DIVISION OF LEAD OPTIMIZATION

                IPHARM’s main aim is to identify & develop bioactive compounds with pharmaceutical & nutraceutical properties. The Lead Optimization Division plays an important role in supporting the overall drug development activities of the institute.  The core activities in this division include drug-drug & drug-herb interaction studies, mechanisms of drug action, safety pharmacology, pharmacokinetics & toxicological studies of bioactive compounds identified by the Screening & Lead Identification Division.

                A major project, namely the development of a multiplex mRNA quantification of CYP isoforms & high throughput direct CYP 3A4 protein expression & detection system was initiated. Predicting the ability of a drug to modulate CYP expression at an early stage of its discovery & development reduces the risk of failure in the clinical setting &, more importantly, permit the identification of alternative non-inducing chemical structures. Drug-induced changes in expression of cytochrome (CYP) P450 genes & proteins are key causes of drug-drug & drug-herb interactions. Therefore, preclinical prediction of these changes by novel compounds is an integral component of drug development.  These preclinical data will provide reliable & relevant information on the studied properties of these compounds.

                The Lead Optimization Division of IPHARM, with the fully equipped interim laboratory will provide an important platform for researchers to fully contribute in this area of research & product development.