Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
PRNewswire - November 4, 2002
ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- From effects of space on an astronaut's medications to a young scientist's dream of creating a healthier world for all races, the 2002 American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Annual Meeting is breaking all kinds of geographic barriers and providing a platform to discuss ways science can help physicians cope with the most challenging of human ailments. Between November 10th and the 14th, more than 7,500 international pharmaceutical scientists from 40 countries will gather in Toronto, Canada to discuss the world's unmet medical needs and share new technologies, clinical research and the latest drug therapies. Canada's Metro Toronto Convention Centre will host the scientists from academia, industry, government and other research institutions worldwide.
The Meeting features more than 80 roundtable discussions and the presentation of thousands of new scientific research studies. Here is a sampling the scientific topics:
Houston, We Have a Problem -- Space trips used to last a matter of days. Now they can last months and leave astronauts exposed to an increased risk of contracting infections that require antibiotics. Information is scarce on galactic drug efficacy and dosing. This could lead to drastic consequences for astronauts. In the best-case scenario, an uncontrolled infection could lead to early termination of a mission; in the worst case, casualties could occur. Scientists with the NASA/Johnson Space Center will host a discussion on how environmental conditions in space are negatively affecting the shelf- life of medications.
Can Holiday Feasting Cause Serious Drug Interactions? -- The holiday season is fast approaching, which means family feasts of turkey, ham, pumpkin pies and eggnog will be enjoyed by almost everyone. But beware: such meals could have serious health consequences. According to Dr. Brian Foster, Senior Science Advisor, Therapeutic Products Directorate, Health Canada, there are potentially deadly drug interactions between certain medications and garlic, spices and other natural products. During a press/teleconference scheduled on Wednesday, November 13 at 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (EST), Dr. Foster will discuss who is at risk and provide tips on ways to keep the holidays merry.
At 16, He May Actually be Changing the World -- Make room for a new kind of "American Idol!" The youngest presenter in AAPS history will be showcasing his data on how racial and ethnic differences affect drug metabolism. Nikhil Shukla, a teen from Memphis, Tennessee, will be joining the best pharmaceutical minds in the world (including his dad and mentor) to present his data. He hopes his research presented in this international forum will help lead to individualized drug therapies that create a healthier, better world.
Gene Therapy Advances for the Treatment of Cancer -- Enzymes that turn on the potency of drugs -- like the flip of a light switch -- remain in the spotlight for many scientists, especially in the cancer field. Dr. David Waxman, a drug metabolism expert at Boston University, is highlighting a new use for an enzyme called P450. He and his colleagues have found that by utilizing this enzyme in a gene therapy, they can turn on the effectiveness of several widely used cancer chemotherapeutic drugs without increasing toxic side effects. P450 has the potential to revolutionize drug therapy in numerous applications, including cancer chemotherapy.
A Woman's Menstrual Cycle Could Cause Poor Responsiveness to HIV Therapy -- Like a spot remover on fabric, P-gp proteins actually remove active drugs from cells and have been theorized to play a vital role in rendering anti- cancer, anti-AIDS and other potent medications useless. Scientists have found that during the later half of a woman's menstrual cycle, her levels of P-gp increase. New NIH-funded research, being presented by Dr. Leslie Benet, a world authority on pharmacokinetics and drug delivery and founder of AAPS, detail the role of P-gp as it relates to a woman's cycle and the combined negative impact it may have on AIDS therapies.
Hopeful New Treatment for Neuropathic Pain on the Horizon -- People usually think of pain as having some physical cause -- once the cause is eliminated, the pain goes away. But nerves themselves can also generate pain and this often excruciating condition, called "neuropathic pain," can become chronic and unresponsive to painkillers, including strong opiates like morphine. Neuropathic pain can result from diseases such as diabetes, shingles, HIV, cancer or from trauma, surgery or amputation. Some sufferers find it even impossible to wear clothes, walk or work. In fact, 25% of diabetics suffer from this disorder. Dr. Alexandros Makriyannis of the University of Connecticut, explores new scientific findings that may offer pain management solution for neuropathic pain.
A Glass of Wine or Grape Juice a Day Also Keeps Cancer Away -- It helps reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and now, according to new research being presented at the AAPS Meeting, grape products also significantly decrease both the occurrence and growth of colon cancer. Colon cancer is the third most common cancer among men and women in the U.S. and the second leading cause of total cancer deaths -- 48,000 a year. Researchers from South Dakota State University explain their findings over a glass of vino!
About AAPS PharmSci(SM)
All abstracts presented at the AAPS Annual Meeting are published in a supplement to AAPS PharmSci (http://www.pharmsci.org), the organization's peer- reviewed, online journal. AAPS PharmSci offers a forum for the rapid exchange and dissemination of scientific knowledge in the pharmaceutical sciences.
About AAPS
AAPS is a professional, scientific society of more than 11,000 members employed in academia, industry, government and other research institutes worldwide. Founded in 1986, AAPS aims to advance science through the open exchange of scientific knowledge, serve as an information resource, and contribute to human health through pharmaceutical research and development. For more information about AAPS, visit AAPS Pharmaceutica at http://www.aapspharmaceutica.com .
SOURCE American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists
Web Site: http://www.aapspharmaceutica.com
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