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Clinical Pharmacology
and Evaluation of
Bioactive Compounds
Profile
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Overview
The Clinical Pharmacology and Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds Research Unit focuses on translational research at the interface of molecular biology, biotechnology, clinical pharmacology and pharmacognosy.
Our work aims to contribute to a better understanding of disease mechanisms and treatment strategies through a multidisciplinary approach.
The main research interests and activities of the members of the lab are related to:
- Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds:
Assessing the pharmaceutical potential of bioactive compounds, including their isolation and biological characterization, through in vitro and in vivo methodologies. These include: phytochemical screening to identify the bioactive constituents responsible for biological activities and tests to evaluate their antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer activity.
- Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics:
Investigating how genetic variation influences drug response to support the development of more personalized and targeted therapeutic approaches.
- Genetics of Clinical Phenotypes:
Exploring the role of genetic variants in disease susceptibility, symptom presentation, and clinical outcomes beyond drug response, with the goal of identifying relevant biomarkers and pathways.
Research collaboration and project engagement
The team has participated in several national and international research projects funded by the Research & Innovation Foundation (Cyprus), Frederick University, and other organizations, and actively collaborates with academic and clinical partners.
| Position | Name | Department | Research Domain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Team Leader | Dr Despina Charalambous | Pharmacy | Biological evaluation of compounds |
| Research Team Leader | Dr Maria Papasavva | Pharmacy | Clinical Pharmacology / Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine |
| Research Leader | Dr George Karikas | Pharmacy | Pharmacognosy |
| Team Member | Nectarios Nicolaou (PhD student) | Pharmacy | Clinical Biochemistry |
| Start Year | Project Title | Lead Partner/ Assignee | Funding from | Project Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Chemical characterization, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of nine Hypericum species from Greece and one endemic species from Cyprus | Frederick University | Frederick University – Internal Funding | N/A |
| 2022 | Νovel ADCY3 variant predicts a molecular target for tackling obesity | Frederick University | Frederick University – Internal Funding | N/A |
| 2022 | Development of novel polymeric nanocarrier drug delivery system for melanoma therapy | Frederick Research Center | Research & Innovation Foundation (Cyprus) | N/A |
| 2019 | Development of natural soap | Frederick Research Center | Research & Innovation Foundation (Cyprus) | https://www.cyherbia.com/natcy-soap/ |
| 2018 | Analysis of RO Purification System | Frederick Research Center | Research & Innovation Foundation (Cyprus) | N/A |
| 2018 | Characterizing herbal extracts | Frederick Research Center | Research & Innovation Foundation (Cyprus) | N/A |
| 2017 | CDKN2A and MC1R variants found in Cypriot patients diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma | Frederick University | Frederick University - Internal Funding | N/A |
The biological evaluation of bioactive compounds is an essential step in understanding their potential therapeutic, nutritional, or industrial applications. Through in-depth testing, we gain valuable insights into the mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety profiles of these compounds. This process not only helps in identifying promising drug candidates but also contributes to the development of novel treatments for a wide range of diseases.
Our research explores how genetic variation influences disease expression and therapeutic response, with emphasis on clinical pharmacology and pharmacogenomics. We aim to contribute to precision medicine by identifying biomarkers and mechanisms that support safer and more effective treatment strategies.
