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KARACHI, Nov 26 (APP):National and international researchers at an international symposium on Wednesday emphasized the growing role of advanced technologies in understanding and treating various diseases.
They noted that modern technological tools have shown remarkable promise in cancer therapy, neurological and ocular treatments, as well as in improving oral drug delivery.
The third day of the 9th International Symposium-cum-Training Course on Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (MMDR-9) began with a lecture by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah, Director of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, at the Prof. Salimuzzaman Siddiqui Auditorium.
Around 600 scientists, including 42 international participants, are attending the global conference organized by the Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD), University of Karachi.
In his lecture, Prof. Raza Shah stated that advancements in nanotechnology, polymer engineering, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence now allow researchers to design intelligent drug carriers capable of targeted, controlled, and sustained release.
He highlighted that the shift toward custom-designed drug delivery systems represents a major leap from conventional dosage forms to personalized therapeutic approaches.
Traditional methods, he noted, often face limitations such as low bioavailability and non-specific drug distribution. Modern systems, on the other hand, enhance therapeutic effectiveness, reduce side effects, and improve patient compliance. To address ongoing challenges, current research is focused on developing delivery systems tailored to a drug’s properties, the nature of the disease, and individual patient needs.
Dr. G. Rasul Choudhary from the USA stated that the rising prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases poses a major challenge to modern medicine. Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease involve the progressive and irreversible loss of nerve cells, chronic inflammation, and deterioration of motor functions. He noted that there is currently no cure for these disorders.
Prof. Dr. Farzana Shaheen from ICCBS said that her team is exploring the structural diversity and biological activity of natural product peptides to identify potential therapeutic leads. She added that proline-rich cyclic peptides, found in various natural sources, possess unique structural features and diverse biological activities, making them strong candidates for drug development.
Meanwhile, lectures by Andrew M. Hemmings from China, Canadian scientist Walid A. Houry, and several other experts, were also delivered on the third day of MMDR-9.