Prof. Fernando Albericio. Sci-Tech talk "Drugs: From the Idea to the Patient"

Event organised by Dr. Fayna Garcia Martin (Hokkaido University, and member of ACE-Japón)

SPEAKER: Fernando Albericio

School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Durban, South Africa) and Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Barcelona (Barcelona, Spain)

ABSTRACT

Health is possibly one of the most “magical” words associated with the development of the human being. From the most ancient societies to the present, restoring or improving social health and wellbeing has been a major pursuit. Although the use of traditional medicines, based mainly on the use of natural products treated with simple manipulations, continues to be common in some communities worldwide for the treatment of some diseases, the last century witnessed the birth of the pharmaceutical industry.

The pharmaceutical sector is, without a doubt, the most intriguing industrial activity. At glance, it is associated with heavy investments, strong regulations, and a low number of outputs in terms of new products. In addition, the pharmaceutical industry no always has been well understood by the population and very commonly suffers of major criticism.

In this presentation, an overview regarding the different strategies used for the discovery of new drugs will be carried out, highlighting the role that the Academia has to play in this challenging but rewarding field.

Prof. Albericio also highlights the importance of diversity in science and trying to avoid the leaking of female in high positions in science.