce intrinsic particle
formation, often related to shear induced drug product degradation. Rotary Piston Pumps (RPP) have been a standard selection in
Janssen for many years, as they offer a simple, compact and robust design and show a very high dosing accuracy. However, as the
drug product acts as a pump lubricant, the product is exposed to very high shear rates, which in turn can cause enhanced intrinsic
particle formation. Thus, alternative filling technologies, such as peristaltic pumps (PP) or a time-pressure (TP) system, are required
for shear-sensitive products. A TP system consists essentially of a pressurized tank and a pinch valve. Dosing accuracy is achieved by
harmonizing the vessel over pressure and the valve opening duration. To improve the overall product quality during filling of shearsensitive
products, a Quality by Design and Right the First Time approach is chosen to ensure proper equipment operation. For this,
understanding the critical process parameters, risks associated with those parameters and their impact on critical product quality
attributed is crucial. Thus, a Design of Experiment study was performed to identify and characterize the impact of six distinct process
and equipment parameters on different solutions to obtain a Design Space for optimal TP filling operation.
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