OVERVIEW

Historically, natural products derived from plants and animals have been the source of nearly all drug preparations. Recently, they have continued to enter clinical trials or provide the basis for investigational compounds, particularly anticancer drugs and antimicrobial agents. 
Systematic research has already shown that starting from molecules isolated in marine organisms and microorganisms, we know ~ 30,000 compounds and identify ~ 1000 new molecules/year. Many of these new compounds are novel in structure, complexity and bioactivity. Marine pharmacology is an intriguing and growing new discipline. Today we already have some drugs of marine origin - marine drugs- on the market with anticancer, antiviral and analgesic activity, while many others are in the clinical trial phases.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The main objective of the module is to provide knowledge on the numerous pharmacological potentials, the mechanisms of action and the molecular targets of natural substances isolated from the marine world on which world research has focused its interest. This module will provide the basic knowledge of modern pharmacology and toxicology. These are the elements to understand better the potential and impact of these molecules and marine toxins in a living organism.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module provides the basic knowledge to fully understand the impact on the human body of pharmacologically active molecules of marine origin. By studying marine drugs, the student will become confident with the pharmacological and toxicological basical elements. 
The approved marine drugs will be studied individually and characterized for their target, mechanism of action, pharmacological effect, therapeutic use and adverse reactions.

TEACHING METHODS

The used teaching method involves frontal lectures with in-depth information on the program, and therefore it is advisable to attend the lessons.  The flipped classroom will use too, which aims to increase student engagement and learning of specific topics. These activities would be carried out in pairs, in groups or alone and will require the creation of a final presentation to the class and feedback from the lecturer.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

General Pharmacology and Toxicology: pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic, acute or chronic exposure and toxicity, dose-response relationships.

FDA and / or EMA approved drugs for anticancer, antiviral, analgesic therapies (e.g. cytarabine, vidarabine, fludarabine, nelarabine, trabectedin, ziconotide, omega-3 fatty acids, iotacarragenin). The innovative approach of ADC  - Antibody Drug Conjugates - and brentuximb vedotin.

pharmacologically active molecules of marine origin in clinical trails and preclinical  research.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Golan DE e altri - Principi di Farmacologia – Casa Editrice Ambrosiana

Rossi, Cuomo Riccardi - Farmacologia - Ed Minerva Medica

Rang HP, Dale MM, RitterJM, Flower RJ - Farmacologia - Ed. Elsevier Masson

Howland RD, Mycek MJ – Le basi della farmacologia – Ed Zanichelli

Helmut Greim, Erhard Deml - Tossicologia - Ed Zanichelli

Notes od the lessons

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

CHIARA CERVETTO (President)

TIZIANA BONIFACINO

MASSIMO GRILLI

GUENDALINA OLIVERO

LUCA RAITERI

MANUELA MARCOLI (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

For lessons start and timetable go to the link: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Please check the module Aulaweb page for timetable updates dependent on the sanitary and epidemic situation.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The examination will be an oral exam (30 minutes) in presence of the Commission consisting of at least of two professors (or sometimes in presence of the lecturer and an expert subject designated by the CCS).

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The Commission will verify the achievement of educational objectives with high accuracy by collecting information about the nature and extent of learning outcomes, capacity, as well as, connection and reasoning within the topics of the module.

About the toxicokinetics: the student will have to know the kinetic properties (time-action) of marine drugs, also considering absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion.As regards the mechanistic aspects: the student will have to know the molecular targets and the effects deriving from their interactions with the drug. The student will have to be confident with the therapeutical use and the adverse reaction of marine drugs.

If the students don't achieve minimal educational objectives, the commission will invite them to improve their knowledge, using supplemental explanations by contacting the lecturer.