Overview
The Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at CMHS provides comprehensive education
in pharmacology for medical and pharmacy students. Undergraduate medical students
receive foundational pharmacology in the second year and system-specific pharmacology
in the third and fourth years through lectures, Team-Based Learning (TBL), and Problem-Based
Learning (PBL). The PharmD program prepares pharmacists for clinical practice with
extensive coursework and clinical placements. The department also contributes to the
Master of Medical Sciences and PhD of Biomedical Sciences programs, with faculty involved
in teaching advanced courses and supervising research. Our faculty members research
focuses on molecular cancer therapeutic, neuropsychiatric disorders, cardiometabolic
diseases, clinical pharmacy, and pharmacotherapy. In the Department of Pharmacology
and Therapeutics, we are dedicated to advancing innovative research, education, and
patient care.
Research
The main research areas within pharmacology encompass a broad range of topics, including:
Investigating Molecular Pathways in Cancer Progression and Therapeutic Development
Strategies (Prof. Samir Attoub.
My research focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms driving cancer progression,
with a particular emphasis on the roles of the Akt/NF-ĸB, NOTCH, STAT3, and PD-L1
signaling pathways in breast, colon, and lung cancers. These pathways are critical
in regulating cancer cell survival, proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
Additionally, my work involves the development of novel cancer therapeutics aimed
at controlling tumor growth and preventing metastasis, thereby improving patient outcomes.
Preclinical Drug Development for Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Prof. Bassem Sadek)
My research deals with the development of innovative projects which focus on the identification
and manipulation of brain signalling that are regulated in neuropsychiatric as well
as neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease,
addiction, depression, epilepsy, anxiety, and autism spectrum disorder. Numerous novel
synthetic ligands have been investigated and continue to be tested in experimental
animals which may find their use as preventive or as adjuvant in treatment or as a
template for future drug discovery and development in better management of neuropsychiatric
degenerative diseases.
Cardiometabolic and neurodegenerative diseases (Prof. Shreesh Ojha)
Prof. Ojha Lab research interests focus on ‘Pharmacological manipulation of the interplay
of oxidative/nitrative stress, immune-inflammatory signalling and cell death using
natural, synthetic, or semisynthetic agents particularly phytocannabinoids and terpenophenolic
compounds of natural origin in cardiometabolic, ischemic heart and neurodegenerative
diseases.
Neurodegenerative Diseases (Dr. Rami Beiram)
My research focuses on developing novel therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease
and examining the mechanisms of drug action. The primary objective is to identify
and develop new drug targets for treating Alzheimer's disease, including investigating
the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs and studying their interactions
with biological systems. I am also engaged in other projects on neurodegenerative
diseases, including Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Pharmacotherapy, Pharmacy Practice, and Clinical research (Professor Salahdein Aburuz)
The Main aims of my research and practice are to contribute to better patients’ quality
of life and treatment outcomes through promoting evidence-based medication use, identifying
most appropriate treatment and early identification of risk factors for poor disease
control, and implementing strategies to prevent illness and promote health. To achieve
these aims, I am currently involved in several clinical and pharmacotherapy related
research in cardiovascular, respiratory, diabetes, and other internal medicine related
disorders.
Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics (Dr. Amal Akour)
My research interest mainly lies in the fields of biomarkers guided pharmacotherapy,
drug repurposing, clinical pharmacy, and therapeutics.
Clinical Pharmacy Practice, Pharmacovigilance, and Patient Care (Ms. Cham Zin Aladdin)
My research interests focus on enhancing clinical pharmacy practices to optimize patient
health outcomes. I am particularly interested in studying the impact of clinical interventions,
medication therapy management, health-related quality of life measures, and patient
education on health outcomes. Additionally, I examine regulatory frameworks, healthcare
systems, and the pivotal role of pharmacists in public health and policymaking. I
am dedicated to monitoring and improving drug safety through pharmacovigilance practices
by investigating adverse drug reactions, medication errors, and implementing safety
protocols to minimize risks associated with drug therapy.
These research areas reflect the interdisciplinary nature of Pharmacology and Therapeutics,
encompassing basic science, translational research, and clinical applications aimed
at understanding drug mechanism of action, improving drug safety, and advancing human
health. To access the research profiles of individual faculty members, kindly click
here.
General Enquiries
Thank you for your interest in the Pharmacology and Therapeutics Department. We welcome your query and encourage you to contact us using the information
below:
United Arab Emirates University,
College of Medicine and Health Sciences
P.O. Box: 15551, Al Ain, UAE
Email: Cmhs.office@uaeu.ac.ae
