Pharma, Pharmaceutics and Biotechnology Conference

Pharmacology is the study of the interaction of drugs with biological systems. It probes the mechanisms through which drugs achieve their effects, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion through the body. As an essential part of medical science, pharmacology is a very significant aspect of new therapy development and optimization of already available therapy. Pharmacology is mainly focused on two fundamental concepts: pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

Pharmacokinetics is that branch of pharmacology which deals with the effects of the body on a drug, the stages of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion stages are commonly referred to as ADME. It answers important questions regarding how fast a drug acts to determine its effectiveness in acting on various parts of the body and how long it remains in the system. Pharmacodynamics is that branch of pharmacology which deals with the drug effect on the human body, where interest is specifically shown toward the mechanisms of action, drug-receptor interaction, and the consequence effects that are either therapeutic or toxic.

Drug that have different mechanisms of action vary in the therapeutic effects they produce. There are drugs that activate, or inhibit receptors while others have their effects by modulating enzymes or alteration of cellular signaling pathways. Some examples include beta blockers that prevent heart attacks from taking place by blocking action of adrenaline on heart but at the same time, lowers the blood pressure. Having this knowledge can affect the development of new drugs and improving treatment. IN addition, pharmacology considers drug interactions-the way in which one drug may affect the activity of another, which may lead to enhanced or reduced efficacy or increased risk of side effects.

Such is of special importance in a clinical setting, with most patients being on some concomitant medication. Measurement and management of drug interactions represent the most crucial factor in managing proper and safe treatment. Apart from its application in clinical practice, pharmacology also plays an important role in drug development. In pharmacological studies during preclinical and clinical trials, new compounds are tested for their potential efficacy and safety. Through pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics studies on a candidate drug, scientists refine its therapeutic profile to reduce the incidences of adverse effects.

This session will make the participants well-equipped with a fundamental grasp of the principles of pharmacology as it concerns drug-receptor interactions, ADME processes, and drugs applied in drug discovery and clinical practice. In addition, the session will discuss the contributions of recent advancements in pharmacological research toward improved and safer therapies.