The College of Pharmacy has several specialized research alliances organized across its academic departments and covering diverse research areas and interests
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Drug Discovery and Computational Modeling - About the Alliance: The Drug Discovery and Computational Modeling Research Group focuses on the rational design, synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of small molecules with targeted therapeutic applications, with a major focus on cancer and infectious diseases - Research Focus The group aims to develop selective and effective compounds targeting dysregulated signaling pathways associated with tumor initiation, growth, and progression through structure-based drug design, computational modeling, kinase inhibitor development, chemical synthesis, analytical characterization, and biological evaluation using in vitro and cell-based assays, thereby supporting precision oncology and the development of innovative medicines. - Keywords: Drug Discovery, Computational Modeling, Structure-Based Drug Design, Pharmacological Chemistry, Small Molecule Therapies, Kinase Inhibitors, Cancer Drug Development Alliance members: Dr. Aisha Alsafouk Dr. Om Kalthoum Alkmali Dr. Lama Alshabani Dr. Ashwaq Alanzi Dr. Haya Alsubaie
Pharmaceutical Sciences - About the Alliance: This research group focuses on advancing the understanding of the mechanisms of cancer and neurological diseases and their diagnosis and treatment through biomarker discovery and translational research. Her mission is to link molecular biology and neuroscience to uncover the key pathways that drive the emergence and progression of diseases. Through collaborative and interdisciplinary studies, the Group seeks to transform scientific discoveries into tools, clinical applications, and therapeutic strategies that contribute to improved health outcomes - Research Focus 1- Avoid the immune system and the microenvironment of the tumor: To study how solid tumors affect immune responses, and to identify new strategies to overcome these barriers with the aim of improving cancer immunotherapy.
2- Neurodegeneration and neurological disorders: Investigate the underlying mechanisms of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and neurooncological disorders, with a focus on identifying potential therapeutic targets.
3- Detecting and documenting vital signs: Discovery and documentation of circular, molecular, imaging, and genetic biomarkers associated with cancer and neurological diseases. These indicators aim to promote early detection, monitor disease progression, and predict response to treatments in multiple disease contexts.
4- Clinical Pharmacological Studies: Focus on improving drug therapy outcomes by assessing adherence to treatment, developing reliable clinical tools, and evaluating drug use in patients with chronic diseases. - Keywords: Cancer immunotherapy, tumor microenvironment, immune checkpoint inhibitors, cellular biomarkers, neurodegeneration, neuropathy and inflammation. Alliance members: Dr. Ahlam Sultan Dr. Jawzaa Almutairi Dr. Noura Alhosan Dr. Reem Alqahtani Dr. Bushra Alsafouk Prof. Badriah Alotaibi Dr. Asma Saleh
Pharmaceutical Research and Pharmaceutical Formulation Development - About the Alliance: This research group conducts research in the field of pharmacology, combining the science of formulation development, quality assessment, and computational methods. It aims to improve and predict the performance of pharmaceutical products through experimental research and research based on computer models - Research Focus The Group aims to develop and optimize pharmaceutical formulations so that they have consistent quality and predictable performance through formulation development, biopharmaceutical evaluation, and quality control of drug dosage forms, with the potential to integrate computer modeling to enhance predictable formulation design, with the overall objective of providing advanced pharmaceutical products that comply with regulatory standards and ensure safe and effective drug delivery. - Keywords: Drug formulations, computer modeling, dosage form, quality control Alliance members: Dr. Mai Almukainizi Dr. Hadeel Alotaibi Dr. Jawaher Alamoudi Dr. Samar Alshawwa Dr. Maha Alsonbel Dr. Amal Alrashidi
Department of Pharmacy Practice Microbiology and Infectious Diseases - About the Alliance: The research of this group focuses on the epidemiology of infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance patterns, and the management of antibiotic use, along with laboratory studies evaluating the antimicrobial activities of various compounds against pathogens of clinical interest. The group seeks to understand the mechanisms of resistance, evaluate new and existing antimicrobial agents, and correlate trends in antibiotic resistance with patient outcomes. By adopting a multidisciplinary approach, the group aims to support rational antibiotic prescribing, contribute to the development of infection prevention and control strategies, improve patient care, and achieve national health priorities. - Research Focus: 1. Pharmaceutical Microbiology: Conducting laboratory studies to evaluate the antimicrobial activities of various compounds against pathogens of clinical interest. The group is also studying efficacy against drug-resistant strains and biofilm-forming organisms, with the aim of supporting the development of new and improved antimicrobial therapies. Research also includes the study of the genetic mechanisms underlying bacterial resistance. 2. Infectious Diseases: The group focuses on improving antibiotic prescribing practices and promoting evidence-based, safe, and rational use of antimicrobials. This includes the evaluation of antibiotic use management interventions in healthcare facilities and focuses on the study of antimicrobial resistance patterns and rates, and infection prevention and control strategies. - Keywords: Resistance, Infectious Diseases, Rationalization and Supervision of the Use of Antibiotics Alliance members: Dr. Reem Bin Suwaidan Dr. Ahlam Alghamdi Dr. Lina Alnajjar Dr. Muneerah Aleissa Dr. Najwa Ghaly Dr. Naifa Alenazi
Social, Behavioral, and Administrative Pharmacy and Healthcare Outcomes - About the Alliance: This research group focuses on improving the use of medicines and enhancing the quality of healthcare by evaluating clinical, economic, and humanitarian outcomes. The group conducts research in the field of drug use and outcomes, and the epidemiology and safety of medicines, including the study of efficacy in real-world practice, patterns of use, and adverse effects of drugs. - Research Focus: 1. Clinical, Economic and Humanitarian Outcomes: Outcome research is concerned with assessing the clinical, human, and economic impacts of pharmaceutical services and pharmaceutical interventions, emphasizing the importance of factual evidence and evaluating healthcare outcomes, with the aim of translating research outputs into practical applications and effective health policies. This approach contributes to enhancing patient safety, improving the effectiveness of treatments, and supporting value-based healthcare. 2. Pharmacological Epidemiology: This area is concerned with the evaluation of the use of drugs and their effects on the population in routine clinical practice. This includes studying drug prescribing and use patterns, assessing efficacy and safety in practice, including adverse events and drug interactions, adherence to and continuity of treatment, analyzing drug benefits and risks across subpopulations, and monitoring gaps in treatment access and health outcomes. It also addresses the impact of regulatory changes, medication lists, and clinical guidelines on medication use and healthcare outcomes. 3. Drug Safety and Pharmacovigilance: Research focuses on improving patient safety by studying and reducing drug-related harms in hospitals. The group studies the epidemiology of medication errors and adverse events of medicines, strengthens pharmacovigilance systems and monitors damage within hospitals, while translating research findings into widely applicable practical interventions. - Keywords: Social and Behavioral Pharmacy, Management Pharmacy, Pharmacy Practice Research, Healthcare Outcomes, Drug Use Behavior, Drug Epidemiology, Drug Safety, Patient-Centered Healthcare, Healthcare Services Research, Treatment Adherence, Economic Assessment, Applied Science, and Drug Marketing Alliance members: Dr. Hayam Alrasheed Dr. Amina Saleh Dr. Ghada Alshehri Dr. Alaa Alsharif Dr. Nada Alsaleh Dr. Amani Alrossayies Dr. Maha Althuwaibi Dr. Joud Alfraih
Pharmacological Treatment and Outcomes - About the Alliance: This research group aims to study clinical treatment outcomes, patient-centered patient care, therapeutic monitoring, and participant-reported outcomes regarding pharmacological treatment decision-making. The goal is to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities to enhance pharmacological practice, teaching, and clinical application. - Research Focus 1. Community Pharmacy: This research group focuses on improving medication use and promoting patient-centered therapeutic outcomes through evidence-based drug therapy in community pharmacy settings. It emphasizes the role of community pharmacists in the management of drug therapy, chronic disease management, medication safety, adherence to treatment, and self-care services. The group evaluates the clinical, humanitarian, and economic outcomes of pharmacist-led interventions, including the use of innovative service models and digital health tools, with the aim of enhancing patient outcomes, supporting healthcare system priorities, and strengthening community pharmacy practice. 2. Endocrinology (Diabetes and Obesity): Clinical research in pharmacist-led diabetes clinics focuses primarily on assessing the impact of pharmacist interventions on various patient outcomes, including clinical, safety, and economic measures. It also includes the management of chronic complications, obesity, comorbidities, and cardiovascular risks. Research in this area aims to build an evidence base that supports and unifies the vital role of the clinical pharmacist as a key member of the multidisciplinary diabetes management team. - Keywords: Community Pharmacy, Outpatient Care, Diabetes, Obesity, Cardiovascular Risk. Alliance members: Dr. Basma Albabtain Dr. Sumaya Alarfaj Dr. Alaa Alhubaishi Dr. Nawal Alsubaie Dr. Amal Badawoud
Translational Immunology and Personalized Medicine Research Group - About the Alliance: The Translational Immunology and Personalized Medicine Research Group investigates disease mechanisms and variation between individuals in disease risk and response to treatment. The group integrates mechanistic research, pharmacogenetics, genetic analysis, and biomarker detection to develop an accurate and personalized diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic approach to immune and non-immune diseases. By combining immunoanalysis, genomic techniques, and pharmacogenetics, the group aims to identify indicators to predict treatment effectiveness, toxicity, and clinical outcomes, enabling safer and personalized treatment decisions for each patient. - Research Focus 1. Immune Mechanisms and Biomarkers: Studying immune system regulation, hypersensitivity reactions, immunopathies, and treatment-related immune imbalances, including immunoadverse events. The group aims to identify immunological and molecular markers that predict disease resistance, progression, and clinical outcomes. 2. Genetics and Personalized Treatment Strategies: Application of pharmacogenetics, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis to identify genetic risk factors that influence disease progression, drug response, and adverse reactions. The results are translated into therapeutic and personalized strategies and risk identification for each patient. - Keywords: Personalized Medicine, Pharmacogenetics, Biomarkers, Disease Mechanisms, GWAS, SNP Analysis, Treatment Response, Drug Toxicity, Immunoanalysis. Alliance members: Dr. Noura Boheimed Dr. Sereen Shalabia Dr. Fatimah Alherz Dr. Anwar Alnakhli
