Personnel: Principal Research Scientist: K. Mulkijanyan; Senior Research Scientist M. Sulakvelidze, Research Scientist N. Gogitidze, Research Scientist N. Mushkiashvili, Research Scientist Zh. Novikova; Research Assistant M. Moistsrapishvili.
Gulnara Gasimova, Laboratory Animal Technician
Department of Preclinical Pharmacological Research - structural unit that studies biological activity of natural, chemically modified and synthetic compounds, determines their mechanism of action and safety.
History
Simultaneously with the foundation of the Institute, the structural unit has been established for the determination and evaluation of biological activity of natural compounds and drug development. In 1932-1960 it was the Division of Biological Evaluation (afterwards in 1960-2005 - Department of Biological Research). The unit was headed by Prof. Giorgi Vatsadze (1932-1938), Corr. Member of the Georgian Academy of Sciences Dimitri Gedevanishvili (1938-1960) and Prof. Mikheil Gedevanishvili (1960-2005). In 1977 the Department of Pharmacology was established and operated till 2004 under the direction of Prof. Guram Abuladze. In 2005 the above metioned departments were merged into a single Department of Preclinical Pharmacological Research. During the existence period, the staff of the units obtained 31 patents and copyright certificates, published more than 300 scientific papers, and defended dosens of doctoral theses.
Goals
- Bringing pharmacological and toxicological research into compliance with GLP and 3R standards;
- Rising market competitiveness of medications, veterinary preparations, and biologically active additives developed in Georgia both locally and internationally;
- Assisting young scientists and students to improve their skills in state-to-the-art research methods.
Objectives
- Implementation of GLP complaint methods of pharmacological and toxicological research;
- Assessment of biological activity and safety of natural compounds and pharmaceutical products developed at Georgian Scientific-Research Centers;
- Providing the necessary knowledge in experimental science to baccalureate, masters and PhD students;
- Commercial activity to mobilize funds for the development of scientific research.
Research Areas
- Prediction / analysis of the biological activity and toxicity of natural compounds (QSAR)
- Pharmacological correction of some disorders of physiological systems
- Pharmacological correction of inflammation and regenerative processes
- Pharmacological correction of hemopoiesis;
- Toxicological research
Research Methodology
in silico and in vitro studies
- Prediction of biological activities including pharmacological effects, mechanism of action & interaction with enzymes on the basis of 3500 sample database
- Prediction of physical-chemical properties, pharmacokinetic parameters and toxicity
- Drug-receptor interactions on isolated organs
in vivo and in situ studies
- Anti-inflammatory activity (3 models)
- Wound healing activity (3 models)
- Gastroprotective activity (3 models)
- Hepatoprotective activity
- Hematopoietic activity
- Antiarrhythmic activity
- Analgesic activity
- Sedative activity
- Myorelaxant activity
- Anticonvulsant activity
Toxicological studies
- Acute and sub-acute toxicity
- Chronic toxicity
- Allergenic activity
- Local irritative properties
Academic area
- Involvement of masters and doctors in the research process,
- Participation in the compilation of master's and doctoral programs
- Mentorship of theses;
Expertise/Consulting Area
- Compilation of regulations for the clinical trials and approval of developed drugs;
- Monitoring of clinical trials of the developed drugs in specialized institutions.
- Providing the structural units of chemical and technological profile with modern trends in pharmacology and pharmacotherapy;
- planning and evaluation of long-term research projects associated with biologically active compounds.
10-year Results
- Compounds Studied – 124;
- Grant Projects – 12
- Publications – 52
- Presentations at local and international conferences – 44
- Patents – 2
