10^th Asia-Pacific Pharma Congress May 08-10, 2017 Singapore

Biography:

After completion of his postdoctoral training at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Prof. Gautam Sethi joined Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore in 2008 as an Assistant Professor and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2015.  The focus of his research over the past few years has been to elucidate the mechanism (s) of activation of oncogenic transcription factors such as NF-kB/STAT3 by carcinogens and inflammatory agents and the identification of novel inhibitors of these proteins for prevention of and therapy for cancer. The findings of his research work have so far resulted in more than one hundred and fifty scientific publications in high impact factor peer reviewed journals and several international awards. He currently serves as an Academic Editor for PLOS, editorial board member of Scientific Reports, and ad-hoc reviewer for several other international journals. 

Abstract:

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide. Currently available therapies for metastatic PCa are only marginally effective; hence novel treatment modalities are urgently required. Our group has recently analyzed the potential anticancer effects of nimbolide (NL), a limonoid triterpene derived from Azadirachta indica, against PCa cell lines and in vivo models. Data from the in vitro studies indicated that NL could significantly inhibit cell viability, induce apoptosis and suppress cellular invasion and migration. Interestingly, NL also abrogated STAT3 activation, and this effect was found to be mediated via increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to GSH/GSSG imbalance.  NL administration also significantly suppressed the tumor growth and metastasis in transgenic PCa mouse model without any significant adverse effects. Overall present studies demonstrate critical role of GSH/GSSG imbalance-mediated ROS production contributing to STAT3 inhibitory and tumor suppressive effect of NL in PCa. 

Biography:

Christina Leung completed two Bachelor degrees in England, Management Sciences degree followed by a Pharmacy degree. Following the registration as a pharmacist in England, she worked in a number of teaching hospitals in London. After the completion of junior pharmacist training, Ms Leung spent 12 years as Women’s and Children’s Pharmacist, mainly specialising in Paediatric ICU, Paediatric Liver, Obstetrics and Gynaecology. She published a number of articles including two articles relating to drugs use in paediatric liver diseases published in UK Healthcare magazine. Ms Leung is also a registered pharmacist in HK and she is currently working as the Senior Pharmacist (Clinical Pharmacy Service) at the HKU-SZH in China. She is also the Honorary Lecturer of the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy at the University of Hong Kong. 

Abstract:

In China, medication incident reporting and management has recently started in healthcare settings. In HKU-SZH, a multi-disciplinary team including clinical pharmacists oversees the medication incident management. The healthcare staff is encouraged to report medication incidents including near-misses using the hospital approved reporting form. Serious medication incidents are investigated using root-cause-analysis. Every month, the clinical pharmacist attends the Incident Management Team to discuss the medication incidents and the improvement actions. Every quarter, the clinical pharmacists are responsible to prepare the statistical incidents summary report which is then submitted to the Quality and Safety Management Committees. For serious or repetitive incidents, quality improvement measures are suggested to prevent recurrence of medication incidents. Examples of the improvement measures implemented are:

• Clinical Pharmacists prepare the quarterly Medication Safety Newsletter to raise the awareness of the medication safety and to show the improvement actions that were implemented.

• Develop high alert drugs management policy and the drugs list.

• Incorporate patient drug allergy history and medication reconciliation template in electronic prescribing system.

• Change the dosage unit of insulin from “U” to “unit” and from IU to “international unit” in the electronic prescribing system.

• Add patient weight (in kg) section in the electronic drug chart to aid the accurate calculation of dosage especially for children.

• Develop clinical guideline for some high risk drugs such as Fentanyl patch.

• Clinical Pharmacists have prepared over 50 patient leaflets to enhance the optimisation of drugs use and patient safety.

• Additional patient counselling service for patients on warfarin on the ward.

• Involvement of clinical pharmacists in the out-patient clinic. E.g. Diabetic clinic.

• Deliver teaching sessions to the nurses and doctors. E.g. “Safe and effective use of insulin” for nurses, and the “Effective medicine management” for newly joint doctors.

For healthcare professionals to report medication incidents is a big step forward in risk management in China. A “no-blame” culture is essential to encourage medication incident reporting. We learn from all the incidents reported to us and they guide us to develop improvement plans to further enhance medication safety. 

Biography:

Gopal Natesan has completed his Doctoral degree (PhD) in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from Hamdard University (Jamia Hamdard) New Delhi, India in 2000 and currently serving as Professor of Medicinal Chemistry & Deputy Dean of Research & Innovation in Faculty of Pharmacy, MAHSA University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. His research focuses on the synthesis of newer small chemical entities, quinazolinones heterocyclic pharmacophore and their preliminary screening in both in-vivo and in- vitro models mainly focusing on pain & inflammation and also for newer microbial agents. He has published >40 articles in indexed journals and presented >80 papers in conferences and received number of honors, recently received “Young Scientist Award” in 2013 and “Edward Kennedy Memorial Award” for his high standards of research excellence in Science and Technology. He was invited speaker at international scientific meetings and conferences and serves as reviewer for several scientific international journals and also as Editorial/Advisory board of various journals.

Abstract:

Bacterial dental plaque is one of the most complex oral biofilm and the primary initiating factor of the most prevalent oral diseases such as dental caries, periodontal diseases, and peri-implant diseases due to the microbial film formation and hence the management of biofilm is vital for oral health as well as impeding the development of various periodontal diseases. Commercially available medications have been tried and tested against bacterial plaque pathogens. Unfortunately, various antimicrobial drugs cannot be used safely due to its side effects as well as development of antibacterial resistant strains of microorganism. The search for alternative products continues and natural extracts isolated from plants used as traditional medicines are considered as good alternatives. Hence, an attempt has been made to study the antimicrobial effect of Rhizophora stylosa leaf and bark extracts against the selected consortium of dental biofilms such as Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus salivarius by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC). The extracts of R. stylosa leaves and barks were prepared by hot percolation method using organic solvents (petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol). The biofilms of varying microbial consortium combinations were developed and exposed to the different organic leaf and bark extracts with a highest concentration of 200mg/ml which was serially diluted to a concentration of 0.4 mg/ml. The viability of the biofilms was determined at 570nm by ELISA microtiter plate reader and the MBEC was determined by spot plating method. From the study, it has been concluded that Petroleum ether leaf extracts exhibited better antimicrobial activity compared to other extracts and the biofilms which had S. aureus and S. salivarius being the most susceptible resistant organism respectively towards the extract.

Biography:

Tolosa E is currently a University researcher working with the projects of the Institute of Herbal Medicine under the National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila. His specializations are preformulation, formulation and quality control of herbal medicines that is being used for in vitro and in vivo testing and for use in clinical trials in the Philippines. His current study is on NMR-based plant metabolomics fingerprinting of Blumea balsamifera L. DC leaves. His research focused on standardizing and creating a systematic approach on herbal medicine formulation and quality control to strengthen its status in the international scientific community.

Abstract:

The objective of the study is to measure the amount of quercetin present in DCM fraction of ethanolic extract of Blumea balsamifera L. leaves using TLC-bioautography and HPLC-PDA. Furthermore, the study compared TLC-bioautography versus HPLC in quantification of quercetin in the plant sample. Powdered B. balsamifera leaves were macerated with 95% ethanol and the filtrate was subjected to liquid-liquid partitioning. The extract was partitioned with an equal amount of n-hexane. Recovered ethanol partition was subjected to rotary evaporation and remaining aqueous fraction was successively partitioned with dichloromethane, chloroform and ethyl acetate. The residue obtained from n-hexane, dichloromethane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and water were screened using Bate-Smith and Metcalf method and Wilstater “cyanidin” test. All fractions tested were negative for Bate-Smith and Metcalf method. Dichloromethane, chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions showed positive results for Wilstate test indicating possible presence of gamma-benzopyrone. Dichloromethane fraction was used for column chromatography because in comparison with ethyl acetate and chloroform fraction, the intensity of color was best. The residue obtained from dichloromethane was purified by column chromatography. Each fraction was spotted in the TLC plate and sprayed with DPPH. All fractions that tested positive for DPPH test were pooled. Thin Layer Chromatography method was developed to carry out the bioautography process utilizing the anti-oxidant property of quercetin. Using the developed method, the amount of quercetin in the DCM fraction was determined. High performance liquid chromatography method was developed to measure the amount of quercetin present in the pooled fractions. The final concentration of quercetin in the pooled fractions for HPLC is 2.022 mg/mL and TLC-bioautography method is 2.25 mg/mL. Comparison of two methods: Mean: 0.356 mg/mL, variance: 0.000722 mg²/mL², standard deviation: 0.02687 mg/mL, % relative standard deviation: 7.55%, and the standard error: 0.019 mg/mL. The quantitation of quercetin using TLC-bioautography and HPLC is significantly similar.

Biography:

Muthu K Shanmugam is a senior research fellow in the Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. He got his Ph.D in cancer pharmacology and he is currently working as a senior research fellow. He has twelve years of experience in experimental laboratory research and have published in journal papers and presented at international conferences. Dr Muthu K Shanmugam has vast experience in cancer biology, inflammatory diseases, orthotopic, xenograft and transgenic mice models, in molecular biology, cell and tissue culture experiments. In addition, he is trained in high-throughput technology such as cDNA microarray technology, antigen and antibody array technology, two dimensional gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, pharmacokinetics and in the development of array based clinical diagnostic tools.

Abstract:

Several lines of evidence(s) indicate that CXCR4 overexpression has been correlated with distant site metastasis and poor overall survival rate in patient with breast cancer. The tumor metastasis promoting molecule CXCR4 is considered as a potential therapeutic target for inhibiting breast cancer metastasis. Thus, novel agents that can down-regulate CXCR4 expression have potential against breast cancer metastasis. In the present report we investigated the effect of thymoquinone (TQ), derived from the seeds of medicinal plant Nigella sativa, on the expression and regulation of CXCR4 in breast cancer cells. In addition, we evaluated the effect of TQ in a metastasis mouse model established by intracardiac injection of luciferase-tagged MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells that metastasize to the bones. We observed that TQ could inhibit the expression of CXCR4 in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose and time dependent manner. TQ (2 mg/kg or 4 mg/kg) treatment for four weeks significantly inhibited tumor growth and significantly reduced metastases to multiple vital organs, including lungs, brain and bone. Immuno-histochemical analysis of the lung and brain tissue showed significant reduction in the expression of CXCR4, Ki67, MMP9, VEGFR2 and COX2 compared to tissues from control mice. TQ treatment also reduced the overall bone tumor burden. Overall, our results show that TQ exerts its antitumor and anti-metastatic effects by downregulation of CXCR4 expression both in vitro and in vivo thus may have possible potential for the treatment of breast cancer.

Acknowledgement: This work was supported by NUHS Basic Seed Research grant to Prof. Benny Tan.

Biography:

Nidhi mishra has completed  her PhD from the department of chemistry from university of Delhi in march 2009, after then she joined Birla institute of technogy and sciences Pilani, India as an assistant professor.Thereafter she moved to lucknow because of personal reasons. The author is currently an Assistant professor at the Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad. She has published several papers, book chapters and book.

Abstract:

Among various antimalarial agents chloroquine and its derivatives remains the backbone of medical care against malaria. Due to resistant strains of malarial parasite against chloroquine enhances the urgency to explore a new and cost-effective medicament to cure for malaria. Chalcones are stable, low molecular weight compounds and easy to prepare in a cost-effective manner, thus attracts attention of different scientists for the synthesis of antimalarial chalcones to find out a novel and efficacious drug. In-silico strategies have been of incredible importance in target identification and in prediction of novel drugs by means of bioinformatics tools to analyze possible active sites, drug likeness, molecular docking and ADME/T.

The utilization of complementary experimental and informatics methods increases the rate of success in many stages of the drug discovery, by assessing the interactions between the ligands and the binding site of the protein according to their binding affinity and elucidation of their functions to the discovery and development of compounds with desired properties. As structures of more protein targets get to be accessible through crystallography, NMR and bioinformatics methods. Also to win the battle against life-threatening diseases like Malaria, a global push is essential. Intervention of computers at some conceivable steps is imperative to cut down the expense and time needed in the drug discovery process.

Here we discuss the in silico and synthetic approach towards development of antimalarial chalcones.

Biography:

Sakthivel Sekar, is a business savvy R&D professional with multi-disciplinary educational background (across Engineering, Science & Management); his experience span across internationally renowned premier academic institutions, pharmaceutical industries, CRO & Govt. research agencies. Dr Sekar is currently a Senior Research Fellow & Lead PI of the JCO Development Platform Grant at A*Star, Singapore, active in early stage/translational drug discovery research trials across multiple therapeutic areas. Prior to relocating to A*Star in early 2012 he was a Janssen Postdoctoral Fellow (2008-2011, Belgium) and Dorothy Hodgkin Postgraduate Fellow (2005-2010, UK). He serves as a scientific, IP, business or technical due diligence review panellist for NMRC, Singapore and several peer reviews scientific journals including Psychopharmacology, Brain Research Bulletin, JMRI, etc. Have appeared in 40+ international conferences/meetings, so far., recipient of several competitive awards, featured in Channel New Asia as one of the Game Changer in the Scientific EcoSystem in Singapore (Mar 2017). He has developed particular expertise in Bio-Pharmacuetical Innovation and Intrapreneurship.

Abstract:

The presentation will first explore the challenges facing bio-pharmaceutical industry. This includes brief discussion around: (i) global economy slump (ii) tougher regulatory atmosphere (price controls & reimbursement pressures; post-market surveillance; increased inspections and oversight - drug safety laws). (iii) dearth of blockbuster drugs; patent expirations and generics. (iv) malaise of pharmaceutical industry around restructuring, divestitures, cutbacks. (v) shift towards biologics, biosimilars &/or personalised medicines. (vi) electronic health records & globalisation of medical information. (vii) counterfeits & quality related issues eroding consumer confidence. (viii) manufacturers’ dilemma: invest, retreat or outsource. (ix) providers’ dilemma: concern for patient vs. cost of care., etc. Subsequently the presentation will substantially address ‘innovation as the preferred choice’ to grow as well as sustain a competitive edge in the market. The impact of biotechnology on the traditional pharmaceutical industry will be used as an example which predominantly revolutionised the pharmaceutical industry and how the management of pharmaceutical innovation today particularly differs from the conventional practices in the industry. Further debate on how & what the role of innovative management practices can have on bringing together the stakeholder needs and pharmaceutical business models. On the same note, but in extended/different settings: from a tech-transfer office’s perspective - systematically overview the journey of innovation (from scientific discovery to commercialisation). The need for development of ‘human social capital’ & ‘cultivation of the right culture’ to facilitate effectiveness in such journey. Discuss on best executive leadership practices to build a resilient & agile organization, achieving success in this transition, embanked on innovation. 

Biography:

N Kanagathara has her expertise in evaluation and passion in improving the research in Tumor. Her open and contextual evaluation model based on responsive constructivists creates new pathways for improving in research. She also carries research in other topics like Study on cervical dysplasia and also the multi-drug resistant effect on Mycobacterium tuberculosis by PCR is the current research experience. Targeted Drug delivery using rhEGF for brain tumor through nasal route. Designed and formulated nanoemulsions by conjugating rhEGF with anticancer drug and targeted brain tumor. Recombinant therapeutic protein process development - optimization in batch fermentation in research lab, Continuous fermentation at industrial level for commercial, purification, characterization, scale up & production.

Abstract:

5 Fluorouracil is an anticancer drug which has it effects on colon cancer, brain tumor, breast cancer, head & neck cancer. The aim of the present study was to formulate, optimize, and characterize 5 fluorouracil nanoemulsions for targeting brain tumor. The components of the formulation were optimized. The solubility study for the oil in surfactant & co-surfactant mix ratio was optimized. The characterization studies such as physical appearance, Dispersibility study, Density, Viscosity, pH, Surface tension, Globule size & Poly dispersity index, In vitro drug release, Thermodynamic stability were performed for all the ten formulations. Zeta potential, Optical microscopic analysis and Transmission electron microscopic analysis were done for the selected formulation. Based on the results of characterization NE3 was selected for conjugation with EGF. Two different methods such as physical mixing, solvent evaporation technique was done for conjugation of Epidermal growth factor with drug and physical mixing technique was optimized as the best method for conjugating the formulation. 5 Flurouracil nanoemulsions for targeting brain tumor and the pseudo ternary phase diagram for the solubility studies and the components of different phases were optimized and characterized through this study. The targeting efficiancy of the drug was studied by molecular docking for conjugated drug formulation and the binding energy level of Drug Conjugated Formulation with Epidermal Growth Factor is high when compared with the plain drug.

Biography:

Anil V Chandewar is working in P Wadhwani college of pharmacy, India.

Abstract:

Present study evaluates the beneficial effect of Nerium oleander (NO) on alcohol withdrawal syndrome and alcohol withdrawal induced anxiety. Chronic administration of alcohol was achieved by modified liquid diet for 21 day. Hydro alcoholic extract of NO was also given for the 21 days during the period of chronic alcohol consumption as per the treatment group alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) like agitation, tremors, wet dog shaking, stereotyped behavior and tail stiffness were observed for 5 min at ½, 1, 2, 4, 6 hrs of alcohol withdrawal. During the same time anxiety was observed after the alcohol withdrawal by using elevated plus maze. It was observed that behavior changes significantly (p<0.01) improved in NO treated rats compared to negative control group. Even the level of anxiety were found to be significantly decreased in NO treated group of rats compared to negative control group in alcohol withdrawal induced anxiety animals. The present study concludes that hydro alcoholic extract of NO provides an alternative treatment for the management of AWS.

Biography:

Warjeet S Laitonjam is working at department of chemistry in Manipur University near Canchipur, Imphal in Manipur, India.

Abstract:

Since ancient times, plants have been an important source of medicine. Ayurveda and other Indian literatures mentioned the use of plants in the treatment of various human ailments. North-east India is rich of its flora and fauna; the flora of this region includes aromatic and medicinal plants with a number of bioactive compounds. As is the case with other diseases, medicinal plants have been used since ancient times to treat and manage diabetes mellitus in traditional medical systems of many cultures throughout the world. Currently, medicinal plants continue to play an important role in the management of diabetes mellitus, especially in developing countries, where many people do not have access to conventional anti-diabetic therapies Before the coming of the modern pharmacological medicines, the people of the region are using medicinal plants for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Even today, people not only in the rural areas but those living in the urban areas are also using these herbal medicines, and give first preference to herbal treatments by consulting the medicine men.

A report of bioactive compounds isolated from some commonly used medicinal plants of North East India in the indigenous system of health care as anti-diabetics will be highlighted. Rapid advances in the field of diabetes have resulted in the discovery of numerous chemotherapeutic agents till date. However, most of these drugs result in severe side effects causing physical and mental trauma to patients.  In order to eliminate the side effects, search for better and safer drugs has been ongoing for several decades, which has resulted in the discovery of anti-diabetic properties of many phytochemicals. On the basis of studies, it was found that a variety of phytochemicals possess hypoglycemic activity. However, the majority of plants with blood glucose lowering activity appear to contain polysaccharides, glycosides and flavonoids.

To study anti-diabetic potential of medicinal plants, firstly, plants are collected (usually selected on the basis of information obtained from traditional healers and herbalists), extracted and screened for hypoglycemic activity using either in vitro or in vivo bioassay techniques. Secondly, active ingredients are isolated and identified from plants showing hypoglycemic effects during the screening tests. Thirdly, the blood glucose lowering mechanism of action of the crude plant extract and active ingredients is investigated. Fourthly, clinical trials are conducted on the crude plant extract or isolated active ingredients.

Biography:

Waddah has completed his Master at the age of 25 years Titled Pharmaceutical Technology from Omdurman Islamic University. He is a pharmacist in Federal Ministry of Health - Sudan; He has been serving as a member of National Medicine & Poisons Board – Sudan. He has published one paper/poster on Gum Arabic Acacia Solubility Enhancement, as first author and was awarded as a best one in OMICS 2015 /Dubai in October and other one on Gum Arabic Acacia for Tablet Coating July 2016 in Berlin – Pharma Europe- OMICS. 

Abstract:

Gum arabic is a complex, loose aggregate of sugars and hemicelluloses composed of Arabic acid nucleus connected with calcium, magnesium, potassium besides Arabinose, Galactose, and Rhamnose. Gum Arabic is stable flexible material.  This study aimed to use gum Arabic in manufacturing of Tablet coating material using water and plasticizer to add elasticity and flexibility. Gum Arabic acacia used in (10%), concentration in a pilot small coating machine with an inlet temperature 400c, and spraying rate 10 mls every 5 minutes on the top of Placebo tablet-bed while continuous drying. Gum: water ratio and plasticizer was determined by trial and error method to obtain the optimum level for the final coat characteristic. Physical tests were done for the tablets before-and after the process. An accelerated stability study for three months was done.

The result showed the optimum concentration ratio was 10% Gum arabic with 1% plasticizer. While other ratio variations showed cracking, and roughness in the surface. Physical examination ended to satisfying coat appearance with elegant, smooth picture. Gum Arabic is suitable material for tablets coating. The final property varies with the change in ratio of formula. Colors and anti-transparency additives are required for technological identification & customers’ needs. The ratio of 10:1 is the optimum to be adopted in manufacture film coating.  (Patent 3422–Ministry of Justice-Republic of Sudan) – (Suad Alkarib-Karary University).

Biography:

Alqallaf SM works in College of Health Sciences, University of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bahrain.

Abstract:

Patients’ satisfaction of their medications is a major issue in leaving a positive impact on their experience with their illness and treatment. Consequently this would affect medication compliance. Negative medications’ satisfaction might result from adverse drug reaction (ADR). Another cause might be the absence of proper patient’s counseling on proper use, action and reaction of medications. Antihypertensive medications have a wide range of ADRs that might be mild needing only monitoring or severe necessitating medication discontinuation. Absence of proper medication counseling might lead to drug discontinuation even if the ADR is mild. The aim of this study is to explore the Bahraini hypertensive patients’ satisfaction and experience with the use of their medications and factors affecting this. This study also aims at exploring incidence and severity of the ADRs of the antihypertensive medications experienced by patients. Literature search using PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholars was conducted. Additionally, structured interviews conducted for 100 hypertensive patients from Bahrain hospitals and relatives. It was found that headache and fatigue are the most common (46%) experienced side effect followed by dry mouth (36%), diarrhea or constipation (36%) and impaired vision (32%). Additionally, it was found that most of the participants (37%) start to suffer from the ADR 6 months after initiation of their medications. Moreover, most of the participants (91%) found to be satisfied with their medications despite their ADRs while only 9% of them are not. Antihypertensive medications are accompanied with a lot of ADR but their incidence and severity varies. The majority of the ADRs reported in this study were mild and do not affect patients’ daily routine or threaten their life. The positive patients’ satisfaction and experience with their medication might indicate good pharmacist/physician monitoring and counseling. This role needs to be emphasized and enriched even more.

Biography:

David Naor is a professor of immunology in the Hebrew University, faculty of Medicine and was the head of Milton Winograd Chair of Cancer Studies. He received his Ph.D from the Hebrew University. He served as visiting professor in leading universities (e.g., UCLA, Harvard). He published 152 articles, including in leading journals like Nature, PNAS, J Clin Invest, J immunol, J Exp Med etc. He was invited to speak on CD44 at 8 plenary sessions of international conferences. He has been a member in editorial boards of several international scientific journals and he is an associate editor of Frontiers in Immunology. He is on the scientific board of International Congress on Autoimmunity. He received awards from Johnson & Johnson "In recognition of outstanding research towards the advances of science and technology in health care” and from the Hebrew University for his “outstanding achievements in research and teaching”.

Abstract:

A human CD44-derived 5-mer peptide displays an efficient anti-inflammatory response in collagen–induced arthritis mouse model, as it can regenerate the normal anatomy and the function of the damaged tissue. Injection of the peptide after the onset of the disease substantially reduced the inflammation as indicated by blind analysis of footpad swelling and histopathology of joint sections. The effect is autoimmune-specific and the peptide injection does not induce neutralizing antibodies. In attempt to understand its mechanism of action we focused efforts to identify the target molecule of this 5-mer peptide. Mass Spectrometry analysis revealed that serum amyloid A (SAA) is a potential target for the anti-inflammatory activity of the 5-mer peptide. The SAA epitope, which is recognized and neutralized by the peptide, is highly involved not only in the pathology of  rheumatoid arthritis, but also in the pathologies of multiple sclerosis and nonalcoholic fatty liver, which may lead to type 2 diabetes. This finding provides additional indications for the therapeutic potential of the 5-mer peptide. SAA strongly supports cell migration in a rheumatoid arthritis model.  This finding can explain why the 5-mer peptide is effective in the inhibition of joint inflammation and regeneration of joint normal tissue, as cell migration is an essential element of the inflammation cascade.

Biography:

Rashid Mahmood has Master Degree in Analytical Chemistry and MS in Total Quality Management. He has 13 years of experience of Pharmaceutical Quality Operations and has attended many international conferences as a keynote speaker. He has presented various talks in USA & China on Cleaning Validation, cGMP Guidelines and Quality Risk Management. Currently he is working as a Senior Executive Manager Quality Operations for Surge Labs (Manufacturer of Microencapsulated APIs, Liquid & Dry Powder Parentrals) which is the best export oriented company in Pakistan.

Abstract:

In the pharmaceutical industry every product and every process associated with risks. To maintain product quality throughout the product life cycle, too much time and resources are allocated. Risk is described in – recent guidance as a combination of the probability of occurrence of harm and the severity of that harm. The Quality Risk Management (QRM) approach initiated by regulatory agencies with recognized management tools along with support of statistic al tools in combination allows for a risk based approach to quality management, thus ensuring that resources are deployed in a timely and expeditious manner to areas that need them most. QRM improves risk awareness and accelerates detection of potential issues by analyzing and comparing existing data from a quality perspective to manage product quality, manufacturing processes, validation and compliance within a risk based Quality Management System. In addition quality risk management improves decision making if a quality problem arises. It should include systemic processes designated to co-ordinate, facilitate and improve sciencebased decision-making with respect to risk. Quality Risk Management can be applied not only in the manufacturing environment, but also in connection with pharmaceutical development and preparation of the quality part of marketing authorization dossiers. The guideline applies also to the regulatory authorities in the fields of pharmaceutical assessment of the quality part of the marketing authorization dossier, GMP inspections and the handling of suspected quality defects. ICH Q9 - Quality Risk Management provides an excellent high-level framework for the use of risk management in pharmaceutical product development and manufacturing quality decision making applications. It is a landmark document in acknowledging risk management as a standard and acceptable quality system practice to facilitate good decision-making with regard to risk identification, resource prioritization and risk mitigation / elimination, as appropriate.

Biography:

Abhijit Shrirao has completed his M. Pharmacy (Pharmacology) at the age of 24 years from NMIMS University, Mumbai. He has an experience of 1.5 years in Clinical R & D, and 6 years of academic experience. Currently He is working as Assistant Professor at P. Wadhwani College of Pharmacy, Yavatmal. He has interest in developing medicines from herbal origin which are cheap and having less adverse effects. Currently he is studying herbs for their possible antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activity. 

Abstract:

Objective:  In the present study, an ethanolic extract from Madhuca longifolia bark was evaluated for its hypocholesterolaemic and hypotriglyceridaemic activities using Triton WR-1339 induced hyperlipemic rats as experimental model. Material and Method: Hyperlipidemia was induced by a single injection of Triton WR 1339 (400 mg/kg i.p.) in sprauge dawley rats. Ethanolic extract of Madhuca longifolia bark (ML) (250, 500 and 750 mg/kg/day) was administered to hyperlipidemic rats for one week. Harvested serum was analyzed for lipid profile such as cholesterol, triglyceride, and lipoproteins. Oxidative stress parameters like Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Glutathione reductase (GRh) and activity of lipolytic enzyme such as lecithin–cholesterol-acyltransferase (LCAT) & post-heparin lipolytic activity (PHLA) were estimated in the liver tissues of hyperlipidemic rats. Results: Result of the study suggested that treatment with ML 750mg/kg/day significantly (pË‚0.01) lowered the level of serum cholesterol, triglyceride phospholipids and increased in lecithin–cholesterol-acyltransferase activity & post-heparin lipolytic activity compared to Triton-treated rats. In addition, ML 750mg/kg/day significantly (pË‚0.01) reduces oxidative stress and normalizes the activities of SOD, CAT, GPx and GRh compared to Triton-treated rats. Conclusion: The current study provides strong evidence that intragastric administration of ML 750mg/kg/day has a beneficial effect in treating dyslipidemia with decrease in oxidative stress. 

Biography:

Naheed A Sheik is working in department of Pharmacology, KYDSCT College of Pharmacy, Sakegaon, Bhusawal 425201, Maharashtra, India

Abstract:

Present study deals with investigation of hepatoprotective and antioxidant potentials of E. hirsutum in iron overloaded rats. The hepatotoxicity was induced by administering six IP injections of iron dextran (12.5 mg/100g) uniformly distributed over a period of 30 days. Different fractions of E. hirsutum were given orally whereas Deferoxamine (DFO) was given subcutaneously for 30 days. The various biochemical parameters were estimated on 15^th and 30^th days of treatment whereas antioxidant parameters were estimated on 30^th days of treatment. The methanolic fraction of methanolic extract (MFME) and methanolic fraction of aqueous extract (MFAE) of E. hirsutum significantly (P<0.01) decreases Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and Glutathione (GSH) whereas significantly (P<0.01) increases Malondialdehyde (MDA) as compared to the disease control (DC) rats. There were significant (P<0.01) hepatoprotective effect shown by MFME and MFAE of E. hirsutum. Hence present study concluded that MFME and MFAE of E. hirsutum have hepatoprotective and antioxidant effect. The possible mechanism of action as hepatoprotective may be due to its antioxidant potential by scavenging free radicals through iron chelation.

Biography:

Deepak S Mohale has completed his Ph. D. from PRIST University, Vallam Thanjavur, Tamil nadu, India. He has published 27 research and review articles in reputed journals and presented research paper in international conference at Dubai for that he has received International travel grant from Indian Council of Medical Research, Delhi, India. Serving as Editorial member for Reputed journals he has near about 9 years of teaching experience in the mean while guided 9 Post graduate students and guiding 2 Post graduate students, also guided 34 undergraduate students.

Abstract:

Purpose- Study was conducted to investigate the effect of Imipramine on blood lipid parameters in depressed rat.

Methods- Rats were subjected for 21 days social isolation; the rats displayed an increase in depression on force swim test and Tail suspension test relative to control. Various Blood lipid parameters i.e. Cholesterol, Triglyceride, LDL and HDL were determined.

Results- There was significant increase in the level of Cholesterol, Triglyceride, LDL and decrease in the levels of HDL after social isolation.

Conclusion- The result of the present investigation showed that with the increase in the levels of depression, there is increase in the blood lipid profile.

Biography:

Suraj T Landge is working as an assistant professor in the department of Pharmaceutics at Pataldhamal Wadhawani College of Pharmacy, Dhamangaon Road, Moha Phata, Yavatmal, Maharshtra, India.

Abstract:

Bioavailability is defined as the rate and extent of the drug concentration in the systemic circulation after oral administration. The BCS is a scientific framework for classifying drug substances based on their aqueous solubility and intestinal permeability.

            Furosemide is a class IV drug. Present experimental work was aimed, to prepare optimized, stable Solid self emulsifying drug delivery system containing Furosemide. The combination of the various solubilizer and hydrophilic surfactants like Poloxamer 188, polysorbate 80 and Medium chain triglycrides  were used in the present study. PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil was used as solvent cum co surfactant on the basis of solubility of Furosemide. The formulations were so designed that they form nano dispersion on contact with water or GI fluids which increases the permeability through GI membrane.

All the prototype formulation tested for in vitro dissolution formed nano emulsion in 15 minutes. Trend of drug dissolution of prototype A and B remain constant or increase margingally  as the time increases, dissolution rate of drug remains constant or increases marginally until 60 minutes in case of prototypes A and B. This indicates that upon contact with dissolution media, formulations A1 to A3 and B1 to B3 form emulsions which have poor thermodynamic stability and eventually drug particle size in dispersion increases.  This was not observed in the case of the prototype C3 formulation where the drug dissolution enhances with time indicating good thermodynamic stability of nanoemulsion produced on contact with aqueous fluids.

             Thus Prototype C3 is optimized formulation and this optimized batch was evaluated for average weight of tablet, Hardness, Friability, disintegration time, dissolution and stability study was carried out.

Biography:

Prakash Kinthada is a Professor in Chemistry at Sri Vidyanikethan Engineering college, JNTU University in Ananthapur, A. Rangam Peta, Tirupathi, India.

Abstract:

Cancer is a dreadful disease and any practical solution in combating this disease is of paramount importance to public health. Cancer patients have burdened by drug induced toxic side effects, and no turned to seek help from the complementary and alternative medicine hoping for a better cure. Research on Platinum based drugs and Non Platinum based drugs is a Multi-Million Dollar Industry in USA and there is every need to produce safe drugs for the cure of this monstrous disease. Flavonoids have a long history of use in traditional medicines in many cultures. The phytochemical, curcumin is one of the major dietary flavonoid, belonging to a group of flavonol, Curcumin is a natural polyphenol. It is highly potential molecule capable of preventing and treating various cancers.  Various dietary chemo preventive agents, turmeric powder or its extract are broadly used as therapeutic preparations in Indian System of medicine. We provide a summarized synthesis and structural determination of Curcumin Oxime, Curcumin Thiosemicarbazone derivative of Gold (III) complex. The use of these analogs for prevention of cancer tumor progression and treatments of human malignancies. A pharmacologic agent for treating and/or preventing cancer, among other diseases and conditions, and particularly breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancer, in humans and animals. The novel pharmacologic agent is an isoflavonoid or isoflavonoid mimetic covalently attached to a cytotoxic pharmacophore that, preferably has the ability to conjugate with a metal salt to form a more potent metal complex, particularly a Au (III) complex and other complexes of Platinum, Palladium, Ruthenium, Copper etc.

My talk would mainly encompass different Transition Metal Complexes/Organometallic Compounds   that are presently used as drugs, especially Anticancer and Anti-HIV drugs, apart from Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antibacterial and diseases like Arthritis and Parkinson’s Disease etc. The talk would mainly focus on the use of Medicinal Chemistry and it’s application to Drug Design and Development in Pharmaceutical Industry ,  especially    Transition Metal Complexes and Organometallic Compounds viz. Gold, Platinum, Palladium And Ruthenium apart from Copper, Cobalt, Iron,  Nickel, Zinc, Cadmium etc.

The main emphasis of my talk would be on Different class of Ligands, their Schiff’s Bases and Transition Metal Complexes especially Au, Pt, Pd and Ru, with the main aim of designing, developing very novel small molecules, as possible and extremely potential candidates as Anti-cancer and Anti-HIV drugs. The talk would provide an overview of current programs being undertaken in our laboratories, especially focused on the development of potent ligands capable of recognizing Binding sites and diverse strategies employed by my group for elucidation of Anti-Cancer and Anti-HIV drug Leads to Circumvent the problem caused by Cis-Platin.

We have synthesized and characterized several phytochemicals from Traditional Medicinal Plants and isolated some phytochemicals and  made the corresponding Oximes, Thiosemicarbazones and Substituted thiosemicarbazones as ligands and synthesized, characterized, structurally elucidated their Transition Metal Complexes especially with Gold, Platinum, Palladium, Ruthenium, Copper etc. and Studied their Anticancer Activity, Nuclease activity etc. and tested their potential as Anticancer Drugs.

The main aim of our extensive/preclinical Pharmaceutical development program is to investigate the use of these extremely novel small molecules-metal complexes/compounds of phytochemicals, flavanoids etc., which have very interesting structural features and properties and hence are excellent candidates as Anti-Cancer and Anti-HIV drugs .The main aim of our research is Design ,Development and Synthesis of Transition Metal Complexes/ Organometallic Compounds that would certainly help to bring this force of nature from BENCH to BEDSIDE and enhance Cancer Killing with less toxic effects and would certainly lead to initiation of clinical trials.  

Biography:

Hassan Eisa expertise in evaluation and passion in improving the health and wellbeing. His open and contextual evaluation model based on responsive constructivists creates new pathways for improving healthcare. M Fatima, expertise in evaluation and passion in improving the health and wellbeing. Her open and contextual evaluation model based on responsive constructivists creates new pathways for improving healthcare.

Abstract:

Plants have been the basis for medical treatments through much of human history, and such traditional medicine is still widely practiced today. Modern medicine recognizes herbalism as a form of alternative medicine, as the practice of herbals is not strictly based on evidence gathered using the scientific method. A number of ancient cultures wrote on plants and their medical uses. In ancient Egypt, herbs are mentioned in Egyptian medical Papyri, depicted in tomb illustrations, or on rare occasions found in medical jars containing trace amounts of herbs.

Elevated cholesterol levels will promotes the atherosclerosis. High cholesterol levels are associated with the increased incidence of coronary heart diseases. Reduction in the cholesterol and the HDL concentration significantly reduces the cholesterol levels.Anti-Obesity activity was performed by using the high fat diet induced method. In the present study an increase in plasma HDL-cholesterol with a concomitant percentage decrease from other lipid was observed. It can be concluded from the present data that the levels of total serum cholesterol, triglyceride which are actually raised in atherogenic diet, can be lowered significantly with  Heliotropium indicum. Atherogenic index which actually rose in atherogenic diet can be lowered significantly with Heliotropium indicum and a very good % protection was seen with Heliotropium indicum and standard drug. In histopathological studies, aorta section of athero diet animals shows marked atheromatous thickening in the intima. The atheromatous inflammatory changes were absent in normal group, standard drug and extract treatedgroups.From this we can conclude that the extract (Heliotropiumindicum) showed the anti Obesity activity.

Biography:

Nashwa Masnoon is a PhD student at the University of South Australia (UniSA) and a pharmacist at the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH). She graduated from Bachelor of Pharmacy with Honours at UniSA in 2013. Her research experiences include developing a dose adjustment tool for warfarin, evaluating patient retention of information after warfarin counselling by clinical pharmacists and assessing the use of different psychotropic medications in a mental health hospital. As a result of having worked at the Repatriation General Hospital, Glenside Mental Health Hospital and the RAH, her areas of interest and publications are in geriatric medicine, psychotropic polypharmacy and the quality use of medicines. Nashwa’s PhD project focuses on optimising medication use in the older population. She is also involved in medication management for clients with disabilities. Nashwa received the Student Leadership Award in 2013 for mentoring students and continues teaching undergraduate students and interns in hospital pharmacy. 

Abstract:

Polypharmacy is common for people with mental illness, and is associated with increased risk of serious adverse events. The aim of this study was to compare medication prescribing patterns at the time of admission to and discharge from an acute psychiatric hospital, focusing specifically on characteristics of the use of antipsychotics, antidepressants and benzodiazepines. This was a prospective study of a random sample of 60 patients admitted to the acute wards of a 125 bed psychiatric hospital. Medication use data was analysed to ascertain the range of medications prescribed, as well as characteristics of dosage regimen and intensity based on Defined Daily Doses (DDD). Patient-specific characteristics including age and gender were analysed. The mean patient age was 38.4 ± 11.5 years with 51.7% of patients being female. The number of regular antipsychotics did not significantly change between admission and discharge; the mean DDD of antipsychotics however was increased significantly (p = 9.0 × 10^-7) on discharge compared with on admission. Both the mean number and DDD for benzodiazepines was significantly decreased on discharge (p = 2.2 × 10^-15 and 4.2×10^-7 respectively). No significant changes in either the number or DDD of antidepressants at the time of discharge were identified (p= 0.71 and 0.20 respectively). There was a significant decrease in the mean number of medications whose prescribed dose was above the maximum recommended daily dose on discharge (p = 1.4×10^-7) when compared with admission.

The findings of this study indicate that admission to a mental health hospital is associated with rationalisation of treatment. This included optimisation of regular antipsychotic use, while minimising the use of benzodiazepines; agents which are commonly associated with dependence, tolerance and other unwanted adverse effects.  

Biography:

Alok Shiomurti Tripathi is working at department of pharmacology in P. Wadhwani college of Pharmacy, Maharashtra, India.

Abstract:

The present study evaluates the possible drug interaction between glimepiride (GLIM) and sildenafil citrate (SIL) in streptozotocin (STZ) induced in diabetic nephropathic (DN) animals and also postulates the possible mechanism of interaction by molecular modeling studies. Diabetic nephropathy was induced by single dose of STZ (60 mg/kg, ip) and confirms it by assessing the blood and urine biochemical parameters on 28^th day of its induction. Selected DN animals were used for the drug interaction between GLIM (0.5mg/kg, p.o.) and SIL (2.5 mg/kg, p.o.) after 29^th and 70^th day of protocol. Drug interaction were assessed by evaluating the plasma drug concentration using HPLC-UV and also determine the change in the biochemical parameter in blood and urine. Mechanism of the interaction was postulated by molecular modeling study using Maestro module of Schrodinger software. DN was confirmed as there was significant alteration in the blood and urine biochemical parameter in STZ treated groups. The concentration of SIL increased significantly (p<0.001) in rat plasma when co administered with GLIM after 70^th day of protocol. Molecular modelling study revealed few important interactions with rat serum albumin and CYP2C9.GLIM has strong hydrophobic interaction with binding site residues of rat serum albumin compared to SIL. Whereas, for CYP2C9, GLIM has strong hydrogen bond with polar contacts and hydrophobic interactions than SIL. Present study concludes that bioavailability of SIL increases when co-administered chronically with GLIM in the management of DN animals and mechanism has been supported by molecular modeling studies.

Biography:

Paresh J Wadhwani is working in Pataldhamal Wadhawani College of Pharmacy, Dhamangaon Road, Moha Phata, Yavatmal, Maharshtra, India.

Abstract:

Present investigation evaluates the effect of hydro alcoholic extract of Nerium oleander (NO) in the management of diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) [60 mg/kg, i.p.]. Confirmation of neuropathy various parameters like glucose level, analgesic response, muscle coordination, and intestinal transit were checked. Loss of muscle coordination were checked by rata road apparatus and Swimming Endurance Test, whereas declination of analgesic response was done by tail flick response and writhing reflex. There was significant (p<0.01) improvement in analgesic response like as well as muscle coordination response was observed in the rats treated with the Hydro ethanoilc extract of NO compared to negative control group. The given study concluded that by improving the analgesic response, muscle coordination and intestinal transit NO is beneficial for the management of DN.

Biography:

Varun Vikas Vij has done M pharmacy in Pharmacology and pursuing PhD from Baba Farid University of Health Sciences Faridkot Punjab India and currently working as a Pharmacy Executive in Dayanand Medical College and Hospital Ludhiana Punjab India. Mr. Vij has 11 years of experience in pharmaceutical industry (9 years in Pharmaceutical marketing and 2 years in Hospital pharmacy). He has 2 International publications. He has keen interest in Neuro Pharmacology.

Abstract:

Neuropathic pain (NP) is defined as pain associated with damage or permanent alteration of the peripheral or central nervous system. Current drug treatment for the management of neuropathic pain associated with various adverse effects. The present study was designed to investigate the combined effect of acamprosate and baclofen in experimental model of peripheral Neuropathic pain in wistar rats. Material and Methods: Neuropathic pain was induced by chronic constriction injured (cci) of sciatic nerve in rats. A camprosate (100 and 200 mg/kg p.o) and baclofen (10 and 20 mg/kg p.o) was given in different groups for 14 days starting on 7th day post sciatic nerve ligation. Further combination of acamprosate(100 mg/kg p.o) and baclofen (10 mg/kg p.o) was also given to one group. On 1th, 3rd, 7th, 14thand 21stday behavioral parameters like mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were assessed. Then animals were sacrificed on 22nd day and biochemical parameters (gsh, lpo, catalase, nitrite, sod) were assessed. Results: ligation of sciatic nerve significantly induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia with increase in oxidative stress (increase in lpo and nitrite) and decline of anti-oxidant enzyme levels (catalase, sod, gsh) in sciatic nerve homogenate. A camprosate (100 and 200 mg/kg p.o) and baclofen (10and 20 mg/kg p.o) attenuated all the behavioural and biochemical parameters alone and/or combination.

Biography:

Waisudin Badri has received his B.Sc. in 2006. He obtained his master degree in the field of Pharmaceutical technology and Cosmetology from Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, France (2014). He began his PhD in the field of Pharmaceutical Technology at Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, France (2015). He has published up to now 7 manuscripts in international journals.

Abstract:

Nigella sativa (N. sativa) seed oil has been used for centuries in the treatment of various diseases (mainly due to its component named Thymoquinone). N. sativa seed oil improves percutaneous absorption thanks to its rich unsaturated fatty acids composition. In addition, N. sativa seed oil also has an anti-inflammatory effect. Encapsulation into polymeric nanoparticles could enhance stability and control the release. Nanoprecipitation as a method for nanoparticles preparation has several advantages such as simplicity to set-up, lower consumption of energy, time and water.

 Nanoprecipitation technique was used to prepare polycaprolactone (PCL) based nanoparticles. This technique includes two phases. Both (aqueous and organic) phases were prepared separately. Firstly, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was dissolved in Milli-Q water and then mixed with polysorbate 80. Secondly, organic phase was obtained after dissolution of PCL, Indomethacin and N. sativa seed oil in acetone. Subsequently, organic phase was injected into aqueous phase under continuous agitation. Finally, acetone has been evaporated by Rotavapor®.

N. Sativa seed oil encapsulated into nanoparticles would boost the dermal penetration of Indomethacin and as well its anti-inflammatory activity. Furthermore, these nanoparticles are considered for a dermal application which could decrease Indomethacin side effects.

Biography:

Noohu Abdulla khan has completed his Ph.D from Annamalai University Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India. He did Ph.D in the field of Type -2 diabetes mellitus. He is working in King Khalid University for past 9 years. He is Having 14 publications in the field of Diabetes and clinical pharmacy. Among 14 publications 6 are international publications and 8 national publications.

Abstract:

Type-2 diabetes Mellitus (T2 DM) is considered as most commonest and worst non- communicable chronic diseases in human history. In the past four decades, the lifestyle of the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has undergone tremendous changes, primarily leading to decreased physical activity and unhealthy eating habit. Knowledge, awareness is the greatest weapon in the fight against diabetes mellitus and can help the people understand the risk of diabetes, motivate them to seek proper treatment and care, and prepare them to keep the disease under control.

This is a cross sectional retrospective cum prospective study of patients which included all adult type 2 DM patients. A questionnaire was developed to know the attitude and awareness among the type-2 Diabetes male patients. Self monitoring blood glucose (SMBG), diet, physical exercise, compliance to drug therapy was considered as most important parameters. The mean age group was found to be 60.73(±10.50) yrs, with duration of diabetes of 16.54(±7.75) yrs. The patients had an average HbA1c value of 9.17(±1.68) % and with BMI of 28.52(±5.00) kg/m2. The targeted glycemic goal HbA1c ≤7% and FBS ≤130mg/dl was not achieved in this study group. There is a great need for continuous health education to diabetics and caregivers to improve their knowledge and awareness of different aspects of DM. Present study outcome indicates that the improvement in diabetic patient’s knowledge, awareness and attitude about the disease can do productive changes in the glycemic control.

Biography:

Mohammed K. El-Habil is Director of Pharmacy in Al-Rantisy Specialized Pediatric Hospital at Gaza, Palestine.

Abstract:

Purpose: Data regarding the use of ciprofloxacin in children with non-resolving pneumonia are scarce. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of ciprofloxacin therapy in pediatric patients with non-resolving pneumonia.

Methods: Over the past year, all pediatric patients with non-resolving pneumonia who received ciprofloxacin treatment in the pulmonary unit of Al-Rantisy specialized pediatric hospital in Gaza, Palestine, were included in this retrospective study. Ciprofloxacin was given for all patients in a dose of 20 mg/kg/day divided into two doses. Patient demographic data, clinical symptoms recorded, sputum culture findings and ciprofloxacin therapeutic outcome were gathered.  Data was analyzed using computer software SPSS version 11.

Results: The study included 57 patients with non-resolving pneumonia, 36 males and 21 females with mean age of 3.4 years, ranged from 2 month to 8 years. Fever (73.7%) and cough (89.5%) were the most common symptoms. Positive culture was obtained in 42 (73.6%) patients while 15 (26.4%) showed negative results. The most common organism isolated in the positive cultures was Pseudomonas aeruginosa 26 (62.0%). Among the study sample, 23 (40.4%) patients received ciprofloxacin as empirical therapy and 34 (59.6%) received this drug depending on culture sensitivity results. There was a significant decrease in body temperature levels (P<0.001) at day 1, 2 and 3 of ciprofloxacin treatment. Overall, ciprofloxacin was effective in the treatment of 53 (93.0%) patients of the present study. Only 4 (7%) cases showed resistant to this therapy. The mean length of hospital stay was 7.5 days.  No side effects were reported during the course of this study.

Conclusion: Data of the present study suggest that ciprofloxacin is effective and safe, including as initial monotherapy, for the treatment of pediatric patients with nonresolving pneumonia.