OVERVIEW

Historically, almost all medicinal preparations have been derived from natural products found in plants and animals, and this continues to be the case today, with many of these compounds being tested in clinical trials or used as the basis for new drugs, particularly anti-cancer and anti-microbial agents. Systematic research has already revealed that approximately 30,000 compounds have been isolated from marine organisms and microorganisms, with around 1,000 new molecules identified each year. Many of these are novel in regard to their structure, complexity, and bioactivity. Marine pharmacology is an intriguing and growing discipline. Currently, there are a number of marine drugs on the market, primarily with anti-cancer, antiviral and analgesic properties, while many others are in clinical trials.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The primary aim of the module is to provide knowledge on the various pharmacological potentials, mechanisms of action and molecular targets of natural substances isolated from the marine world, a subject on which worldwide research has focused. The module will provide basic knowledge of modern pharmacology and toxicology to assist students in fully understanding the potential and impact of these molecules and marine toxins in living organisms.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Learning objectives: The pedagogical objective is to endow the student with the fundamental knowledge to fully appreciate the impact on the human body of pharmacologically active molecules of marine origin. We will address the basic topics of pharmacology and toxicology through the study of drugs of marine origin which have been approved by the FDA and EMA regulatory bodies, or which are still in clinical or pre-clinical trials. These drugs will be analysed individually in relation to their target, mechanism of action, pharmacological effect, therapeutic use, and adverse reactions. The lecturer aims to work with students on basic functional literacy and personal and social skills.

Learning outcomes: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the meaning of 'drug', 'pharmacological targeting' and 'drug-related effects', as well as the research and development pathway of marine-derived molecules. They will also recall the mechanisms of action of drugs and the routes of drug administration, considering elements of pharmacokinetics and response variability. The student should therefore understand the link between the mechanisms of action, the kinetic aspects, and the therapeutic use of drugs of marine origin.

PREREQUISITES

Specific prerequisites are not required.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching method involves lectures covering in-depth study of topics related to the syllabus. General topics may be introduced through icebreaker activities. The flipped classroom mode can also be used for specific topics. This mode allows students to learn actively and communicate effectively in oral form using appropriate terms. The activities will be carried out in pairs, in groups or alone. They will require a final presentation to the class relating to the topic addressed. This presentation will include feedback from the professor and the class, and a classroom discussion. Attending lesssons is recommended to help students achieve the learning outcomes.

The way lessons are taught may be modified due to emergencies that prevent in-person lessons from being held. In this case, classes will be held via the Teams platform using suitable substitute teaching tools.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

General Pharmacology and Toxicology: elements of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; exposure; acute and chronic toxicity; and dose-response relationships.

Approved drugs by the FDA and/or EMA for anti-cancer, antiviral and analgesic therapies (e.g. cytarabine, vidarabine, fludarabine, nelarabine, trabectedin and ziconotide); omega-3 fatty acids and iotacarragenin. The innovative approach of ADCs (Antibody Drug Conjugates).

Pharmacologically active molecules of marine origin in preclinical and clinical trials.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

For the General Pharmacology and Toxicology part, the use of

• 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

​Lecture notes. In addition, iconography presented in class will be provided through AULAWEB.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Please refer to the detailed timetable at the following link: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The method of examination used to assess students' achievement of the set objectives will be an oral examination conducted by a committee consisting of at least two full professors (or, in limited cases, a full professor and a subject expert designated as such by the CCS). The examination will last approximately 30 minutes.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The appointed committee can verify the achievement of the module's training objectives with a high degree of accuracy by asking questions about the programme carried out during the lectures.

Regarding the assessment of learning objectives in marine pharmacology, the student must demonstrate knowledge of the kinetic properties (time of action) of pharmacologically active substances of marine origin. The student must also demonstrate knowledge of the routes of administration, absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of these substances. Regarding the assessment of training objectives on mechanistic aspects, the student must demonstrate knowledge of molecular targets and the effects resulting from interactions with these targets and drugs. The student will also be assessed on therapeutic uses and adverse reactions.

In the final evaluation, the committee will assess the student's knowledge of the topics covered by the questions, as well as their expository skills and ability to link topics and reason with other areas of the teaching programme. If the minimum learning objectives are not met, the student will be invited to review his or her knowledge in more detail and, if necessary, seek further clarification from the professor.

FURTHER INFORMATION

It is an elective course scheduled for alternate years whose activation is subject to student enrolment.

Students with a valid physical or learning disability certification lodged with the university who wish to discuss possible adjustments to lessons, assignments or examinations should speak to the lecturer and Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the department's professor for disabilities.