The School of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (SPER), established in 1972 as Hamdard College of Pharmacy, stands as one of India’s premier pharmacy institutions. Consistently ranked No. 1 by the Ministry of Education‘s NIRF (2017, 2019–2022) and No. 2 in 2018 and 2023, it exemplifies academic and research excellence. Initially affiliated with the University of Delhi, the institution became part of Jamia Hamdard in 1989. Approved by AICTE and PCI, SPER offers a diverse range of programs from diploma to doctoral levels, including specialized postgraduate and Ph.D. courses in collaboration with Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., focusing on drug discovery, delivery, standardization, and targeting.
Renowned for its robust research ecosystem, SPER boasts over 2,500 publications, more than 40,000 citations, and an impressive H-index surpassing 75. Its research spans cutting-edge areas such as nanomedicine-based drug targeting, standardization of herbal drugs, and synthesizing novel chemical entities. Advanced central instrumentation facilities, equipped with tools like cryogenic TEM, LC-MS, and flow cytometry, empower its groundbreaking work across these domains.
At NBHC 2024, The Interview World had the privilege of engaging with Prof. Dr. Mymoona Akhter, Professor and Director of SPER and the Centre for Teaching Support and Innovations at Jamia Hamdard. She delved into the institution’s translational research and pioneering strides in drug delivery, sharing insights into patented drug molecules developed by the department. Prof. Akhter highlighted SPER’s collaborations with industry partners to drive research and innovation. Moreover, she emphasized progress in patenting indigenous natural products, and articulated her long-term vision for advancing the department’s impact.
Here are the key takeaways from her inspiring conversation.
Q: Could you delve into the translational research and innovative advancements spearheaded by Jamia Hamdard in drug delivery?
A: Jamia Hamdard houses a multidisciplinary institute dedicated to advancing drug delivery systems through comprehensive research, from fundamental studies to practical applications. We address every aspect of drug formulation meticulously, ensuring holistic progress in this critical field.
The institute also plays a pivotal role in standardizing traditional medicines, particularly Unani and Ayurveda, in collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush. Leveraging modern techniques and developing biomarkers, it ensures rigorous scientific validation of these systems. This approach builds confidence in the efficacy and safety of these medicines, enabling their effective translation into practical and reliable therapeutic solutions.
Q: Could you provide insights into the drug molecules patented by your department?
A: Jamia Hamdard boasts nearly 500 faculty members excelling in diverse fields, including pharmaceutical sciences, general sciences, humanities, and other disciplines. These experts engage in groundbreaking research across various domains, often patenting their innovations, particularly in drug molecule development.
While the university has secured numerous patents, translating medicinal compounds into market-ready products presents significant challenges. However, remarkable progress has been made in Unani formulations, where substantial advancements have been achieved.
Notably, Hamdard operates its own industry dedicated to supporting the development of Unani formulations. This integrated system ensures a seamless process, from research to production, reinforcing the university’s commitment to traditional medicine and its modernization.
Q: Could you elaborate on your department’s collaborations with the industry and their impact on research and innovation?
A: The university has established numerous collaborations with various industries. Notably, partnerships include the pharmaceutical sector, such as our past work with Hilleman Laboratories on vaccine development. Additionally, we have joined forces with Mahindra Tech and Titan Eye, contributing to advancements in paramedical sciences. Beyond these industry partnerships, we have also forged strategic alliances with the government.
Recently, the government has endorsed the establishment of an Institute of Excellence and a Center for Excellence in Ayurveda. These initiatives underscore our commitment as an academic institution to foster the development of innovative drugs and support progress in the field. We continue to do our part to advance research and contribute to the growth of medical sciences.
Q: Has your university secured any patents in the field of Ayurveda?
A: Ayurveda is an ancient practice deeply rooted in India’s heritage. However, securing patents for Ayurvedic treatments is challenging due to their long-standing history. Claiming a patent for the properties of Tulsi, for instance, would be like presenting it as an entirely new discovery.
In contrast, patenting in modern medicine is more straightforward, especially with advancements in technical devices. Traditional medicine, however, faces significant hurdles due to its extensive historical documentation. The key now is to authenticate these ancient records and provide robust scientific evidence. To support this, Ministry of AYUSH has developed an Ayurveda pharmacopoeia, reinforcing the credibility and scientific foundation of Ayurvedic practices.
Q: Given that Western countries have patented several of our indigenous natural products like neem, turmeric, and tulsi, is your university planning any research initiatives to explore and secure patents for such resources?
A: Hamdard is actively engaged in developing such innovations, but even our patents have faced challenges. This is because certain elements, like traditional knowledge, are already widely known in India and cannot be patented.
Patents can only be secured for specific uses or inventions that have not been documented before. Moreover, we cannot patent general knowledge available freely. For instance, there was a time when the U.S. patented basmati rice, a staple that is common in India and cannot be claimed as exclusive. Similarly, the U.S. patented curcumin from turmeric with a specific application, but this patent was also contested.
At Hamdard, we continue to explore and innovate in this space. We focus on identifying biomarkers and assessing their potential for patentability, ensuring we navigate these challenges with care and integrity.
Q: What is your long-term vision for your department over the next 5 to 10 years, and how do you plan to achieve it?
A: I lead the Center for Teaching Support and Innovation, where I am creating a hub to equip students with essential skill sets to make them industry-ready.
I am confident that, within the next five years, we will establish a center capable of training students to meet industry standards. There is a significant gap between theoretical learning and practical skills that the market demands. To address this, we are developing programs that bridge the gap and provide students with valuable, hands-on experience.
