Pharmacy Students’ Symposium 2009Pharmacy Students’ Symposium 2009Pharmacy Students’ Symposium 2009Pharmacy Students’ Symposium 2009

The Annual Pharmacy Students Symposium remains a very significant activity of the Pharmacy Depart-ment for the past academic year. This year’s Pharmacy Symposium was held at the Institute of Health-care’s central auditorium, Mater Dei Hospital (MDH) between the 9th and 13th March. Highly distinguished guests including the Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Hon. Joe Cassar and the Minister for Social Policy, Hon. John Dalli contributed to this year’s annual symposium.

Final year Pharmacy students delivered the results of their research projects via oral communication sessions. Fourth, third and second year students reported their work-in-progress through poster discussion sessions and poster presenta-tions. The areas tackled include pharmacotherapy and treatment protocols, pharmaceutical care and point-of-care test-ing, pharmacy information, pharmacy administration, regulatory affairs, industrial pharmacy, as well as clinical and phar-maceutical analysis. The six final year M.Sc. students presented their research work on three main areas of pharmacy including clinical pharmacy, pharmacoeconomics and industrial pharmacy. In her welcoming speech Prof. Lilian Azzopardi, new Head of Phar-macy Department thanked predecessor Prof. Anthony Serracino In-glott for his useful contributions to the Pharmacy profession and as-serted his new role as the coordinator of the project module. Prof. Azzopardi invited Hon. Joe Cassar, to deliver his speech on the evolv-ing roles of pharmacy.

The chancellor of the University of Malta, Prof. John Rizzo Naudi gave a tribute to Prof. An-thony Serracino Inglott, Prof. Lilian M. Azzopardi and Dr. Maurice Zarb Adami for their vision and energy in the Pharmacy department that resulted in so many high standard graduates. In his speech, the Dean of the faculty of Medicine & Surgery, Professor Godfrey Laferla stated that the Department of Pharmacy is one of the pillars of the Faculty of Medicine & Surgery and that sterling work is being carried out in different areas of pharmacy. According to pro-rector Prof. Richard Muscat such re-search should be brought to the attention of the public and policymakers so that it can assist them in making a more rational and sustainable use of medicines and of pharmacy services.

“I am pleased to note that my persistent urging of the leaders in phar-macy is leading to a broader collaboration between the Pharmacy Department at Mater Dei Hospital and the Depart-ment of Pharmacy of the University. In this way, the developmental route map of a practitioner towards assuring high quality performance can be

achieved through a ca-reer structure approach”

-Hon. Dr. Joe Cassar

9/3/09

I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

World Meeting 2010 2

Research Spot– Acne 3

Advertisement 4

This newsletter is published This newsletter is published This newsletter is published This newsletter is published as part of an undergraduate as part of an undergraduate as part of an undergraduate as part of an undergraduate project carried out by Antine project carried out by Antine project carried out by Antine project carried out by Antine Vella under the supervision Vella under the supervision Vella under the supervision Vella under the supervision of Professor Anthony of Professor Anthony of Professor Anthony of Professor Anthony Serracino Inglott. ESerracino Inglott. ESerracino Inglott. ESerracino Inglott. E----mail: mail: mail: mail: a n t h o n y . s e r r a c i n oa n t h o n y . s e r r a c i n oa n t h o n y . s e r r a c i n oa n t h o n y . s e r r a c i n o ----inglott@um.edu.mt inglott@um.edu.mt inglott@um.edu.mt inglott@um.edu.mt

U N I V E R S I T Y O F M A LTA

The Pharmacy Department Review August 2009 Volume 1 Issue 5

Prof. Lilian Azzopardi addressing the audience during the opening cere-mony.

The next distinguished guest was the Hon. John Dalli who delivered a talk on Wednesday about the ever-increasing challenges facing the pharmacy profession. Hon. Dalli em-phasised the importance of pharmacoeconomics mentioning as a case in point, the Pharmacy of Your Choice (POYC) sys-tem. He stated that the whole scheme is to be reevaluated in an exercise that will involve all the stakeholders, including the Pharmacy Department. On Thursday, two pharmacists from MDH, Ms. Josette Sci-berras and Mr. Mark L. Zammit gave an overview of the ca-reer of a hospital pharmacist. Afterwards, students and all those present were invited for a tour around the Pharmacy

department at MDH to actually see and understand better the role of the pharmacist in this scenario. During the last day of the symposium Prof. Anthony Serracino Inglott expressed his satisfaction and pride at the high level of the students’ work. He took the opportunity to thank all those who contributed in helping the students during the course of their research. He then introduced Prof. Sam Salek from Cardiff University who has been in a long standing collaboration with the Pharmacy department in joint research pro-grammes. Prof. Salek in his brief comment stated how much the pharmacy sympo-sium has grown over the years and congratulated the students for their achievement

in presenting their work in a professional manner. To conclude this year’s symposium, a gala dinner was held on Friday evening at the Monte Kristo Wine Vaults, Hal Farrug, which was followed by a party at the same venue.

Hon. Dr. Joe Cassar addressing the audience on the first day of the symposium.

Hon. Mr. John Dalli during his speech on Wednesday the 11th March 2009.

“The Annual Pharmacy Symposium, which is

organised by the Depart-ment of Pharmacy, is one

of the activities that forms an integral part of the educational process. The symposium brings together all pharmacy students and this is an opportunity for network-ing within the profession. Students practice their skills in dissemination of results from projects

through the preparation of abstracts, poster and oral presentations.”

-Hon. Mr. John Dalli

11/3/09

IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction The World Meeting on Pharmaceutics, Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology is a biennial event that has gained an ever increasing importance among pharmaceutical experts. Numerous oral sessions and poster presentations offer new and world-renowned scientists from all over the world the opportunity to present their work, be abreast with the latest scientific findings and share their experience with colleagues on a

wide range of topics related to Pharmaceutics, Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology.

Overview Overview Overview Overview The 7th edition of the cited meeting will be held next year between the 8th and 11th March at the Mediterra-nean Conference Centre in Valletta, Malta. An international exhibition for R&D (Research & Development), ResearchPharm will accompany the meeting wherein named contract manufacturers will be invited to show-case their company and services to a truly international and highly specialized audience. State-of-the-art labo-ratory equipment, excipients and latest information on various scientific and technical services will be pre-

sented during this exhibition.

The meeting will focus on industry related topics with the main objective being that of bridging academic re-search and industrial applications. Some of the topics that will be discussed include: advanced drug delivery systems; site-specific delivery and targeting; parenteral delivery; biomaterials; biocompatibility; polymers; tis-sue engineering; bioavailability and absorption enhancement; cellular drug transport and in-vitro/in-vivo corre-

lations.

Organisation Organisation Organisation Organisation Prof. Lilian M. Azzopardi and Prof. Anthony Serracino Inglott together with Mr. Alan Caruana and Mr. Mario Galea form part of the local organising committee. For the first time, the A.D.R.I.T.E.L.F. (Italian “Associazione Docenti Ricercatori Italiani di Tecnologie e Legislazione Farmaceutiche”) is going to act as a full partner together with APGI (French “Association de Pharmacie Galénique Industrielle”), APV (German “International Association for Pharmaceutical Technology”) and the Malta Pharmaceutical Association for the organisation of the event. The chairs of the conference Prof. J. Siepmann (France), Prof. U. Conte (Italy), Prof. E. Fattal (France) and Prof. P. Kleinebudde (Germany) cordially invite you to join the 7th edition of the World Meeting on Pharmaceutics, Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology. Further information is available from Professor Anthony Serracino Inglott. Telephone: 79993442 or e-mail: anthony.serracino-inglott@um.edu.mt

P a g e 2 T h e P h a r m a c y D e p a r t m e n t R e v i e w

7th World Meeting on Pharmaceutics, 7th World Meeting on Pharmaceutics, 7th World Meeting on Pharmaceutics, 7th World Meeting on Pharmaceutics,

Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology

8th-11th March 2010

Valletta, Malta

The Welcome Reception will be held at the Grand Masters Palace under the Patronage of His Excellency Dr.

George Abela, President of the Republic of Malta on Monday, 8th March 2010.

From Tuesday to Thursday, two of the four parallel oral presentation sessions will be delivered by invited speakers from the industrial and academic world on the following themes: biopharmaceuticals; progress in solid dosage form development and manufacturing; modified oral release; modern devices; nucleic acid design and delivery; process design and control and challenges in pediatric dosage form development. Prof. Thomas Kissel (University of Marburg, Germany), Prof. Kostas Kostarelos (University of London, UK) and Prof. Jean-Paul Remon (University of Ghent, Belgium) are expected to give comprehensive plenary lectures. A more detailed programme can be found on the official meeting’s website: http://www.worldmeeting.org/

Notice for authorsNotice for authorsNotice for authorsNotice for authors Authors are to submit their abstracts online using the following URL: www.worldmeeting.org/abstracts/ The dead-line for abstract submission is the 15th November 2009.

Grand Master’s Palace, Valletta

P A G E 3 V o l u m e 1 I s s u e 5

Mailing Address: Mailing Address: Mailing Address: Mailing Address: Department of Pharmacy,

University of Malta, Msida MSD 2080, Malta.

EEEE----mail address: mail address: mail address: mail address: phcy@um.edu.mt

Tel: Tel: Tel: Tel: +356 21343764/5

Fax: Fax: Fax: Fax: +356 21340427

Head of Department: Prof. L.M. Azzopardi Head of Department: Prof. L.M. Azzopardi Head of Department: Prof. L.M. Azzopardi Head of Department: Prof. L.M. Azzopardi

lilian.m.azzopardi@um.edu.mt

Editor: Antine Vella Editor: Antine Vella Editor: Antine Vella Editor: Antine Vella

avel0019@um.edu.mt

Web: Web: Web: Web: http://www.um.edu.mt/ms/pharmacy

The research spotThe research spotThe research spotThe research spotThe research spotThe research spotThe research spotThe research spot–––––––– Acne Acne Acne Acne Acne Acne Acne Acne Acne vulgaris, commonly known as acne is an inflammatory disease involving the seba-ceous glands of the skin. The condition generally starts in adolescence and resolves by mid-twenties. Nevertheless, the condition may also affect neonates, prepubescent chil-dren and adults. Several studies analysing the condition have been carried out by students reading for a Bachelor in Pharmacy. The main points of their research are briefly mentioned below.

In his study, Ellul outlined the clinical features, the causes of acne, the antibiotics used in systemic therapy and the factors that might cause or influence the disease. In addition, he discussed the properties, presentation, application, contra-indications and warnings as well as sta-tistical data and results of clinical trials of some acne preparations. After this evaluation, the researcher formulated a new topical treatment and this was applied effectively on a volunteer.

The projects referred to in this newsletter are carried out under the supervision of members of the aca-demic staff of the Department of Pharmacy with the collaboration of other academic staff from various faculties and institutes in the Uni-versity including other departments in the Faculty of Medicine and Sur-gery. The Department of Pharmacy is fortunate to have such an expert collaboration from so many aca-demics and recognises such distin-

guished contributions.

The aim of the study was to gain epidemiological knowledge about acne in community practice from a sample consisting of 120 acne patients chosen from eight pharmacies around Malta. The patients inter-viewed mentioned genetic factors, sunlight, stress, chocolates, fried foods and menstruation as being the major triggering factors of acne. After three months of treatment the patients were interviewed again to determine the degree of improve-ment in their condition, the level of compliance and the possible reasons for lack of compliance. The most common reasons given for lack of compliance to treatment included side-effects from medications, lack of visible improvement, laziness and forgetfulness. Moreover, the degree of improvement was found to be dependent upon the medications used and on the level of patient compliance. In all cases, the degree of improvement increased as the levels of compliance improved. An outstanding improvement was seen in 4 of the 5 patients being treated with hormonal therapies, 11 of 21 patients taking systemic antibiotics and 3 of the 8 patients treated with systemic retinoids. When assessing the Maltese pharmacists’ knowledge on the evaluation of acne and the proper manage-ment of the condition, Portughese concluded that most of the pharmacists have adequate evaluation skills regarding acne but their knowledge on the management of this condition is somehow limited. In order to rectify and assist the pharmacists in their medication treatment of acne, Portughese compiled a

glossary of acne products available at a particular community pharmacy.

“A“A“A“A survey of acne vulgaris and its topical treatment”survey of acne vulgaris and its topical treatment”survey of acne vulgaris and its topical treatment”survey of acne vulgaris and its topical treatment”---- Godwin Ellul 1979Godwin Ellul 1979Godwin Ellul 1979Godwin Ellul 1979

““““Acne management in community practice”Acne management in community practice”Acne management in community practice”Acne management in community practice”---- Alexia Portughese 1998Alexia Portughese 1998Alexia Portughese 1998Alexia Portughese 1998

The study was divided into three sections. The first section aimed at describing the somatopsychic im-pact of 28 acne patients at Sir Paul Boffa Hospital while the other two sections attempted to determine the prescribing patterns and dispensing procedures for isotretinoin. In his study, Spiteri found that pa-tients perceived acne as having a number of negative consequences that impinged on their self- percep-tion and in their relationships with other people. These consisted of embarrassment (57%), depression or anxiety (36%), inferiority (25%) and social inhibition (39%). Focusing on the then prescribing trends, dermatologists used to prescribe the oral retinoid when acne failed to respond to adequate antimicrobial therapy. This is because of the teratogenic properties associ-ated with oral retinoids. After assessing the dispensing procedures for isotretinoin it was confirmed that the pharmacists needed further information on the management of acne patients undergoing oral isot-retinoin therapy and Spiteri issued an information booklet on this type of therapy.

““““Management of acne with special reference to isotretinoin”Management of acne with special reference to isotretinoin”Management of acne with special reference to isotretinoin”Management of acne with special reference to isotretinoin”---- Robert Paul Spiteri 1994Robert Paul Spiteri 1994Robert Paul Spiteri 1994Robert Paul Spiteri 1994

““““Quality of life and acne management”Quality of life and acne management”Quality of life and acne management”Quality of life and acne management”---- Vibeke Ellul Sullivan 2006Vibeke Ellul Sullivan 2006Vibeke Ellul Sullivan 2006Vibeke Ellul Sullivan 2006

Ellul Sullivan attempted to determine how the quality of life (QoL) of acne patients is affected before and after treatment. Through the study it was established that 86% of the sampled patients (n=44) showed at least some degree of improvement in the QoL after three months of treatment and that acne affected the mental state much more than the physical health. Females showed more improvement than males while adults showed more improvement than adolescents. It is important to note that im-provement in QoL is dependent upon various factors including successful treatment, the severity of acne being treated, side effects of treatment and scarring.

References: Ellul G. A survey of acne vulgaris and its topical treatment [dissertation]. Msida (Malta): University of Malta.; 1979. Spiteri RP. Management of acne with special refer-ence to isotretinoin [dissertation]. Msida (Malta): University of Malta.; 1994. Portughese A. Acne management in community practice [dissertation]. Msida (Malta): University of Malta.; 1998. Ellul Sullivan V. Quality of life and acne management [dissertation]. Msida (Malta): University of Malta.; 2006.

“I had pimples so badly it used to make me so shy. I used not to look at myself.” Michael Jackson

(1958-2009) American musician

How far would your patients go to relieve the itching?

DESCRIPTIONDESCRIPTIONDESCRIPTIONDESCRIPTION: Each NEOCLARITYN Tablet contains 5.0mg of desloratadine. Each 1ml of NEOCLARI-TYN Oral Solution contains 0.5mg of desloratadine. ACTIONS:ACTIONS:ACTIONS:ACTIONS: Desloratadine is a non-sedating long-acting histamine antagonist with potent selective peripheral H1-receptor antagonist activity. De-sloratadine has demonstrated anti-allergic, antihistaminic, anti-inflammatory activity. INDICATIONS INDICATIONS INDICATIONS INDICATIONS AND USAGEAND USAGEAND USAGEAND USAGE: NEOCLARITYN Tablets/Oral Solution is indicated for the rapid relief of symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing, nasal discharge and itching, congestion/ stuffi-ness, as well as ocular itching, tearing and redness, itching of palate and coughing. It is also indi-cated for the relief of symptoms associated with chronic idiopathic urticaria such as the relief of itching and the size and number of hives. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION:DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION:DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION:DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Tablets:Tablets:Tablets:Tablets: Adults and adolescents (>12years of age): One NEOCLARITYN 5mg film-coated Tablet once-a-day, regardless of mealtime. For oral use: Oral Solution:Oral Solution:Oral Solution:Oral Solution: Children 1 through 5years of age: 2.5ml (1.25mg) NEOCLARI-TYN Oral Solution once-a day, with or without a meal. In adults and adolescents (12years of age and over): 10ml (5mg) NEOCLARITYN Oral Solution once-a-day, with or without a meal. DRUG INTERAC-DRUG INTERAC-DRUG INTERAC-DRUG INTERAC-TIONS:TIONS:TIONS:TIONS: No clinically relevant interactions with NEOCLARITYN were observed in clinical trials. There was no effect of food or grapefruit juice on the disposition of desloratadine. NEOCLARITYN taken concomitantly with alcohol did not potentiate the performance impairing effects of alcohol. ADVERSE ADVERSE ADVERSE ADVERSE EFFECTSEFFECTSEFFECTSEFFECTS: In clinical trials in a range of indications including AR and CIU, at the recommended dose of 5mg daily, undesirable effects with NEOCLARITYN Tablets were reported in 3% of patients in excess of those treated with placebo. The most frequent adverse events reported in excess of placebo were fatigue (1.2%), dry mouth (0.8%), and headache (0.6%). In clinical trials in a pediatric population, NEOCLARITYN Oral Solution was administered to 246 children aged 6 months through 11 years. The overall incidence of adverse events was similar for the NEOCLARITYN Oral Solution and the placebo groups. CONTRAINDICATIONS:CONTRAINDICATIONS:CONTRAINDICATIONS:CONTRAINDICATIONS: Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients or to loratadine. PRECAUTIONS:PRECAUTIONS:PRECAUTIONS:PRECAUTIONS: Effects on ability to drive and use machines:Effects on ability to drive and use machines:Effects on ability to drive and use machines:Effects on ability to drive and use machines: No effects on the ability to drive and use of machines have been observed. USAGE DURING PREG-USAGE DURING PREG-USAGE DURING PREG-USAGE DURING PREG-NANCY AND LACTATIONNANCY AND LACTATIONNANCY AND LACTATIONNANCY AND LACTATION: No teratogenic effects were observed in animal trials with desloratadine. Since no clinical data on exposed pregnancies are available with desloratadine, the safe use of NEOCLARITYN during pregnancy has not been established. The use of NEOCLARITYN during preg-nancy is therefore not recommended. Desloratadine is excreted in breast milk, therefore the use of NEOCLARITYN is not recommended in breast-feeding women. OVERDOSAGE INFORMATIONOVERDOSAGE INFORMATIONOVERDOSAGE INFORMATIONOVERDOSAGE INFORMATION: In the event of overdose, consider standard measures to remove unabsorbed active substance. Sympto-matic and supportive treatment is recommended. Desloratadine is not eliminated by hemodialysis; it is not known if it is eliminated by peritoneal dialysis. HOW SUPPLIED:HOW SUPPLIED:HOW SUPPLIED:HOW SUPPLIED: NEOCLARITYN 5mg Tablets: boxes containing 30 tablets. NEOCLARITYN Oral Solution 0.5mg/ml in bottles of 100ml. STORAGE: STORAGE: STORAGE: STORAGE: TabletsTabletsTabletsTablets/Oral Solution:Oral Solution:Oral Solution:Oral Solution: Do not store above 30oC. Store in the original package. Refer to Patient Information Leaflet for further information. Marketing Authorisation Holder: SP Europe, Rue de Stalle 73, B-1180 Bruxelles, Belgium.