essp04

Bringing 

pharmacy 

knowledge 

and students 

together 

Volume 2 | Edition 1 | October 2014 

www.epsa-online.org

EPSA Students' Science Publication 

Dear friends, 

INTRODUCTION 

After a successful first year of the ESSP (EPSA Students’ Science Publication), 

we will now do the kick off for the second round! 

The aim of the ESSP is to give students, who have performed scientific 

research during their studies, the possibility to publish their abstracts. With the 

professional support of the European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences 

(EUFEPS), students get the opportunity to develop a new skill by learning how 

to write an abstract and how to critically analyse their own results. 

We are happy to present you 4 very interesting abstracts dealing with various 

topics such as: ‘Creation and Dissemination of a Two-Three-Dimensional 

Molecular Database for Drugs Targeting the Ears, Nose and Oropharynx’, 

‘Studies regarding the protective effects demonstrated by some anti-Alzheimer 

molecules on endothelial cells’, ‘The views, opinions and experiences of Zagreb 

pharmacists about generic drugs’ and ‘Self-medication with herbal products 

on the territory of Novi Sad’. 

Janice: ‘I had the amazing opportunity of cooperating with the last Edition 

(Volume 1) together with Rebwar Saleh, Science Coordinator 2013-2014. It 

gave me a good idea about the strengths and limitations of the process and 

I have tried to use this knowledge in this edition. I found it amazing to work 

together with the professional body of EUFEPS, whose contact person Per 

Öhrngren has been very motivating and helpful. On the other hand it was an 

honour to guide our students through this process and to feel their appreciation. 

In the end, this publication is all about learning and developing a new skill, and 

I am happy to be a part of that.’ 

Yours in EPSA, 

Janice Geers, Science Coordinator 2014-2015 

2

Table of content 


Creation and Dissemination of a Two-Three-Dimensional Molecular 

Database for Drugs Targeting the Ears, Nose and Oropharynx. 

A. Spiteri, C. Shoemake, L. Azzopardi ...................................... 4 

Q&A of the author ........................................................................... 5 

Studies regarding the protective effects exerted by some anti- 

Alzheimer molecules on endothelial cells. 

A. C. Bogzeanu ......................................................................... 6 


The views, opinions and experiences of Zagreb pharmacists about 

generic drugs. 

J. Kurija, Ž. Juričić ..................................................................... 8 


Self-medication with herbal products on the territory of Novi Sad. 

N. Radović, J. Jakšić ................... ............................................10 

Q&A of the author ......................................................................... 11 

EUFEPS information ..................................................................... 13 

3


Creation and Dissemination of a Two- 

Three-Dimensional Molecular Database 

for Drugs Targeting the Ears, Nose and 

Oropharynx 

Abigail Spiteri, C. Shoemake, L. Azzopardi 

Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, 

Msida, Malta 

A 2- and 3-D structural database was created and evaluated to supplement 

lectures in medicinal chemistry and to merge clinical and structural molecular 

data of drugs targeting the ears, nose and oropharynx. 

The drugs considered were taken from Chapter 12 of the 66 th edition of the BNF 1 

and the MMH 2 . A datasheet with clinical and structural information about each 

drug was created. It was merged together with the 2- and 3-D images of the 

drugs into a database which was uploaded onto the Department of Pharmacy, 

University of Malta’s website. A questionnaire based on a template 3 , consisting 

of clinical and structural questions based on the molecules present in the 

database, was designed and validated. The dissemination of the questionnaire 

to the students in the first 4 years of the pharmacy course occurred in 2 

phases: as Pre-Test without utilising the database and as Post-Test while 

having access to the database. A group of randomly selected students from 

each year acted as the control group by filling in the questionnaire at both 

stages without having access to the database. 

101 students participated in the study, of which 43 were acting as the control 

group. The mean marks obtained during the Pre-Test were 4.17, 11.67, 13 

and 12.52, out of a maximum of 41, for the 4 years respectively. These marks 

improved during the Post-Test with averages of 25.17, 36.56, 33.71 and 35.1 

for the 4 years respectively. The Post-Test scores of the experimental group 

significantly surpassed those achieved in the Pre-Test (with a p-value < 0.001). 

For the control group the difference in scores between the Pre- and Post-Test 

was not significant (p value > 0.05). Of all students, 93% conceded that this 

tool would aid them during the studies. 

The incorporation of graphical representations of molecular structures had a 

positive effect on the students’ ability to perform in the questionnaire implying 

a better understanding of the chemical structure and the relevant application. 

This makes a case for the inclusion of databases such as the one created in 

this study as adjuncts to typically used didactic methods. 

1. British Medical Association/Royal Pharmaceutical Association of Great Britain. BNF 66. 

UK(London): BMJ Publishing Group Ltd/RPS Publishing; 2013 

2. Corso D. Evaluation of a Formulary for Non-British National Formulary Cited Items [Dissertaion]. 

University of Malta; 2013 

3. Doublet Meagher L. Framework for the Compilation of a Two/Three-Dimensional Molecular 

Database [Dissertation]. Department of Pharmacy, University of Malta; 2012 

4

Q&A of the author 

General information about Abigail Spiteri 

Age: 22 

City and country: San Gwann, Malta 

E-mail address: abi.spiteri@gmail.com 

University: Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, 

University of Malta 


Why did you select this topic for your research? 

The field of education has always been a passion of mine. 

This study offered me the opportunity to analyse the 

benefit of supplementing didactic lectures with an interactive database and to 

see the effect of molecular visualisations on students’ understanding. 

How do you feel about having coped with the challenges that research can 

bring? 

This study necessitated a lot of cooperation from the student body by means of 

questionnaires. This project was being run within the Department of Pharmacy 

together with other projects carried out by my colleagues, which created a 

sense of student fatigue. When conducting such research, which requires the 

participation of volunteers, one has to be able to adapt and be practical. For 

this reason it was chosen to use a two-phased rather than a three-phased 

questionnaire. 

What personal skills did you develop as a researcher during your research 

period? 

Statistical analysis was never my forte and this turned out to be the main 

outcome measurement for my study. Thus I feel a sense of achievement at 

having successfully evaluated my results. On a more personal note I find that 

patience is a very valuable tool and one that you need in spades, especially 

when dealing with busy students. 

Would you like to share anything else with the students in Europe? Any 

recommendations? 

My main advice would be to not give up. Cheesy, I know, but it does not detract 

from the certainty that at some point or another you just feel like throwing the 

towel in and saying “I've had enough”. Keep in mind all the years of study that 

you have gone through to arrive where you are now and know that it does all 

come together in the end. And it feels great when it does. Good luck to all of 

you students and future colleagues. 

5


Studies regarding the protective 

effects exerted by some anti-Alzheimer 

molecules on endothelial cells 

Alexandra Cătălina Bogzeanu coordinated by PhD. Denisa Margină, 

Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 

Bucharest, Romania 

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most frequent neurodegenerative 

disorders. Cholinesterase inhibitors (AChE) such as rivastigmin and donepezil 

and the partial NMDA receptor antagonist (memantine) are currently used as 

treatment for AD. In the synaptic gap between the affected neurons there is 

a constant hypersecretion of glutamate which leads to an excessive calcium 

uptake in the existing channels of NMDARs. The postsynaptic membrane is 

always depolarized and has an impaired function. 

Recent studies suggest that effects of AChE inhibitors are not limited to 

their cholinergic activity; other mechanisms including inhibition of glutamate 

excitotoxicity, thereby reducing inflammatory processes, have been proposed 

as ways of action. Prolonged and sustained inflammation may have cytotoxic 

effects. MCPs (produced during inflammation) are associated to neuronal 

death. 

The aim of this study was to reveal the effect induced by donepezil, rivastigmine 

and memantine on the LDH activity (indicating the membrane damage), on 

the susceptibility of membrane cells to lipid peroxidation and on the MCP-1 

synthesis, using EaHy96 endothelial cells as study model. 

Cells were treated with rivastigmine, memantine and donepezil using 10 µM, 

20 µM and 50 µM concentrations. The LDH assay was performed based on 

the kinetic UV evaluation of NADH transformation (in the process of oxidizing 

lactate to pyruvate). 

For the assessment of the lipid susceptibility to peroxidation DPPP was used, a 

probe that lacks fluorescence but has high affinity for lipids. DPPP labelled cells 

were treated with CuOOH to induce DPPP-oxide formation (highly fluorescent 

compound). The process was assayed by performing a fluorescence emission 

spectrum. The ELISA method was used for detecting the MCP-1 synthesis. 

Results: The three substances do not significantly reduce the LDH activity, 

having a protective effect on the mitochondrial metabolism. The three tested 

substances do not influence the susceptibility to lipid peroxidation which 

means the three substances do not modify the redox equilibrium and thereby 

do not act as antioxidants. Also, the study demonstrated that they have the 

ability to reduce MCP-1 synthesis, memantine being the one with the most 

powerful effect and reduction was seen with all tested concentrations. 

Conclusion: The three tested drugs have a protective effect and do not induce 

cellular death. This effect can be interpreted in correlation with the cardiovascular 

disease, which appears especially at elderly. 

6


General information about Alexandra Cătălina Bogzeanu 

Age: 22 

City and country: Bucharest, Romania 

E-mail address: alle.caty@gmail.com 

University: Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine 

and Pharmacy 



During my studies I have often been impressed by scientists' 

achievements and their will to treat various diseases. I 

started my research in cooperation with the Biochemistry Department in the 

Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Carol Davila. 

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most frequently diagnosed 

neurodegenerative disorders and is the most common cause of dementia in 

modern society. Therefore, it is essential that we know the right medication to 

use and the drugs effect on the entire body. 


bring? 

The topic is very interesting and complex. I enjoyed the opportunity to work with 

Dr. Denisa Margină (Associate Professor, Biochemistry Department, Faculty of 

Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy), a renowned expert and a 

very good professor. I read a lot about AD and I really hope that I`ll do more 

research in this area. 


period? 

During my research period, I learned that I must become more confident and 

more precise. I also learned how an experiment is really done and how to 

rationally analyze problems and results. 



If there is something that you are really interested in or if you just want to 

discover something, don't give up and don't waste time. Hard work, confidence 

and joy are the right formula for a great life and they make dreams come true. 

7


The views, opinions and experiences 

of Zagreb pharmacists about generic 

drugs 

Jelena Kurija, Živka Juričić 

Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia 

Generic drugs are drugs which are an equivalent substitution for the original 

drug, not only because they contain the same amount of active substance and 

are used in the same way, but also because they have to meet the criteria of 

bioequivalence and bioavailability, which indicates their high efficacy. 

The aim of the study was to question attitudes, opinions and experiences of 

the pharmacists in the city of Zagreb concerning generic substitution: what 

do the pharmacists believe to be the main problems? This research should 

contribute to an additional understanding of generic substitution and, by using 

an appropriate method, involve the pharmacists as relevant subjects, in order 

for therapy to secure optimal therapeutic effect. 

The paper is based on a questionnaire regarding the topic which has been 

filled out by pharmacists. Exactly 80 valid questionnaires have been collected 

and statistically processed in Excel. 

Questioned pharmacists expressed great scepticism at the usage of generic 

drugs, not due to the efficacy of active substance, but due to excipients, 

insufficient amount of clinical trials, the influence of generic companies and 

Croatian Health Insurance Fund on the policy of prescribing generic drugs. 

The pharmacists questioned believe that they have knowledge and know all 

legal regulations and key attributes of generic drugs very well. However, they 

very much welcome additional knowledge. Moreover, in their opinion, they 

should be guided by scientific and specialized literature in everyday practical 

work. There is only a small amount of collaboration between doctors and 

pharmacists, especially when it comes to generic substitution. 

Most of the individuals that were questioned believe that patients do not know 

their legal right to decline generic substitutions. Results of the study show 

that pharmacists believe that the patients should be informed about the most 

important aspects of generic drugs, so they are aware that different external 

characteristics do not necessarily result in changes in the efficacy and adverse 

effects of the drug. An emphasis should be especially put on additional 

education of pharmacists, since they are the constituent part of primary health 

protection. The college they studied at should be included in their additional 

education and congresses should be organized on the topic of generic drugs 

and innovation, so that pharmacists can be continually educated and pursue 

professional development during their career. After all, every idea, opinion and 

attitude of academic citizens is based on their basic knowledge. 

8


General information about Jelena Kurija 

Age: 20 

City and country: Zagreb, The Republic of Croatia. 

Email address: jkurija@hotmail.com 

University: Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Biochemistry, 

University of Zagreb 



I found this subject to be quite interesting but firstly, up 

to date. Doctors, pharmacists and patients have different 

opinions about generic drugs and generic substitution so I decided to find out 

as much as I could about at least one of these opinions. 


bring? 

There are always both negative and positive comments about any work and 

everyone should be prepared for them. I strongly feel that pharmacists' opinions 

do matter and that their thinking actually represents the patients because 

pharmacists are one of the few healthcare professionals directly connected 

with patients. Therefore, I strongly stand by my work because it shows us the 

real experience among those who deal with generics on a daily basis. 


period? 

I developed flexibility, accuracy and industriousness. 



I highly recommend that everyone should conduct at least one research project 

of any kind during their college years. This improves countless skills and you 

could discover that you have what it takes to be a real scientist or researcher! 

9


SELF-MEDICATION WITH HERBAL PRODUCTS 

ON THE TERRITORY OF NOVI SAD 

Ninoslav Radović, Jelena Jakšić; supervisor: Assist. dr sc Svetlana Goločorbin-Kon 

Faculty of Medicine - Department of Pharmacy, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia 

Self-medication represents selection and use of traditional medicines, herbal 

remedies and products for medical conditions/symptoms that individuals 

are able to recognize themselves. Sales of herbal products rise every year, 

yet, the widespread attitude that any product which can be bought without 

a prescription is completely safe to use often leads to individuals’ adverse 

reactions. Therefore, we wanted to identify the frequency with which herbal 

products are used for medical treatment and which group of patients uses 

them most, most common indication, which gender prefers this type of 

treatment, primary source of information, monthly spending, as well as whether 

the participants in the survey were informed about the benefits and potential 

side effects of using herbal products. The survey was conducted among the 

patients in “The Novi Sad Pharmacy Institute”. The respondents were randomly 

selected, and the data, obtained from their responses to the questionnaire, 

were statistically analyzed. 

Of the 247 respondents, 27 (10.93%) responded that they did not use any 

herbal products, while 220 (89.07%) participants said that they have used 

herbal products. The percentage of female participants who decided to selfmedicate 

was 69.09%. In addition, 38.87% respondents belonged to the age 

groups 31-40 and 51-60. Their most common sources of information were 

friends and relatives (28.32%) and their dominant condition for using herbal 

products, as 37.04% of them indicated, was cold. Of the respondents, 27.73% 

used herbal products several times a year, but not weekly, while their monthly 

allocation was 1,00–5,00 EUR (49.55%). More than half, 55.16%, believe that 

herbal products are safer than conventional medicines. Furthermore, 87.73% 

read the instructions, and 55.91% said that they were capable to determine 

the indication for the use of a certain herbal remedy. Moreover, 62.27% felt 

that they were aware of a remedy’s adverse action, while 55.18% considered 

themselves insufficiently familiar with the interactions between herbal products 

and traditional medicines. 

Age groups of respondents who used herbal products, based on this study, 

are 31-40 and 51-60. The respondents considered themselves well-informed 

about the use of these products, although their primary source of information 

on herbal products listed friends and relatives rather than healthcare 

professionals. Respondents decided to self-medicate with herbal products 

so as to treat symptoms of cold, but some decided to treat serious medical 

conditions such as insomnia or depression. It is necessary to establish better 

communication between healthcare professionals and patients, in order to 

minimize the occurrence of potential adverse drug reactions and interactions. 

10


General information about Ninoslav Radovic 

Age: 25 

City and country: Novi Sad, Republic of Serbia 

E-mail address: ninoslav.radovic@aol.com 

University: Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad 



Herbal products have been used for thousands of years in 

the East and have had a recent resurgence in popularity 

among consumers in the West as part of self-medication. 

Self-medication has many advantages but it also has potential dangers, 

therefore it was interesting to identify the frequency with which herbal products 

are used for medical treatment and how informed the population of Novi Sad 

is regarding the usage of herbal products. 


bring? 

Since this was one of the first studies about self-medication with herbal 

products in my town, challenges were numerous. Choosing the right topic and 

having the support of your team and your supervisor are the most important 

things during your research, especially if it is your first time doing it. 


period? 

The survey was conducted among the patients in the Novi Sad Pharmacy 

Institute and I had a chance to communicate with patients in an informal way. 

This way I learned that patients think that they don’t get enough information 

from their pharmacist. Therefore, I’ll dedicate more energy to improving this 

communication in my future work. 



The most important thing is to choose a topic that will contribute to science 

and people’s health. Don’t be afraid of doing something that hasn’t been 

done before. Being part of a research team, or doing your own research is 

an experience that can give you countless opportunities for your future 

development. 

11


12


European Federation for 

Pharmaceutical Sciences (EUFEPS) 

The European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences is a voluntary 

association of pharmaceutical scientists, established in 1991 to advance 

research in the pharmaceutical sciences in Europe. This can be achieved by 

promoting cooperation between national, regional and European societies or 

associations which aim at the advancement of pharmaceutical sciences, and by 

promoting cooperation between and with other pharmaceutical organisations 

and between individual pharmaceutical scientists. 

The Mission 

EUFEPS exists to help to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities 

created by the consolidations occurring both within Europe and globally, 

driven on by a combination of rapid advances in science and technology, 

economic pressures, and by political will. Within this frame, EUFEPS’s role and 

contributions are amply expressed in its mission statement “EUFEPS serves 

and advances excellence in the pharmaceutical sciences and innovative drug 

research in Europe”. Spearheading a number of initiatives, EUFEPS works with 

its membership, throughout the nations of Europe. 

European Dimension 

EUFEPS is unique being the only pan-European organisation that represents, 

under one umbrella, all the pharmaceutical sciences and pharmaceutical 

scientists engaged in drug research and development, drug regulation and 

drug policy making. The existence of such an umbrella platform facilitates the 

highly innovative, integrative and interdisciplinary approaches that are essential 

if we, in Europe, are to deliver to our citizens safe, effective, economic and 

timely medicines. The ultimate benefits are an improving health, quality of life, 

and wealth of our continent. 

13


EUFEPS is recognised by the European Commission, as representing the 

integrative pharmaceutical sciences within Europe. EUEFPS is also recognised 

by the EMEA as a neutral scientific resource for independent opinions on draft 

regulatory guidelines, while EUFEPS works with other European organisations, 

such as EFPIA, to help identify and promote training to meet industrial 

needs. EUFEPS has the ambition to provide a forum for policy development 

in the pharmaceutical sciences, particularly in relations to the discovery and 

development of new drugs and their introduction into the market, but also as 

to medicines usage. This includes policies on and leadership development as 

to: research, education & training, profiling and regulatory affairs. 

In addition, EUFEPS plays an active and influential role also in the global arena. 

It is recognised by the USA FDA and it works actively with its sister organisation 

AAPS to develop co-sponsored meetings and workshops that run alternatively 

in Europe and the USA, and is developing links with Asian scientists. Through 

involvement with its Board of Pharmaceutical Sciences, EUFEPS is also 

working with FIP to advance the pharmaceutical sciences globally. 

14


Upcoming Conferences organised by EUFEPS: 

Global Bioequivalence Harmonisation 

Initiative 

February 2015 

For more information see: www.eufeps.org or www.gbhi.eu 

EuPAT7 

May 17-18, 2015, Graz, Austria 

organised by EUFEPS 

For more information see: www.qbdpat.org 

EUFEPS Annual Meeting 2015 

June 2015, Geneva, Switzerland 

For more information see www.eufeps.org 

6 th BBBB Conference on Pharmaceutical 

Science: “Strategies to improve the 

quality and performance of modern drug 

delivery systems” 

September 10-12, 2015, Helsinki, Finland 

For more information see www.eufeps.org 

15

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