SYNOPSIS

Pharmaceutical Chemistry is one of the 3 Departments at MNR College of Pharmacy. Masters of Pharmacy (M. Pharm) with pharmaceutical chemistry specialization was started in 2009. It is a well-established research laboratory consisting of sophisticated instruments like FTIR, HPLC etc to carry out the research activities. Pharmaceutical chemistry is by nature an interdisciplinary science, and practitioners have a strong background in organic chemistry, which must eventually be coupled with a broad understanding of biological concepts related to cellular drug targets.

• Development of new chemical entities for the treatment of cancer, diabetes, tuberculosis, inflammation, and hypertension
• Faculty members actively engage themselves in research work
• Faculty publish and present their research work in reputed national and international journals and conferences
• The program empowers students to continue to pursue higher studies and research activities.
• The research activities are supported by funding agencies like CSIR, DST and DSIR
• Pharmaceutical Chemistry department with its culture of collaborations and its focus on solutions helps the students to build a better future
• Tie-ups with other international researchers to create a new class of anticancer and antimicrobial agents
• Faculty and students have the potential and get opportunities to make discoveries that could change the world.
• The syllabus has been revised taking into consideration the current developments in the field of pharmacy
• To meet the requirements of pharmaceutical industries, academia, and regulatory bodies
• Practical exercises the students to get practical skills in diverse areas like analytical techniques, natural product isolation, physicochemical properties, separation techniques, drug synthesis, etc.
• Encourage seminars as part of the training program for it provides the opportunity to develop good communication and presentation skills.

Under the guidance of Dr. V. Alagarsamy, Principal, MNR College of pharmacy (MNRCOP), is collaborating with various laboratories and organizations. Some are given below:

• National Cancer Institute, USA
• Rega Institute for Medical Research, Belgium
• Southern Research Institute, USA

Program Outlook

Pharmaceutical Chemistry prompels many scientific disciplines and allows collaboration with researchers from other disciplines like biologists, toxicologists, pharmacologists, theoretical chemists, microbiologists, and bio-pharmacists in developing new drugs. One can place himself/herself in a very competitive position by having a strong background in organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry.

Job Prospects

• Drug Discovery & Development (CADD)
• Organic & Medicinal Chemistry Division
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Division
• Pharmaceutical Bulk Drug Division
• Pharmaceutical Analytical R & D

Skill Development

• Synthetic organic chemistry skills
• Ability to purify drugs and intermediates
• Spectroscopic techniques
• Broad understanding of biological roles of drugs
• Teamwork and interpersonal skills
• Good communication skills

A calm and pleasant imagination and sheer persistence are the most important qualities of a pharmaceutical chemist. Also they should have good written and verbal communication skills, as they are the team players in drug discovery process and frequently need to interact with scientists from other disciplines. The most encouraging and motivational factor for chemists is the fact that their work helps to improve human health and reduces sufferings.

PHARMACEUTICAL ANALYSIS

Pharmaceutical analysis is a term used traditionally to define the analysis of drugs and other formulations through experimental and laboratory methods to determine their efficacy and effectiveness for the undergoing research. Pharmaceutical industries use day in and day out to analyse the old drugs and formulations already in use for their purity, and also to test the new and upcoming drugs and formulations.

Pharmaceutical analysis, is therefore, an integral part of the life of a pharmacy student and researcher and it forms the basis of any research conducted. A drug cannot appear in the market before a thorough pharmaceutical analysis is conducted to ensure its efficacy. However, pharmaceutical analysis is a long-term process, and requires a rigorous schedule, testing, stringent experimental conditions involving bio-analytical chemistry, analytical biotechnology, microbiology and many more to make it effective.

The pharmacy students and researchers at the MNR college of Pharmacy undergo training under expert faculty on the different tools used for pharmaceutical analysis. The years spent under the expert faculty members and researchers help them to grasp the intricate usage of innumerable tools and their mode of applications for any particular group of drugs. The idea is to make the pharmacy students market-ready after the four years spent in the college and to ensure they confidently make a space for themselves in the world of pharmaceutics.

The past year and a half have shown the importance of pharmaceutics and drug analysis to fight against various unknown and dangerous species of microbes that might surprise us anytime in the coming years. It is therefore, necessary to keep all the tools ready- including gaining expertise in pharmaceutical analysis to make a larger impact in the world of medicine and healing.