Strengthening Pharmacology Research: BelSU’s Commitment to Excellence

Professor Mikhail Pokrovsky, Director of the Research Institute of Pharmacology of Living Systems and Head of the Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology at the BelSU Medical Institute, shared insights into the progress of the scientific school with members of the Academic Council, led by BelSU Rector Evgeniya Karlovskaya.

According to Professor Pokrovsky, the scientific school of pharmacology and the Research Institute of Pharmacology of Living Systems represent a unique synergy, integrating medical, pharmaceutical, biological, and chemical expertise. This collaboration facilitates advanced medical and biological research in experimental and clinical pharmacology, employing genetic technologies to model therapies for human diseases while developing pharmacotherapy methods and gene therapies for socially significant and orphan diseases.

The scientific school boasts a distinguished staff that includes a corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences and 11 doctors of science. It has successfully overseen the defence of 107 candidate dissertations and 15 doctoral theses. Since 2021, researchers from the school have published over 80 scientific articles in Q1 and Q2 journals and have secured patents for their inventions.

During his presentation, Professor Pokrovsky highlighted the working conditions at the scientific school on campus, noting that it has conducted more than 150 preclinical and clinical studies of new drugs commissioned by several major pharmaceutical companies. Over the past five years, these efforts have resulted in securing a total of 598 million roubles in funding for the scientific school.

These achievements are underpinned by the ongoing enhancement of the research institute’s infrastructure, which includes an experimental biological clinic and specialized laboratories focused on experimental pharmacology, cardiopharmacology, transgenic animals, cellular technologies, behaviour studies, and histology.

Professor Pokrovsky emphasized the alignment of the scientific school’s priority areas with the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 529, dated June 18, 2024, which outlines priority areas for scientific and technological development as well as key science-intensive technologies.

To illustrate the product-focus and practical impact of their work, Professor Pokrovsky presented a slide showcasing a significant number of in-demand drugs developed with contributions from researchers at the scientific school. These include painkillers, antiviral and antitumor medications, a range of generics, and a flu vaccine.

In addition to fundamental research, BelSU scientists have established a new focus on identifying targets for correcting endothelial dysfunction. This initiative has positioned the scientific school among leaders in this field, with collaborative efforts underway with Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B. Yeltsin (UrFU) as part of a large joint project.

Professor Pokrovsky also highlighted advancements in the pharmacological correction of osteoporosis, emphasizing the significance of BelSU’s innovative approaches compared to traditional treatment methods for this condition.

Professor Mikhail Pokrovsky also announced that BelSU holds the copyright for a new non-opioid and non-steroidal analgesic, specifically a TRPV1 receptor blocker. Currently, negotiations are underway with a major Indian pharmaceutical company interested in acquiring the patent for this promising new drug.

In addition to this achievement, a laboratory dedicated to modelling therapies for hereditary human diseases has been established within the scientific school of pharmacology. This facility boasts a bioresource collection that includes 16 transgenic animals, enabling researchers to undertake several large-scale high-tech projects. Notably, these efforts align with the Federal Scientific and Technical Program focused on developing gene therapies for neuromuscular diseases. One of the project’s key accomplishments is the completion of registration dossiers for two novel drugs aimed at treating Miyoshi muscular dystrophy, which are set to be submitted for registration to the Ministry of Health in 2025.

A notable example of personalized pharmacotherapy emerged from the creation of a humanized mouse model for restrictive cardiomyopathy, tailored specifically for an individual patient. This innovative approach allows for the selection of targeted gene therapy and pharmacological treatments, serving as a prototype for future gene therapy clinic.

The youth laboratory specializing in genetic technologies and gene editing has also made strides by developing a rabbit that produces the heat shock protein HSP-70. This project represents an exciting intersection of agriculture, genetics, molecular biology, and medicine. Remarkably, research has demonstrated that milk containing HSP-70 significantly protects the brains of newborns from hypoxia, enhancing the health outcomes of model animals.

Within the framework of the Priority-2030 Programme, preclinical studies have been conducted on a gene therapy drug aimed at treating lower limb ischemia, with promising results observed in frostbite treatment. Clinical trials are now underway at several medical institutions.

BelSU is also working on establishing a testing centre for medical devices, drugs, and perfumes, reflecting the university’s commitment to interdisciplinary integration. Successful accreditation of this centre would enable collaboration among various BelSU laboratories and provide financial benefits to the university.

Professor Pokrovsky emphasized the importance of international cooperation, particularly with China, while highlighting the potential of BelSU’s young scientists.

‘I’m confident that within the next five to seven years, at least ten of these talented individuals would attain their doctoral degrees, further solidifying BelSU’s reputation as a hub of high-class professionals,’ stated professor Pokrovsky.

Co-speaker Alexander Obukhov, Director of the Medical Department at PharmStandard, JSC praised the long-standing collaboration between his company and the university.

‘I keep emphasizing BelSU’s advanced scientific foundation and the dedication of its researchers – their consistent adherence to deadlines is a crucial tactical advantage,’ said he.

Obukhov’s remarks sparked considerable interest among members of the Academic Council. In response to a question from BelSU Rector Evgeniya Karlovskaya regarding promising forms of collaboration between the pharmaceutical market leader and the university, Alexander Obukhov highlighted several potential options. These include conducting regulatory and fundamental research that can be practically implemented, as well as fostering industrial partnerships.

The Academic Council acknowledged the achievements of the pharmacology scientific school at Belgorod National Research University, deeming them satisfactory. They approved the decision to further advance the designated scientific areas. Following the presentations, Rector Evgeniya Karlovskaya instructed the head of the Research Institute of Pharmacology of Living Systems to develop a cooperation programme between BelSU and PharmStandard, JSC for the years 2025-2027.