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Biotechnology |
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bt[at]niper[dot]ac[dot]in
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The
Department runs M.S.(Pharm.) and doctoral programs in biotechnology. The
laboratories in the department are working in the diverse
biotechnological field including biopharmaceutical developments (both
protein- & nucleic acid-based molecules), cell biology, protein
engineering, biochemistry, immunology, molecular biology, microbiology,
parasitology and cell culture. The department is actively pursuing
research in the following areas.
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Inhibition of protein aggregation and stabilization of misfolded
proteins in vitro and in disease conditions using small molecules
and nucleic acid aptamers.
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Downstream processing of proteins.
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Design and development of novel protein biopharmaceuticals for
cancer, inflammation and organophosphate-poisoning.
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Protein multifunctionality, iron metabolism, host - pathogen
interaction, drug repurposing and protein expression in Mycobacterium
tuberculosis and A. baumannii.
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Identification of novel drug targets in Leishmania
donovani using cell biology and recombinant DNA based approaches
for developing antileishmanial drugs. Understanding the role of
metabolic and non-metabolic proteins in parasite growth and
virulence.
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Medicinal Chemistry |
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mc[at]niper[dot]ac[dot]in
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The department is engaged in the
following areas of research
Identification and validation of novel target sites for various
therapeutic areas: Design and synthesis of new chemical entities as
anticancer, antileishmanial, broad-spectrum antimalarial,
antituberculosis, antihypertensive, antiinflammatory, antidiabatic,
anti-viral compounds and multi-drug resistance reversal agents.
Asymmetric Synthesis: Development
of methodologies for catalytic asymmetric synthesis-dynamic kinetic
resolution, asymmetric protonation/ deprotonation, asymmetric
epoxidation, asymmetric aziridation and asymmetric alkylation. Synthesis
of chiral drugs.
Combinatorial Chemistry:
Development of novel linkers and analytical protocols; generation of
molecular libraries.
Peptide Synthesis: Synthesis of
unnatural amino acids and their incorporation in the peptides of
biological importance by using solution- and solid- phase synthesis
protocols. Receptor binding studies on the TRH peptides.
Eco-friendly Processes: Development
of new methodologies under solvent free condition, surface mediated
reactions, microwave/ ultrasound assisted enhancement of reaction rates.
Development of heterogeniuos catalysts. Use of ionic liquids as organo-catalysts-
mechanistic investigation for rational design. Use of non-conventional
reaction media- reaction in eater with or without any catalytic aid,
mechanistic investigation of water catalysis for rational selection of
newer reaction in water. Applications of the novel methods for synthesis
of drugs, drug intermediates and new chemical entities for various
therapeutic areas.
Computer Aided Drug Design:
Molecular modeling methods based on molecular mechanics, Quantum
mechanics. Analog based design of - Kinase, Phosphatase, Protease, HMG-CoA
reductase, selective COX-2, selective PDE4 inhibitors and hemaglutinin
of H1N1 virus. PPAR- g and Angiotensin receptor antagonist, Alzeimer
dementia by 3D-QSAR, CoMFA, and docking methods.
Design and synthesis of PPARg agents. 3D
QSAR, pharmacophore mapping, virtual screening, molecular docking, de
novo design of novel agents for PPARg activity. Computer aided design of
GSK3 inhibitors. Quantum chemical studies on the anti-diabetic drugs and
leads -- sulfonylurea derivatives, DPPIV inhibitors, metformin analogs.
Design and synthesis of anti-malarial
agents: Quantum chemical methods in analyzing the reaction mechanism of
synthesis of GTU (Guanylthiourea) derivatives as anti-malarial agents.
Synthesis of GTU derivatives for PfDHFR inhibition. Quantum chemical
analysis of proguanil to cycloguanil conversion. Ab initio studies on
the biurets, thiobiurets, etc. analogs of pyrimethamine.
Computational design of novel dedrimers
units for anti-diabetic agent.
Computational prediction of SOM of
substrates by Cytochromes.
Molecular Dynamic simulations (quantum as
well as force field) to understand basics of drug action.
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Natural Products |
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np[at]niper[dot]ac[dot]in |
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The departmental
research activities are concentrated in the following areas:
1. Discovery of new chemical
entities (NCEs) from natural products of terrestrial, microbial and marine
origin in the following therapeutic areas:
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Discovery of
anti-HIV, antimycobacterial and antiprotozoal mainly anti-leishmanial agents.
Discovery and development of
anti-diabetics,
antioxidants and immunomodulating agents, adaptogens, anti-inflammatory
agents, gynaecology and endocrine dysfunction studies and anticancer agents
with apoptotic molecular basis.
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Development of in vitro testing models for screening
of natural products, in the above mentioned therapeutic areas.
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Semisynthesis and synthesis of biologically active compounds
alongwith generation of pseudonatural products.
2. Traditional Medicine
development programmes: Standardization and quality control of herbal drugs and
products.
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The overall objective and aim of this traditional medicine
programme shall be to meet the demand of cost effective medications and
biological agents from sustainable medicinal plant resources with the
following steps:-
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To lay down standards and effective quality controls on the
Herbal Medicinal Products
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To create databases for identification and authentication of
materials with well defined botanical and phytochemical characteristics
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To create libraries of marker/characterizing constituents for
positive chemical identification of materials through chemoprofiling
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To create quantitative
standards for extracts and their formulations through chemo- and bio-profilings
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To create standard protocols for establishing purity of
materials, identification of adulterants, substitutes, pathogenic bacteria &
fungi, heavy metals and pesticide residues
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To develop dosage forms of the herbal products and their
stability studies
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To develop bioavailability protocols for herbal medicinal
products with the help of biomarkers
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Finally, to conduct clinical trials of the scientifically
developed formulation and validate the traditional claims
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Understanding synergy between components of a medicinal
plant, that have been described at a molecular level giving credence to the
biomarker concepts apart from well understood chemical marker concepts
3. Process technology
programmes: Development of chemical process technologies for important natural
products involving isolation, semisynthesis or synthesis.
4. Other areas of interest:
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Agrotechniques for the development of commercially important
medicinal plants with high active component
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Development of tissue/cell suspension cultures for production
of secondary metabolites
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Development of analytical methods for phytochemicals
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Development of nutraceuticals with the clear cut
structure-function relationships for quality dietary supplements
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Pharmaceutical Analysis |
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pa[at]niper[dot]ac[dot]in |
The department is involved in the diversified activities, including active
involvement in industrial research projects. The key areas of research are:
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Physico-chemical characterization of new chemical entities
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Forced degradation (stress testing) and stability kinetics studies
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Preformualtion studies
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Validated analytical method development including stability-indicating
assays
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Accelerated stability testing
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Impurity profiling of drug substances
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Preparation of degradation product standards
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ADME QPrOmics Database
(Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis in collaboration
with University of Washington, USA is developing a data module of
database named QPrOmics™
which is a Knowledge base crafted for
enthusiasts and researchers pursuing the field of drug pharmacokinetics
(PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) and pharmacometricians in the drug
development industry, regulatory and academia.) |
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Autotitrator
Sample Analysis Charges |
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List of Reference Standards Supplied by the Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis |
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Pharmaceutical Management
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pm[at]niper[dot]ac[dot]in
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A recent diversified
expansion of the Institute is the Department of Pharmaceutical Management
which has been created with a view to provide a specialized, high quality
education as preparation for professional positions in pharmaceutical
business and industry. The objectives of this course are to teach pharmaceutical
management to the Pharmacy graduates to become the successful managers
in pharmaceutical industry by applying the fundamentals of management.
The department is actively engaged in Teaching, Research and Training
and Development programmes related to the following:
- To
provide a specialized, high quality education as preparation for professional
positions in pharmaceutical business and industry
- To
improve the quality, talent and skills of individuals to help them lead
their lives as successful pharmaceutical management professionals
- To
explore the frontiers of knowledge from the industry through independent
research, as well as in collaboration with other entities in pharmaceutical
business or education having similar goals
Distinctiveness:
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A critical and integral component of our educational strategy is to
help the Pharma industry with specially trained individuals without
the limitations of a conventional curriculum and with abilities, attitudes
and skills of a professional manager to serve effectively and efficiently
in pharmaceutical industry
- On-the
job- training with the aim of helping the students to gain insights
into the real, complex world of modern pharmaceutical business and observe
human dynamics
- Strong
interaction with business and industry, particularly in the areas of
teaching, seminars, training and placement in pharmaceutical industry
- Substantial
case inputs aimed at helping students to develop their decision making
skills for modern Pharma business
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Pharmaceutical Technology |
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pt[at]niper[dot]ac[dot]in |
A. Process Chemistry
ptb[at]niper.ac.in
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A
special feature of the Institute is the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology
which has been created with a view to directly interact with industry.
The department has a pilot plant associated with it for pilot-scale processing
of bulk drugs and natural products. The department has build up facilities
for scale up studies during development of technologies for bulk pharmaceutical
chemicals and different dosage forms. The department is actively engaged
and can collaborate in projects related to the following.
- Process development
for enantiomerically pure drugs
- Chemical processing
technology for natural products
- Process for conducting
eco-friendly reactions involving phase transfer catalysts, ionic liquids
as alternate solvent media
- Process for developing
anti-diabetic compounds using novel technologies
Processes for the
following APIs are available for licensing and other projects that have
been completed:
- Mefloquine HCl,
Isosorbide-5-mononitrate, Artemether and Artesunate, S-Naproxen & S-Ibuprofen
and Dicyclohexylcarbinol
- Process for recycling
levo enriched clopidogrel
- Application of
phase transfer methods in various production processes
- Process for making
chiral unnatural amino acids
- Process for making
Escitalopram from racemic citalopram
- Process for making
various chiral phase-transfer catalysts
- Synthetic routes
for making various tricyclic dual PPAEa/c agonists having antioxidant
properties
- Process for making
novel 1,4-Naphthoquinones
- Process for making
levobupivacaine
- Process for making
2-ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate in ionic liquids
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B. Formulations
ptf[at]niper[dot]ac[dot]in
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- Preformulation
studies of new molecular entities
- Prototype formulation
development and product/process challenge studies on solid and liquid
dosage forms
- Solid state characterization
of pharmaceuticals
- Generation of polymorphs,
pseudo-polymorphs and amorphous form; Characterization using thermal,
spectroscopic, crystallographic (powder and single crystal) techniques;
Solubility advantage; Thermodynamic characterization - van't Hoff plots;
Effect of polymorphism on product performance; solid state transformations
during pharmaceutical processing; regulatory implications
- Generation of co
- crystals to improve aqueous solubility of poorly water soluble drugs
- High energy amorphous
form - Generation; characterization using thermal, spectroscopic, crystallographic
techniques; Thermodynamic parameters like enthalpy, entropy, specific
heat; Kinetic characterization of the molecular mobility of amorphous
systems using enthalpy relaxation studies, cocnept of fragility and
fictive temperature; Stabilization of the amorphous systems using anti
- plasticizer, specific molecular interactions, crystal growth inhibitors;
Solubility advantage of amorphous syetms; Molecular interactions vis
a vis stable crystalline form; Devitrification during storage and dissolution
stage; Ternary amorphous dispersions to improve aqueous solubility
- Improved powder
properties using particle engineering and co-processing of pharmaceuticals;
Study of compression behavior; Heckel's plots; Physico - technical properties
- Reverse engineering
of generic formulations to - propose quantitative formula, solid state
characteristics of the API in the dosage form, information on manufacturing
process; Concept of 'formulation equivalence' to develop bio-equivalent
generic products
- Improvements of
oral bioavailability using lipidic systems
- Intestinal permeability
studies and permeation enhancement of drugs using excipeints
- Stabilization of
protein drugs during lyophilization
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C. Biotechnology |
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The
biotechnology unit of Pharmaceutical Technological Department has been
set up with a view to create awareness in the field of pharmaceutical
biotechnology. Biotechnology being an interdisciplinary subject and NIPER
being an pharmaceutical institute, pharmaceutical biotechnology was thought
to be an appropriate subject of teaching and research in this department.
The main objective is to pertain training to the students on the different
aspects of pharmaceutical biotechnology such as production of high value
products though high cell density fermentation, to produce active intermediates
through biocatalysis, downstream processing of biomolecules, etc. The
unit has taken the initiative to start research activities in the field
of biocatalysis to produce enantiomerically pure isomers intended to use
as drugs and drug intermediates. The unit runs a full fledged M.Tech.
programme in pharmaceutical biotechnology sponsored by the Department
of Biotechnology (Govt. of India). The following projects are currently
going on
- Production of chiral
precursor (S)-1-(2-thienyl) ethanol or (S)-N, N-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-3-(2-thienyl)-propanamine
through microbial reduction and their use in the synthesis of chiral
drug S (+)-Duloxetine
- Cloning and expression
of an acid phosphatase (PHYB) with high phytase activity in yeast
- Purification and
characterization of lipase/s for the synthesis of biologically active
and enantiomerically pure isomers obtained through enzymatic kinetic
resolution of racemates
- Use of nitrilase,
a biocatalyst, for the enzymatic kinetic resolution of racemic mixture
of pharmaceutically active compounds to enantiomerically pure isomer
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Pharmacology and Toxicology |
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pc[at]niper[dot]ac[dot]in |
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Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology has the facilities to carry
out pharmacological screening of NCEs. The department can enter into project
collaborations in regulatory toxicological testing, viz., acute, sub-chronic
and chronic toxicity testing. The departmental research activities are
concentrated in the following areas:
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Opioid tolerance, supersensitivity and dependence mechanisms
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Role of different subtypes of angiotensin receptors in hypertension
and diabetic vascular complications
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Understanding the mechanisms of diabetic complication and development
of NIDDM & insulin resistance models in rodents; screening of synthetic
and natural products for their antidiabetic activity
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Role of alpha adrenoceptors in benign prostatic hyperplasia
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Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in ischaemic stroke
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Evaluation of novel neuroprotective approaches for the treatment of
cerebral ischemia
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Development of animal models of cerebral ischemia
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Understanding the mechanisms of diabetic neuropathy
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Role of adenosine receptors subtypes in diabetic neuropathic pain
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Evaluation of various neuroprotective approaches in diabetic neuropathy
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Screening of NCEs for antileismanial activity.
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Development of rat model for Alzheimer's disease and screening of NCEs
on learning and memory in rats
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Production of monoclonal antibodies against Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis
antigens with the objective of characterization of protective antigens
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Molecular mechanisms of protection, cytoadherence, immune evasion and
red cell invasion in malaria
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Biotherapeutics and chemotherapeutics evaluation of potential antimalarial,
antitubercular, antileishmanial and antiamoebic agents in vitro and
in vivo
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Study of the opioids-induced bidirectional molecular signaling within
the neuroimmune network with a view to develop new immunomodulators.
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Histone modifications as targets for drug discovery
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Molecular mechanism involved in toxicant and oxidative stress induced
process of cell death
Technologies Available
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Pharmaceutics |
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pe[at]niper[dot]ac[dot]in
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Drug development has become increasingly
complex, time consuming and expensive. As a result there is an increased
focus on making clinically established drugs perform better therapeutically
in terms of efficacy, safety and improved patient compliance by designing
novel and patentable technologies or delivery systems. This has led to
a paradigm shift in drug delivery technologies from conventional dosage
forms to controlled release and sophisticated delivery systems. These
systems are based on the concepts of biopharmaceutics and pharmacokinetic
driven by pharmacodynamic activity and therapeutic needs. The emergence
of the Biopharmaceutic Classification System (BCS) based on the two tenets
of absorption namely solubility and permeability has further simplified
drug development program form a regulatory perspective. About 20 drugs,
which are not only of clinical significance but also, model drugs representing
various classes were chosen by the department to carry out research and
projects in the area of conventional and novel drug delivery systems,
biopharmaceutics and pharmacokinetic evaluation, bioavailability and bioequivalence
testing, preformulation, formulation development and stability testing.
The
department of pharmaceutics is one of the key departments of the Institute.
It is equipped with state of the art facilities to undertake research
in drug development and delivery. More recently, the department has initiated
research on Biomaterials and Nanotechnology. In the frontier area of Biomaterial
research, the focus will be for synthesis and characterization of new
biodegradable polymer, their formulations for various drug delivery systems,
to improve surface biocompatibility of medical devices and their invitro/invivo
evaluation. To strengthen our research potential, nanotechnolgy will be
utilized to prepare effective carriers to deliver the drugs at diseases
targets and effort will be taken to initiate gene delivery program in
our department.
The
department is presently engaged in research projects on:
- Development and
evaluation of peroral controlled release systems
- Development and
evaluation of buccal and transdermal drug delivery systems
- Biopharmaceutic
and pharmacokinetic studies including bioavailability and bioequivalence
studies
- In vitro
and in vivo evaluation of conventional and new drug delivery
systems
- Biomaterials for
novel drug delivery systems
- Nano-biopharmaceutics:
Focus on drug targeting and gene delivery
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Pharmacy
Practice |
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pp[at]niper[dot]ac[dot]in |
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In 2002, a new course
leading to the award of M. Pharm. (Pharmacy Practice) was started at
NIPER, SAS Nagar. The three core areas identified for this department
are Clinical, Hospital and Community Pharmacy. In a very short span of
time, the department has made significant progress and has been able to
evolve on the first two areas by developing a strong interface with
three major hospitals in the region.
One of the missions of the department is to provide quality-teaching
programs that will prepare the students for entry into all areas of
professional pharmacy practice.
The department intends to promote research and service, demonstrating
excellence in professional practice and outreach.
Currently, the emphasis is placed on principles of pharmacotherapy and
practice management for the purpose of advancing quality cost-effective
pharmaceutical care. The Department of Pharmacy Practice is committed
to:
- Development of long-term
functional practice skills in its students, and others in the
profession
- Development and practice of
systematic approach to identification and finding solutions of
drug-related problems
- Implementation of Good Pharmacy
Practice Points for Clinical pharmacists and for clinical pharmacy
educator
- Research leadership in desired
areas of excellence and developing areas especially pertaining to
the rural health
- Development of interdisciplinary
research programs within the Institute and others schools of
Pharmaceutical sciences in the country
- Leadership in national, state and
local professional associations and a strong role in developing
future practice standards and models
- Provision of the highest level of
pharmaceutical services to the citizens of country
The department intends to grow into the
following areas and looks forward to collaborate with external agencies
- Promoting rational use of drugs.
The department works in close coordination with the Delhi Society
for Promotion of Rational use of Drugs (DSPRUD).
- Research into the drug-related
healthcare issues Identifying, monitoring and solving drug-related
problems Establishment of clinical pharmacy services
- Drug utilization reviews and cost
containment issues in hospital pharmacy
- Setting up of Patient counselling
facilities in hospitals
- Offering Continuing Professional
Education (CPE) programs for all sections of the profession
In 2011, another new course leading to M.Pharm. (Clinical Research) was
started and the department was entrusted to run this course. Upon
successful completion of this course, the students are geared to get
into any functional area of clinical research. They receive intensive
training in medical writing, documentation, clinical data management,
project management and complete a six-month project too.
For any further queries about these
programs, please feel free to contact Prof. Pramil Tiwari, Professor &
Head of the department through e-mail
pp[at]niper.ac.in.
Top Twenty FAQs <http://www.niper.gov.in/faq.htm>
{Join e-group "Pharmacy Practice India", Contact : ptiwari[at]niper.ac.in}
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Pharmacoinformatics |
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pi[at]niper[dot]ac[dot]in
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Drug
discovery research has become much more complex science requiring a multidisciplinary
approach. Converging concepts of several disciplines such as molecular
biology, chemistry, toxicology, pharmaceutical sciences and computational
technology has become more than a trend in education. It has become a
necessity for solving real-world problems. This course is designed to
teach the new millennium drug discovery science to the pharmacy graduates
to become the successful drug discovery scientist in pharmaceutical industry.
The
objectives are,
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To
teach the science and art of "New Millennium Drug Discovery' for faster
drug development.
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To
teach the information management and integration techniques in the
field of Biology, Chemistry, Toxicology, Pharmaceutical sciences and
Pharmacy practice.
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To
integrate diverse information into discovery knowledge by exploiting
the advantages of emerging fields like bio-informatics, chemo-informatics,
toxico-informatics, pharmacy-informatics, etc
Distinctiveness:
- The center is
equipped to carry out research and provide training in the advanced
areas of genomics, proteomics, computational drug discovery techniques
including bioinformatics, QSAR, Molecular Docking, pharmacophore mapping,
chemoinformatics, computational ADME / Toxicity prediction methods,
pharmaceutical informatics and medical informatics.
- The focus of this
centre is on the practical applications of computer aided target identification,
validation and drug-design, this centre is quite different from other
academic centres where the focus is either on theoretical studies or
on development of bioinformatic methods or on chemoinformatic methods.
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Training
and Continuing Education Programs |
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In order to keep pharmacy professionals acquainted with the latest developments
in the field of pharmacy, the institute conducts training programs from
time to time. NIPER has been empanelled by Ministry of External Affairs,
Government of India to conduct training programs on regulatory aspects
in pharmaceutical sciences for the international delegations and also
by Ministry of Health to conduct training programs for drug regulatory
staff, government analysts and technical and analytical staff from SSIs.
The institute can provide specialized training in the following areas:
- cGMP/GLP,
validation procedures in pharmaceutical industry
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Standardisation of herbal products
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Macro and micro-propagation of medicinal plants
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Separation techniques
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Modern analytical techniques for quality assurance
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Impurity profiles of bulk pharmaceutical chemicals and their formulations
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Degradation chemistry and stability testing of drugs and pharmaceuticals
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Bioavailability and bioequivalence of pharmaceutical dosage forms
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Documentation in pharmaceutical research, development and manufacturing
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Recombinant DNA technology for drugs
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Secretory proteins and biomass production through fermentation
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Primary drug screenings
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Regulatory toxicology
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Synthesis and technology of chiral drugs
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Scale up techniques in pharmaceutical industry
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Development of eco-friendly processes
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Generation of combinatorial libraries of small molecules
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Computer aided drug design
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Pharmaceutical project management
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