Pharmacologist A Publication by The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Vol. 64 • Number 3 • September 2022 the Leadership Profile: Nina Isoherranen ASPET 2023 Annual Meeting WCP2023 Meeting INSIDEGertrudeElion: The Molecular Mechanic
GST number for Canadian subscribers: BN:13489 2330 RT.
September Issue: August 1
Councilors
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility Representative
Chair, Young Scientists Committee Dianicha Santana, PhD Executive Officer
The Pharmacologist (ISSN 0031-7004) is published quarterly in March, June, September, and December by the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 1801 Rockville Pike, Suite 210, Rockville, MD 20852-1633. Annual subscription rates: $25.00 for ASPET members; $75.00 for U.S. nonmembers and institutions; $100.00 for nonmembers and institutions outside the U.S. Single copy: $25.00. Copyright © 2022 by the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Inc. All rights reserved.
December Issue: November 1
Chair, Publications Committee Kenneth Tew, PhD
The Pharmacologist Content Deadlines
Martha I. Dávila-Garcia, PhD
Lynne Harris, MA, APR
June Issue: May 1
PRODUCTION TEAM
John R. Traynor, PhD
Maria Pasho
is published and
THE PHARMACOLOGIST
Dave Jackson, MBA, CAE
for Pharmacology and
Catherine L. Fry, PhD
Postmaster: Send address changes to: The Pharmacologist, ASPET, 1801 Rockville Pike, Suite 210, Rockville, MD 20852-1633.
1 Message from the President 3 Leadership Profile: Nina Isoherranen, ASPET Councilor 5 ASPET 2023 Annual Meeting News 12 Feature AmericanStory:biochemist, pharmacologist and Nobel Prize recipient Gertrude Elion 22 Meeting News 24 WCP2023 25 Science Policy News 28 Education News 31 Journals News 35 Membership News 40 Members in the News 42 Division News 43 Chapter
Chair, Program Committee Michael W. Wood, PhD
FASEB Board Representative Catherine M. Davis, PhD
Past Secretary/Treasurer Carol L. Beck, PhD
PresidentCOUNCIL
Nina Isoherranen, PhD Randy A. Hall, PhD
Dave Jackson, MBA, CAE
Past President Margaret Gnegy, PhD Secretary/Treasurer
Secretary/Treasurer Elect Xinxin Ding, PhD
March Issue: February 1
Michael F. Jarvis, PhD President Elect
Namandjé Bumpus, PhD
Kathryn A. Cunningham, PhD
The Pharmacologist distributed by the American Society Experimental Therapeutics
Contents
ASPET assumes no responsibility for the statements and opinions advanced by contributors to The Pharmacologist.
ASPET has also undertaken multiple new initiatives to further enhance the Society and provide improved service to our membership. As ASPET’s IDEA Task Force continues its important work to improve ASPET’s culture, Catherine Fry, PhD, Director of Education, successfully secured an ACCESS (Alliance to Catalyze Change for Equity in STEM Success) grant to expand ASPET’s demographic data collection when members join or renew. This initiative will be critical to the development of accurate benchmarking and metrics for ASPET’s IDEA initiatives.
It is an exciting time for ASPET as we look forward to the ASPET 2023 Annual Meeting, May 18-21 at St. Louis Union Station. ASPET 2023 represents a milestone for our Society, and I am delighted that we have this architecturally significant National Historic Landmark as our venue to showcase state-of-the-art pharmacology research, education, and professional development activities. All attendees can expect quality science, many innovative interactive experiences, and a dynamic social program that is consistent with ASPET’s mission and vision. Tell your colleagues that ASPET 2023 will be the meeting not to be missed next year!
Dear ASPET members,
1 The Pharmacologist • September 2022
The membership of ASPET grew in 2021 due in no small part to the tireless efforts of our Member Services Senior Manager Yennifer Hernandez to recruit new members and retain existing members during the pandemic. ASPET’s presence on social media has also seen significant growth. Compared to May, in June, ASPET experienced a 138% increase in new followers and 54% increase in post impressions on LinkedIn and a 62% increase in post impressions on Twitter. Collectively, ASPET content made over 20,000 impressions during June. Consistent with ASPET’s global presence, ASPET will be a Platinum Sponsor of the upcoming IUPHAR World Congress of Pharmacology in Glasgow Scotland, July 2-7, 2023.
This is my inaugural message to the membership as the 91st President of ASPET. It is truly an honor to serve ASPET in this capacity and I am greatly indebted for the mentorship and patience provided to me by my fellow ASPET leaders and exceptional staff. I want to specifically acknowledge the exemplary contributions to ASPET by Peggy Gnegy, ASPET Past- President and former ASPET Presidents, Charles France and Wayne Backes for their efforts to guide ASPET during the pandemic and their strategic preparations in anticipation of the conclusion of the annual Experimental Biology meetings. I also want to extend a warm welcome to our new Council members; Nina Isoherranen, Councilor; Xinxin Ding, Secretary/Treasurer; and Namandjé Bumpus, President-Elect.
Message from The President
Over the last several months, our outstanding ASPET staff have successfully recruited new association experts into key roles. These efforts have strengthened the Society and will provide important capabilities and leadership to ensure the continued growth of ASPET. As many will know, Lynne Harris joined ASPET in March as Director of Marketing and Communications. Additionally, Robert Stanley joined ASPET in May as Chief Financial Officer. Other new additions to the ASPET staff include Kristine Styron, Sr. Peer Review Coordinator, Tricia McCarter, Marketing and Communications Coordinator and Carter Alleman, Director of Government Affairs and Science Policy. Please join me in welcoming these new colleagues to Team ASPET. Additionally, all ASPET staff are now members of the American Society of Association Executives and the Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives.
The Pharmacologist • September 2022 2
MichaelSincerely,F.
Finally, efforts are underway to refresh ASPET’s strategic plan. The current strategic plan was developed in 2017 and has served the Society well. Now is the time to revisit ASPET’s strategic priorities to enhance our service to membership and increase collaboration and engagement between the ASPET staff and Council. As you can see, these are dynamic times for ASPET. I am continually impressed by the dedication and commitment of the ASPET staff and volunteer leaders to further enhance ASPET’s ability to support our members and advance pharmacology. I look forward to updating the ASPET community as these important projects come to fruition. Jarvis, PhD ASPET President
ASPET’s Publications Committee along with other ASPET leaders are currently assessing our journal’s publication model and infrastructure to develop strategies for gaining efficiencies and economies associated with the operation of our journals. Further, this group is also charged with the generation of innovative ideas to further enhance the financial stability of our journals and the ASPET organization to maximize value for our members.
Other ongoing activities include updating ASPET’s Bylaws. This is a key governance improvement initiative that is long overdue. Portions of ASPET’s bylaws date back multiple decades. The final draft of ASPET’s Bylaws is nearing completion and will require a vote of the membership for final adoption. These revisions are aligned with the best practices of nonprofit associations and will greatly streamline ASPET operations, modernize ASPET’s governance structure, and ensure a greater level of transparency and opportunity for participation and engagement by the membership.
St. Louis Union Station Hotel May 18–21 Meet us in St. Louis! Scan to get the latest updates!
A: As a post-doctoral fellow in the University of Washington in Dr. Ken Thummel’s laboratory I became familiar with ASPET and ASPET journals as Ken was a DMD editor at the time and an active member of ASPET serving in the DMDD division and subsequently on council and as ASPET president.
Q: How did you get started in
I was drawn to ASPET largely from reading the literature and many of the seminal publications in DMD and JPET that related to drug metabolism, drug interactions and in vitro to in vivo predictions of drug metabolism. I became more involved in ASPET when I was nominated to run for the DMDD division secretary/treasurer and when Dr Eddie Morgan recruited me to be one of the DMD associate editors.
I started working in pharmacology as a graduate student developing novel derivatives of the antiepileptic/antiseizure drug valproic acid. I worked in synthesizing novel derivatives of valproic acid with the goal of identifying a compound that could maintain the pharmacological activity of valproic acid towards multiple seizure types and as migraine prophylaxis, while being devoid of the teratogenic and hepatotoxic adverse effects of valproic acid. As part of this project, I learned how to characterize structure-activity relationships, assess pharmacological activity by use of a variety of animal models and some electrophysiology. I also learned how to assess toxicity of the novel compounds in various models. In addition, a key component of the work was evaluating the pharmacokinetics and pharmacokineticpharmacodynamic (PK-PD) characteristics of the compounds developed which became a major foundation for my subsequent career.
3 The Pharmacologist • September 2022
Dr. Nina Isoherranen joined the ASPET Council on July 1, 2022, when she began her three-year term in this role. Dr. Isoherranen is a Professor and Milo Gibaldi Endowed Chair, Pharmaceutics at the University of Washington School of Pharmacy. An ASPET member since 2010, she served in a variety of roles for the Society, including Chair and Secretary/Treasurer of the Division for Drug Metabolism and Disposition, committee member of the Program Committee, committee member of the Science Policy Committee, and ASPET representative to the FASEB Science Policy Committee. Meet Dr. Isoherranen.
A Conversation with ASPET Councilor, Dr. Nina Isoherranen
Q: How did you first get involved with ASPET?
A:pharmacology?
Leadership Profile
A: It would be hard to pinpoint a single achievement that I would be proudest of in my career. It is the nature of science that every accomplishment generates more hypotheses, new questions and new research avenues and it is not uncommon to look back 10-20 years and ask why we didn’t think about another way to assess a given challenge at the time. I am uniformly proud of the graduate students and postdocs who have gone through my lab over the years and who have been instrumental for all the accomplishments in my career. I am proud of how well they have done both during their time in my laboratory and subsequently in their careers.
Q: What advice would give young scientists who are just starting in their careers?
A: I would advise young scientists to think about their passion and the scientific questions they really want to unravel and not lose sight of why they chose pharmacology and biomedical sciences as a career. I think the saying is “when you think about quitting, think about why you started.” Everyone who chooses science as a career, junior or senior, must deal with adversity and challenges fairly frequently. I would advise junior scientists in particular to find a small group of colleagues, mentors and/or peers who are supportive, collegial and helpful to share experiences both ways. If you’re a member interested in an ASPET leadership position, consider running for an elected office. The Call for Nominations takes place in the spring. Members can nominate fellow colleagues and/or themselves for President-Elect, Secretary/Treasurer, Secretary Treasurer-Elect and Councilor, and all Division leadership positions. Candidates must complete an application, prepare a statement and submit a bio along with a highresolution photo. The election occurs in January each year. Newly elected officers take their seats on July 1. For more information about the election process, visit ASPET/Position Descriptions for ASPET Elected Officers.
The Pharmacologist • September 2022 4
Q: What has been your proudest accomplishment in your career so far?
A: As a member of ASPET council I would like to hear more from the membership at large, what is most important for them as Society members and what are the most important investments the Society should make to provide the best value for their membership. For example, over the past few years, I have been a member of the ASPET Science Policy Committee. During that service, I realized that the Society puts an enormous amount of effort to advocate for the membership to protect funding for research, feasibility of research in the areas of animal research and weighing in on legislation in many areas that affect the everyday research of the members such as controlled substances classifications and processes. It would be wonderful to have more input from the membership on how these efforts are felt in the individual institutions and laboratories and whether the members see the value of these efforts. Another area that I care strongly about is the Society journals and publications. I hope, as a member of the ASPET Council, I will be able to help strengthen the journals and make sure they provide the right avenue and format for members to publish their research.
Q: What do you want the ASPET membership to know about you and your ideas about how to move the organization forward during your term?
ASPET’s divisions that host well-loved award showcase/platform sessions
Concurrent Sessions
What You Can AnnualASPETExpect2023Meeting
More interactive, hands-on, and innovative formats for the delivery of ASPET scientific content
To present your work to a robust and engaged crowd and receive valuable feedback
Award-winning presentations from young scientists competing in the popular student/postdoc poster competition throughout the meeting
Sessions that take a broad approach to
Mixers during the poster sessions with opportunities to discuss the latest science with others from your division about the posters in your research area
Poster Presentations
A mix of shorter, faster-paced sessions as well as deep-dive sessions
Inspirational new insights from leading Opportunitiesexpertsto interact with keynotes and award winners
The ASPET Annual Meeting is the place to discover and to present the highest quality, innovative science in pharmacology and experimental therapeutics. Now a stand-alone meeting, it has been re-designed by ASPET members for the pharmacology and experimental therapeutics community. It is designed to deliver a valuable experience, so everyone feels the warm welcome of ASPET, your home for pharmacology.
5 The Pharmacologist • September 2022
Keynote/General Sessions
Apharmacologydiversityofvoices representing scientific excellence and professional development
To discover young talent doing fascinating work in your field and adjacent to your field
• Scientific session details
Monday, December 12
Tuesday, November 1
A home for your professional connections
light show every evening on the hour where you can get a drink and socialize with other attendees
ASPET Annual Meeting in St. Louis!
Community Building
To connect with old friends, and former trainees and mentors
Add to calendar!your
• Registration opening
A carefully restored historic train shed
• Abstract submissions opening
A unique, AAA Four-Diamond rated, historic property
Registration discounts end
Wednesday, February 8
May 18-21
Conference-hosted meals included in your registration fee as well as free time to explore St. Louis’ award-winning restaurants, neighborhood establishments and bars
Visit www.aspet.org for announcements about:
An withhistoricAnthan30%Aspaceandexciting,engaging,inspiringwelcominghotelroomratelessexpensiveEB2022awe-inspiring,lobbyamodern,award-winning
Last day to apply for the Washington Fellows program
Last day to apply for the ASPET Mentoring Network
Friday, November 18
To meet new collaborators, prospective mentors, trainees, and employers in a wide range of pharmacologic research areas
The Pharmacologist • September 2022 6
St. Louis Union Station Hotel
Thursday, February 23
Last day to submit an abstract to be considered for a poster presentation
April / May (dates TBA)
Thursday, December 8
Last day to submit an abstract to be considered for a speaking opportunity, travel award, or poster award
Award Lecture Series presented online
A Ferris wheel, carousel, mini golf, rope course, mirror maze, and a fire & light show that are all a part of St. Louis Union Station Hotel
Opportunities to connect in fun and inspiring locations outside the hotel ballrooms
Early Online Programming Prior to the Meeting
9:00 7:006:005:004:003:002:001:0012:0011:0010:00amamampmpmpmpmpmpmpmpm Early OptionalarrivalsActivities: ExtratouristserviceCommunityprojectExtraticketactivitiesticketworkshopsASPETcommitteemeetings GeneralOpeningSession Networking break PosterSocialandPresentationsMixerWelcomeEvent PosterandPresentationsMixer PosterandPresentationsMixer Extended Stays Optional Activities: Extra ticket tourist activites ASPETmeetingscommittee BusinessBreakfastMeeting Keynote / General Session Keynote / General Session Keynote / General Session Networking break Concurrent sessions Lunch ConcurrentConcurrentbreaksessionsNetworkingbreaksessionsNetworkingbreak Concurrent sessions Concurrent sessions Networking break Networking break Concurrent sessions Concurrent sessions Lunch ConcurrentbreaksessionsNetworkingbreakNetworkingbreakConcurrentsessions Closing PresentationAwardsLuncheon Scientific Achievement & Poster Awards Program details to be announced in November
The new ASPET Award Lecture Series will be held exclusively for meeting registrants online from April 19 to May 10 in advance of meeting in St. Louis. Recordings will be made available within a week for registrants in case they missed the live webinars. In St. Louis, registrants can meet the award lecturers and join the celebration of their accomplishments.
meeting in St. Louis. Get to know division colleagues and receive a sneak peek at some of the latest science that will be presented in St. Louis.
7 The Pharmacologist • September 2022
May 18-21, 2023 in St. Louis
THURSDAY, MAY 18 FRIDAY, MAY 19 SATURDAY, MAY 20 SUNDAY, MAY 21 am
Preliminary Program
ASPET Divisions will host interactive Town Halls and scientific sessions online in March/April in advance of
8:00
For those who cannot travel to St. Louis, a virtualonly registration package will be available that also includes select recordings from sessions held in St. Louis. The full virtual program schedule will be provided prior to registration.
* Must be an ASPET member in good standing for 2022 and 2023. Be sure to renew your ASPET membership for 2023 or join now! Members save 40% on abstract submission fees (must be first/ presenting author).
Benefits of presenting your research at ASPET
■ Receive early notice (Feb. 3) if accepted for an oral or poster presentation
■ Be considered for a poster presentation
■ Receive feedback on your work
■ Compete for travel and poster awards (eligibility requirements apply)
ASPET will help bring other scientists to you to discuss your work. Top-scoring abstracts are designated as Program Committee Blue Ribbon Picks and are
■ Publish your abstract in a special supplement to the Journal for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (JPET)
■ Apply to take part in the student/postdoc poster award competition *
The meeting schedule was specifically designed to reduce the amount of hotel nights needed by the greatest number of members thus reducing your time away from the lab and reducing your travel expenses.
Abstract submission portal to open November 1
■ Spark conversations with potential research collaborators and employers
All abstracts accepted for poster presentation will have the opportunity to interact both in-person with meeting attendees and through a text-based Q&A area attached to your abstract in our mobile event platform.
World-renowned scientists and researchers will address attendees as keynote speakers during the general sessions held each day of the meeting.
■ Receive recognition for your scientific advances
■ Be considered for speaking opportunities in sessions or poster presentations
Submit your abstract by Thursday, February 23 to:
Travel
■ Contribute to the pharmacology community’s collective knowledge with discussion of suc cesses and challenges
Featured Lectures
The Pharmacologist • September 2022 8
Get Ready to Share Your Research
■ Apply for student/postdoc travel awards *
ASPET has set up discount programs with four of the major airlines who have non-stop flights into St. Louis.
Did you know that about 20% of ASPET members live within a half day’s drive to St. Louis and that more than 60% of members are in areas serviced by non-stop flights to St. Louis?
All abstracts are reviewed and scored by our divisionbased abstract review teams and then moved to the Program Committee for final acceptance decisions and Submitscheduling.yourabstract by Thursday, December 8 to:
■ Receive notification by March 24 if accepted
Visit the ASPET website at www.aspet.org/ASPET2023 for details and promotional codes. For the list of cities who have non-stop flights into the St. Louis Lambert International Airport, visit attendeesinstayingWeand-airlines/non-stop-servicehttps://www.flystl.com/flights-encourageyoutoconsidercomingearlyorlatetotakeadvantageofallthefunactivitiesthearea.Groupoutingswillbeavailabletoallowtoenjoythesiteswitheachother.
Application deadline: Thursday, December 8
9 The Pharmacologist • September 2022
Undergraduates, post-baccalaureate students, graduate students and postdoctoral scientists are encouraged to submit their research as abstracts. In addition to hearing the latest science, presenting their work, and networking, the following opportunities are also available:
■ Central Nervous System Pharmacology
■ Cancer Pharmacology
■ Drug Discovery and Development
selected to give oral presentations at the popular ASPET Datablitz, in concurrent sessions, and in division platform showcases. Top-scoring young scientists are invited to participate in the Poster Competition with cash prizes for winners.
■ You must be the first/presenting author of the abstract selected for the competition.
ASPET is seeking abstracts in the following research areas:
You must be an active ASPET member for 2023 to be eligible for awards. Renew now to participate!
For more information and eligibility details, please visit: www.aspet.org/posterawards
■ Pharmacology Education
ATTENTION:
■ You must be an undergraduate, post-baccalau reate student, graduate student, or postdoctoral member of ASPET.
■ You must be available to present your poster to the judges on your scheduled poster session day (May 18-20). Authors invited to compete must present in-person in St. Louis on the day assigned.
■ Cardiovascular Pharmacology
■ Behavioral Pharmacology
■ When submitting your abstract, you must indi cate your interest in being considered for the competition. Selected finalists will be notified in early February.
Student/Postdoc Poster Competition
PIs and Faculty
■ Pharmacogenomics and Translational Pharma cology
■ Your ASPET membership must be renewed for 2023. (or join now!)
for Young Scientists
■ Toxicology
■ Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology
Poster awards are offered for outstanding poster presentations by ASPET young scientist members.
ATTENTION:
■ Drug Metabolism and Disposition
To be considered for the competition:
■ Other (including COVID-19, global health, health disparities, and other specialties)
Opportunitiespostdocs
Students, post-bacs, and
Encourage your students and postdocs to join ASPET now. With payment of their 2023 dues, they also get the remainder of 2022 for free. This opens their access to apply for our many programs supporting young scientists such as annual meeting travel awards, poster awards, Mentoring Network, Washington Fellows, and travel awards to the World Congress of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology.
To be considered for an award:
For more information and eligibility details, please visit: www.aspet.org/travelawards
Application deadline: Monday, December 12. Learn more at www.aspet.org/mentoringnetwork
The Pharmacologist • September 2022 10
■ Your ASPET membership must be renewed for 2023. (or join now!)
■ You must be the first/presenting author of an ASPET 2023 annual meeting abstract.
■ When submitting your abstract, you must indi cate your interest in being considered for a trav el award and upload additional information such as a curriculum vitae (CV) and the name/email of an individual who can provide a letter of recom mendation supporting your application.
■ You must present your research in-person in St. Louis at the assigned day/time and attend events specifically designed for travel awardees.
Mentoring Network
Career Resources
■ Three-minute Datablitz talks
The Washington Fellows Program enables developing and early career scientists interested in science policy to learn about and become more engaged in public policy issues. Fellows receive paid registration to the ASPET Annual Meeting, but the program runs year-round.
Abstracts will be selected based on reviewer scores and alignment with the session topic. To be considered, submit your abstract by Thursday, December 8. No other application is necessary.
Application deadline: Thursday, December 8
■ Talks within the concurrent sessions
Young scientists are invited to apply for a travel award to help defray a portion of travel and registration costs to attend the ASPET Annual Meeting.
■ Division showcases and platform talks (some include prizes!)
The ASPET Mentoring Network is a professional development experience that uses career coaching to help participants develop the skills needed to succeed scientifically, professionally and socially, including discussions about experiences and pressures faced by groups that are underrepresented in the sciences. This program kicks off at the ASPET Annual Meeting but continues year-round.
Washington Fellows
Stay tuned for additional opportunities and sessions that will help all young scientists learn about and further develop their careers.
■ You must be an undergraduate, post-baccalau reate student, graduate student, or postdoctoral member of ASPET.
Oral Presentations
ASPET Travel Awards
In addition to the general travel awards, ASPET also offers specialty awards for members of groups underrepresented in the biomedical sciences and for members residing in developing countries.
You may be selected for one of a variety of speaking opportunities including:
Application deadline: November 18, 2022. Learn more at www.aspet.org/washingtonfellows
Explore St. Louis
This unique, national historic HallshowwinningThef25e150203com/205964502/https://vimeo.Seeofenjoypastconnectslandmarkwiththewhileyoutheluxurythepresent.foryourself:nightlyaward-3DlightintheGrandlobbyattheSt.
Louis Union Station Hotel is amazing! The Grand Hall, built in 1894, draws you in with its uniquely designed architectural archway, fresco and gold-leaf detailing, mosaics and art glass windows. At its greatest height, it reaches 65 feet tall. The Grand Hall is a St. Louis historical landmark and unique place to enjoy a drink.
ASPET posters will be displayed in the Midway area, which was the hub for travelers in the early 1900s as they waited for Thecom/storystlouisunionstation.https://www.historyReaddepartingpassengersarrivingandtrains.aboutthehere:hotel’sguestrooms
St. ASPETwelcomesLouiswith their signature warmth and hospitality. The city is ready for us to explore— from the iconic Gateway Arch to miles of trails, parks and waterways, to world-class, family and budget-friendly attractions, to a robust cultural and arts scene, to exciting sporting events including their new major league soccer team. It’s also one of the hottest food cities in the nation including some of the best brews. Pick your mood, food vibe or idea of fun and you’ll find a St. Louis neighborhood to fit you.
St. Louis Union Station Hotel
are fully renovated, beautifully modern and rich in history. Many of the rooms give a nod to Union Station’s past with artwork and decor depicting railroad themes. ASPET’s discounted conference rate is $189 for those who book through ASPET.
Partner with ASPET
ASPET welcomes support from corporations and universities who are seeking to connect with our 800 scientists at all career levels who will convene in St. Louis to discover and present the highest quality,
innovative science in pharmacology and experimental therapeutics. To explore opportunities, please reach out to us at meetings@aspet.org or 301-634-7060.
In addition to housing the hotel, the Union Station complex includes multiple restaurants and family friendly attractions such as an aquarium, Ferris wheel, carousel, mirror maze, ropes course, mini golf, and a complimentary showcase of pyrotechnics and dancing light at the Fire & Light Show held daily on the lake.
11 The Pharmacologist • September 2022
Trudy was particularly close to her grandfather, a learned scholar who had been a rabbi in Russia and was a watchmaker in New York City (1). Because she liked all of her subjects, she didn’t particularly focus on science, until her grandfather died from stomach cancer in the summer after her high school graduation (3, 4).
She said his death was a turning point in her life. “I was highly motivated to do something that might eventually lead to a cure for this terrible disease” (2). At Hunter College, she majored in chemistry, and in 1937, at age 19, she graduated summa cum laude (1, 3-5).
Gertrude Elion was never a household name like Salk and Pasteur, but the scientists at that conference revered her. Two years earlier, she had received the Nobel Prize, a rare achievement for an industrial scientist, rarer for someone without a doctorate, and rarer still for a woman. The Nobel Committee said that her discoveries had saved the lives of millions of patients and eased the suffering of countless others.
Income from her father’s dental practice kept the family afloat, but in the midst of the Depression, they could not afford the tuition for Trudy to attend graduate school. She applied for financial assistance at 15 universities, but none was offered (2, 3)
The Molecular Mechanic
Rebecca J. Anderson, PhD
As a second-best alternative, she sought a job in research, and, for the first time in her life, she faced a stark reality. The few lab positions that existed during
About halfway through the session, the crowd politely parted to allow a short elderly woman to view the posted data. She asked a few insightful questions and complimented the authors on the quality of their work. Thirty years later, those scientists still remembered every word of that conversation and cherished the few moments they had spent, up close and personal, with Gertrude Elion.
Gertrude Elion:
The Pharmacologist • September 2022 12
In 1990, some of my colleagues presented their experimental drug results in a poster session at a national scientific meeting. It was the height of the AIDS epidemic, and many drug companies, including my employer, were frantically searching for effective treatments. We thought we had made a breakthrough, and curious scientists from competing companies crowded around the poster, hoping to glean new insights.
A Stellar Student
On a bleak January night in the midst of the 1918 influenza pandemic, the water pipes froze and burst in the Elions’ Manhattan apartment (1, 2). Mrs. Elion, who had emigrated from Russia (now Poland) was in the hospital giving birth to their first child, Gertrude. Dr. Elion, an immigrant from Lithuania, had graduated from New York University Dental School four years earlier and maintained a dental office adjacent to their
Knocking on Doors
apartment. After the birth of Gertrude’s little brother Herbert in 1924, the family moved to the Bronx (1, 2) Gertrude, whom everyone called Trudy, learned to read at an early age. She had an insatiable thirst for knowledge, enjoyed all of her classes, and skipped several grades (1, 2). At the age of 15, she entered Hunter College, then the women’s campus of the City College of New York. Her father, like many others, had invested heavily in the stock market, which crashed in 1929, and was bankrupted (1, 2). “Had it not been that Hunter College was a free college, I suspect I might never have received a higher education” (2).
When the term ended, she needed to find a new job. At a party, she met a chemist who operated a oneman lab located within a factory (2, 4). He agreed to give her a job but explained that he could not pay her. She took the opportunity and soon discovered that he was a very good organic chemist. Over the next year and a half, she gained valuable experience. She also apparently impressed him. By the end of her time in that lab, she was making $20 a week, $416 in today’s currency (2, 4)
After trying unsuccessfully for 3-4 months to land a research job, and needing to make a living, she started taking classes at a secretarial school (1). Six weeks later, she was offered a job teaching biochemistry at the New York Hospital School of Nursing (2, 4). She dropped out of secretarial school. “Six weeks was about as much as I
https://achievement.org/achiever/gertrude-elion/
the Depression were not available to women (2). “I hadn’t been aware that there were doors closed to me until I started knocking on them” (1). Everyone said she was qualified, but they had never had a woman in the laboratory and thought she would be a “distracting influence.” “I almost fell apart” (1).
The Pharmacologist • September 2022 13
could take” (4). The nursing school was on the trimester system, and her job was for just one three-month term.
A Productive Partnership
Elion began as Hitchings’ research assistant on June 15, 1944, with an annual salary of $2600 ($43,000 in today’s currency). That launched one of the most productive collaborations in science (1, 4, 5)
When the United States entered World War II in December 1941, many men left for military service, and employers were more willing to hire women as industrial chemists (2, 5). In 1942, Elion quit her substitute teaching job to take a position as an analytical chemist with the A&P Grocery Store chain (1, 2, 4)
Her father had samples of pain medication in his dental office, and some of them were made by Burroughs Wellcome (now GlaxoSmithKline). The address on the label was Tuckahoe, NY, which was not far from their home in the Bronx. He suggested she look there for a job (2, 4).
In parallel, she enrolled at Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute (now Polytechnic Institute of New York University), where she took evening classes for a doctorate in chemistry (2-4). Three nights a week,
concentration of sugar in preserves, “I was no longer learning anything” (2). She sought a more challenging research position.
Seeing that she learned rapidly, Hitchings gave her increasingly challenging assignments and responsibility. Her background had been solely in organic chemistry, but she soon immersed herself in microbiology and the biological activity of the compounds she was synthesizing (2).
She saved enough money, along with help from her parents, to enroll in graduate school at New York University in the fall of 1939. In sharp contrast to Hunter College, she was the only woman in her chemistry classes (2, 4)
https://achievement.org/achiever/gertrude-elion/
The Pharmacologist • September 2022 14
Through an employment agency, she obtained a medical research position at Johnson & Johnson in New Brunswick, NJ (1-4). Her work involved learning about sulfonamides (the first broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs), and that reinforced her interest in chemotherapy. But after 6 months, the company closed its New Brunswick lab, and her job was terminated (1, 2)
Although she acquired valuable instrumentation experience, the work was repetitive and unchallenging (1, 4, 5). After a year and a half of measuring the acidity of pickles, the color of mayonnaise, and the
Fortunately, when she called to ask for an interview, they had some openings. She arrived on a Saturday morning and was interviewed by Dr. George Hitchings, director of Burroughs Wellcome Laboratories (4). Hitchings, unlike many managers at the time, gave equal opportunity to both men and women. His other assistant was a woman. Elion’s resumé, which listed her master’s degree and some research experience, apparently met his criteria. A week later, he offered her a job. “I was very fortunate that he happened to be there that Saturday morning, because they worked on alternate Saturdays, and it would have been someone else on the next Saturday” (4)
Along with her graduate coursework, Elion took an education class, which qualified her to work as a substitute teacher in New York City. She taught high school chemistry, physics, and general science during the day. At night and on weekends, she conducted the research for her master’s thesis (1, 2, 4). In 1941, she received her degree in organic chemistry. There still were no research jobs.
After spending years in a sort of limbo, she had finally found the perfect job, under Hitchings at Burroughs Wellcome, and did not want to give it up. She discussed her dilemma with Hitchings, who said, “You don’t need to get a doctorate. You can do it all without” (4). Later, she admitted that she would not give that advice to young people, “but at the time, it was the only choice that made sense to me” (4).
In the 1940s, scientists knew that DNA was composed of four nucleic acids: two purines (adenine and guanine) and two pyrimidines (cytosine and thymine) (5-7). But the biochemical pathways that utilized those nucleic acids to make DNA had not been mapped, and the
The Pharmacologist • September 2022 15
Her research under Hitchings was so interesting that she figured she worked harder in his lab than she might have worked on her doctoral studies (4). She had no distractions and could work as long as she
https://achievement.org/achiever/gertrude-elion/
wanted, often 10 hours a day, 7 days a week. And then, she took work home. “It was my life…and in a few years, I realized that I’d made the right decision” (4)
In the 1940s, most new drugs were discovered by evaluating the effects of natural products and other known compounds, sometimes chosen at random (6). But to find drugs to treat cancer and bacterial infections, Hitchings thought it made more sense to manipulate the biochemistry of cancer cells and bacteria (6). He focused on nucleic acids, which are essential for cell growth (2, 7). The goal was to design compounds that specifically interfered with nucleic acid metabolism, and, in doing so, stopped cellular proliferation (6)
she made the grueling shuttle between her home in the Bronx, her work in Tuckahoe, and her classes at Brooklyn Polytechnic. She estimated that she would complete her PhD in about 10 years (4). But after 2 years, the Dean said the faculty expected doctoral candidates to attend school fulltime. She would have to give up her job (4).
Pushing the Envelope
Elion not only synthesized purine analogs but also delved into the biological effects of those compounds. Over time, her broad knowledge encompassed pharmacology, biochemistry, immunology, and virology (1, 2, 5).
Conquering Leukemia
In 1948, she made 2,6-diaminopurine (2,6-DAP), which inhibited the growth of bacteria. She also found that adenine specifically reversed the 2,6-DAPinduced inhibition, but the other natural purines did not. This suggested that adenine and 2,6-DAP were substrates for the same enzyme. In 1955, Arthur Kornberg (a future Nobel Laurate) identified this enzyme: adenylate pyrophosphorylase (7).
Elion and Hitchings also found that 2,6-DAP inhibited mouse tumors, mouse leukemia, and tumor cells in tissue culture (7). Clinical work at Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research showed that 2,6-DAP induced remissions in two adult patients with chronic granulocytic leukemia (1, 5, 7). Unfortunately, the drug also caused serious side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and bone marrow depression. So, development of 2,6-DAP was terminated. Back in the lab, Elion continued designing and synthesizing purine derivatives, looking for a compound that was effective but less toxic than 2,6-DAP (4, 5, 7)
At that time, children with acute leukemia were treated with methotrexate and steroids, and their life expectancy was 3-4 months. Only 30% lived longer than a year (7). In the initial clinical trials at SloanKettering Memorial Hospital, 6-MP produced complete remissions of childhood acute leukemia (5, 7). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved 6-MP in 1953. Unfortunately, relapses frequently occurred.
Later, clinical trials showed that combining 6-MP with other antileukemic drugs prolonged the average survival time, and refinement of those chemotherapy regimens now reliably induces remission of acute childhood leukemia. Follow-up maintenance therapy with 6-MP and methotrexate now cures 90% of those children (3, 8).
Elion realized that making and testing a series of compounds was not enough. To guide her chemical synthesis and truly cure diseases, “We have to understand the function of these drugs inside the body” (1). To get at the mechanism of action, she tracked the metabolic fate of 6-MP using radioactive tracers (1, 5) She was, in essence, using 6-MP and its analogs as tools to deduce the existence of certain enzymes, enzymes that had not yet been isolated and characterized.
“I hadn’t been aware that there were doors closed to me until I started knocking on them.”
Among other things, these studies revealed that 6-MP was extensively metabolized and very little was excreted unchanged (4, 7). To create a longerlasting compound, she made a number of chemical substitutions to the 6-MP molecule. The resulting compounds were prodrugs that would convert to 6-MP only at the internal target site. She hoped an
Later, by the mid-1950s, researchers discovered those enzymes, mapped the synthetic pathways of purine synthesis, and defined the complex biochemical reactions involved with 6-MP metabolism (4, 5). Once Elion knew the enzymes and synthetic pathways, she leveraged that information to find compounds that were even more effective than 6-MP (5)
Hitchings assigned Elion to investigate the purines (adenine and guanine) and find ways to prevent them from entering the pathway that leads to building a strand of DNA (3, 7). Elion had never heard of purines or pyrimidines, but the idea of treating diseases by interfering with DNA synthesis (and thus stopping cell proliferation) was a very exciting challenge (5).
helical structure of DNA had not yet been proposed (5, 7). In addition, the techniques for investigating purines and pyrimidines were very limited. There was no paper or ion-exchange chromatography. Radioactivity was measured with a Geiger counter, rather than liquid scintillation counters (5).
Elion made over 100 purine analogs (3, 4, 7). In 1951, tests conducted in collaboration with SloanKettering showed that 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) and 6-thioguanine were active against a wide variety of rodent tumors and leukemias (5, 7).
In 1952, little was known about the mechanism of action of 6-MP or how it inhibited cancer cell proliferation (5).
The Pharmacologist • September 2022 16
The enzyme responsible for 6-MP’s rapid and extensive metabolism was found to be xanthine oxidase. Elion’s next initiative was to prolong the activity of 6-MP by inhibiting xanthine oxidase (7). Of the compounds her group lifeefficacyallopurinoloxidaseoutpyrimidine4-hydroxypurazolosynthesized,(3-4-d)(allopurinol)stoodasapotentxanthineinhibitor.Aspredicted,enhancedtheandlengthenedthehalf-of6-MPintheirlabtests (7).
Elion’s mechanism of action studies also revealed differences in the metabolism of allopurinol in mammalian versus protozoan species (1, 7). Allopurinol
Elion didn’t set out to find an immunosuppressant, but “by keeping an open mind and being responsive,” she said, “this is what can happen” (4). The success of azathioprine launched her team’s work in immunology. They synthesized analogs of 6-MP and azathioprine, specifically aiming to stop bacterial infections (6). Their successes included pyrimethamine (Daraprim) for malaria and parasitic diseases and trimethoprim (a component, along with sulfamethoxazole, of Bactrim) for treating meningitis, septicemia, and urinary and respiratory tract infections (6)
The Pharmacologist • September 2022 17
Allopurinol
In 1978, Calne introduced cyclosporin, which provides a longer survival time of transplanted organs than azathioprine. But azathioprine alone or in combination is still used to treat inflammatory bowel disease and an
Few organ transplants were performed before the early 1960s, because the donor organs were quickly rejected by the recipient’s immune system (6). Taking note of the Tufts results, Roy Calne, a British surgeon, showed that 6-MP also prevented kidney transplant rejection in his dog experiments (1, 4, 7). He contacted Elion and asked if she could provide him with analogs of 6-MP that he might investigate. Based on her immune screening data, she suggested that azathioprine might have some advantages. Calne found that azathioprine was, indeed, superior to 6-MP in his dog experiments (7).
Clinical studies in collaboration with Wayne Rundles at Duke University showed that allopurinol also potentiated the efficacy of 6-MP in patients with chronic granulocytic leukemia. But unfortunately, allopurinol also increased 6-MP’s toxicity (5, 7). So, the combination of 6-MP and allopurinol had no advantage over 6-MP alone (7)
Keeping an Open Mind
Further research showed that allopurinol was useful in other disorders. Cells utilize xanthine oxidase to produce uric acid, and allopurinol significantly decreases uric acid in both the blood and the urinary tract. This led to a novel approach for treating gout and other forms of hyperuricemia (1, 5, 7). The FDA approved allopurinol for gout in 1966.
In 1958, Robert Schwartz and William Damechik at Tufts University found that 6-MP suppressed the immune response in rabbits (1, 5, 7). This prompted Elion to set up a laboratory screening test to see if the 6-MP derivatives she was making would also affect immunity. Her group found that, although azathioprine and 6-MP had similar efficacy in the leukemia tests, azathioprine was better than 6-MP in their immune screening test (4).
Azathioprine (a prodrug) is converted to 6-MP in the blood. In laboratory tests, azathioprine was effective against mouse tumors and was less toxic than 6-MP. Unfortunately, in patients with leukemia, azathioprine’s toxicity was similar to 6-MP, making it no better than 6-MP as an anticancer drug (5, 7).
In 1962, the combination of azathioprine and the steroid, prednisone, permitted the first successful human kidney transplant from an unrelated donor (1, 7) For many years, these drugs were the standard regimen for kidney, liver, heart, and lung transplants (1, 6).
appropriately designed prodrug would be more selective for leukemia cells and less harmful to normal cells (4). The most impressive compound to emerge from this approach was azathioprine (7)
array of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, atopic dermatitis, and myasthenia gravis, among others (5, 7)
"The goal was to design compounds that interferedspecificallywithnucleicacidmetabolism,and,insodoing,stoppedcellularproliferation."
Elion’s team synthesized the compound, and she sent it to John Bauer at the Wellcome Research Laboratories in the UK to assess its antiviral activity. Bauer found that 2,6-DAP-arabinoside was highly active against both herpes simplex and vaccinia viruses. Interestingly, it was less toxic to mammalian cells than ara-A (7).
“The Nobel Committee said that her discoveries had saved the lives of millions of patients and eased the suffering of countless others.”
Then, in 1968, other researchers reported that adenine arabinoside (ara-A) inhibited the replication of both DNA and RNA viruses (1). Unfortunately, ara-A’s clinical usefulness was limited due to its rapid metabolism. Elion thought that the arabinoside analog of 2,6-DAP would have a longer half-life (1, 7)
As early as 1948, Elion and Hitchings had been intrigued by the strong antiviral activity of 2,6-DAP, but they dropped the compound because of its toxicity in the cancer clinical trials. For the next 20 years, they focused on more promising drugs such as 6-MP, azathioprine, and allopurinol (7).
In 1970, Elion, Hitchings, and many other Wellcome employees moved from their facilities in Tuckahoe, NY, to Research Triangle Park, NC. At the same time, Howard Schaeffer joined the company as head of the organic chemistry department (3, 7). Schaeffer had been making a series of adenine analogs with acyclic side chains. His results suggested that those compounds might have antimetabolite properties, and early results showed that they also had antiviral activity. So, Elion and Schaeffer joined forces and launched a full-blown antiviral research program (7)
The acyclic analog of 2,6-DAP was highly active against the herpes simplex virus, but unexpectedly, the acyclic analog of guanine, acycloguanosine (acyclovir), was more than 100 times more active (1) In addition, acyclovir was quite selective (7). It was highly active against herpes viruses (herpes simplex, varicella zoster, Epstein-Barr, and pseudo-rabies), but only slightly active against human cytomegalovirus and inactive against RNA and other DNA viruses. And importantly, it was not toxic to mammalian cells (7) Elion wanted to know the reason for this unusual selectivity, and she set up her own in-house virus lab to pursue in-depth studies (7). After laborious efforts, her group isolated, purified, and identified the enzyme, herpes-specific thymidine kinase, which was present in herpes viruses but not in mammalian cells or other viruses. This enzyme facilitates conversion of acyclovir to a toxic product (acyclovir-triphosphate), which acts as an antimetabolite and prevents replication of herpes viruses. This explained acyclovir’s selective action (7)
Tackling Viruses
Acyclovir was the first selective antiviral drug, and Elion called it her final jewel (1, 4). “After that, everybody went to work in the field, so in addition to being an important compound, it was an important landmark” (1). The lessons learned about acyclovir’s
After successful clinical trials, acyclovir was approved by the FDA as an ointment and intravenous formulation in 1982 (1, 7). Several years later, an oral formulation was approved. Acyclovir alleviates the symptoms of herpes infections, decreases the time of viral shedding, and shortens healing time. It also decreases the severity of recurrent episodes (7). In 1991, acyclovir was Burroughs Wellcome’s largestselling product, with worldwide sales of $838 million ($1.8 billion in today’s currency) (1)
Because herpes infections can be fatal in immunosuppressed patients (such as those with cancer and transplanted organs), Elion explored a series of 2,6-DAP-arabinosides and related derivatives for their possible use in combatting herpes infections (1)
The Pharmacologist • September 2022 18
is converted to a toxic compound in protozoa but not in mammals (1). In the 1970s, studies by other researchers showed that this differential effect made allopurinol an effective and selective treatment for leishmaniasis and Chagas disease at doses that cause no harm to the patient (1, 7)
Schaeffer and Lilia Beauchamp synthesized the acyclic purine arabinosides, and Bauer and Peter Collins in the UK did the antiviral testing. Elion’s group established the structure-activity relationships for optimal antiviral activity. They also evaluated the
compounds’ metabolism in animal models and honed the methods for synthesizing the compounds (7).
Then, when Hitchings retired from active research in 1967 to become vice president of research, Elion was named the head of the Department of Experimental Therapy (1). Some of her colleagues called it a “mini-institute” because it contained sections of chemistry, enzymology, pharmacology, immunology, and virology, as well as a tissue culture lab (2) This multidisciplinary group not only coordinated and facilitated development of new drugs but also clearly established what Elion could do on her own. Acyclovir was a prime example (2, 3).
The Pharmacologist • September 2022 19
Taking the Lead
mechanism of action led to a better understanding of the enzymatic differences between healthy and virus-infected cells. Researchers began searching for other viral-specific enzymes that might be manipulated for antiviral effects. Clearly a pharmacologist at heart, Elion said, “Selectivity remains our aim, and understanding its basis [is] our guide to the future” (7)
The long and productive Hitchings-Elion collaboration combined the best qualities of two fine minds and unique personalities. Hitchings was a visionary brimming with cutting edge ideas, but he tended to treat people differently, depending on their status (1). On the other hand, Elion had a practical mind and always looked for the crucial experiments that would decide the question (1). According to Thomas Krenitsky, vice president of Burroughs Wellcome, “She’s always Trudy… whether the other person is a student, a glassware washer, or the president of the company” (1)
Elion and Hitchings had worked alongside each other and written papers together for so long that it was difficult to differentiate their respective contributions (1). From 1944 to 1963, Elion was a senior research chemist, progressively taking on more responsibility (5). From 1963 to 1967, she was an assistant to the director of the Division of Chemotherapy (1, 2, 5) Hitchings was always the boss.
https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/1988/elion/photo-gallery/
Drug Indications
A number of accolades followed the Nobel Prize. In 1990, Elion was elected to the National Academy of Sciences.
Elion formally retired in 1983 but remained at Burroughs Wellcome as a Scientist Emeritus and Consultant (2). She actively participated in discussions, seminars, and staff meetings related to research. Among the important work they were doing at that time was development of azidothymidine (AZT), the first effective drug to treat HIV/AIDS. She declined to take credit for the work. “The only thing I can claim is training the people in the methodology… the work is all theirs” (1).
do anything to get the perfect photograph, including tramping up and down a mountain (1).
Gertrude Elion’s Major Discoveries
Pneumonia, bacterial infections
Elion also gave her time freely to students interested in science, to ensure that they retained and developed that interest (1). As a Research Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology at Duke University, she worked each year with a third-year medical student who wished to do research in tumor biochemistry and pharmacology (2, 3)
She served on various editorial boards and was a member of a number of professional societies, including ASPET. She also lectured, wrote, and received 25 honorary degrees. Among the first was an honorary doctorate in pharmacology from George Washington University. But the doctorate from Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute held special significance because, she said, “it seemed poetic justice” (4)
In a sense, she noted, her career had come full circle: from her early days as a teacher to sharing her research experience with new generations of scientists (2). In 1989, Burroughs Wellcome gave Elion $250,000 to donate to a charity of her choice. She awarded it to her alma mater for women’s fellowships in chemistry and biochemistry (1)
Today, that approach is called rational drug design, and it has been adopted by most pharmaceutical researchers (4).
Her mechanism of action studies also revealed differences in metabolic pathways between mammalian cells and infectious organisms such as viruses and protozoa. She then exploited those differences to develop more selective antiviral and anti-protozoal drugs.
She not only systematically synthesized each series of compounds but also employed cutting-edge pharmacology to understand the mechanisms of action of those compounds. In so doing, the compounds not only were effective therapeutic agents but also served as tools to elucidate biochemical pathways. Her results pointed to the existence of new enzymes, and later, those enzymes were isolated, identified, and given a name (4).
To satisfy her curiosity about the world, she traveled widely throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America, always packing a camera (1, 2). She would
Parasitic diseases (Bactrim)Trimethoprim
Although she considered her work both her vocation and avocation, she made time for a few other pursuits, including music, travel, and photography (1). She subscribed to New York’s Metropolitan Opera for over 40 years (2). She also attended every classical music concert, every James Bond movie, and many of the college basketball games in the Research Triangle Park area (1)
The Pharmacologist • September 2022 20
Azathioprine Anti-rejection of organ transplant, autoimmune diseases (Daraprim)Pyrimethamine
“I Don’t Want to Die Until I’m Used Up”
6-mercaptopurine Leukemia chemotherapy
Allopurinol Gout, hyperuricemia
Acyclovir Herpes viral infections
Her career culminated in 1988 when she received the Nobel Prize, along with George Hitchings. She was only the fifth woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The Nobel Committee said any one of her lifesaving medicines could have earned her the prize, but they cited her unique approach to research as her greatest contribution (4).
Gertrude Elion held 45 patents and published more than 225 research papers (1).
On February 21, 1999, Elion collapsed while taking her daily walk and died later that day at the University of North Carolina Hospital (1). She always took great satisfaction in knowing that the drugs she invented and developed had benefitted so many patients. She would have been even more gratified to know that those medicines continue to be first- and second-line treatments. All of her major discoveries (6-MP, azathioprine, pyrimethamine, trimethoprim, allopurinol, and acyclovir) are still on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Drugs.
In the next issue of The Pharmacologist…
4. Academy of Achievement (February 16 ,2022) Gertrude B. Elion Biography; available Awardthe,Lemelson%2DMIT%20Lifetime%20Achievement%20elion/#:~:text=In%201988%2C%20she%20received%20https://achievement.org/achiever/gertrude-from:
5. Rubin RP (2007) A brief history of great discoveries in pharmacology: In celebration of the centennial anniversary of the founding of the American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. Pharmacol Rev 59(4): 289-359.
7. Elion GV (December 8, 1988) The purine path to chemotherapy. Nobel Lecture; available from: www.nobelprize.org/uploads/2018/06/elion-lecture.pdfhttps://
8. Hunger SP and Mullighan CG (2015) Acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children. New Engl J Med 373(16): 1541-1552.
The following year, she was elected to the Institute of Medicine, received the National Medal of Science, and was the first woman inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame. She remained actively engaged with researchers, saying, “I don’t want to die until I’m used up” (1).
References:
6. Michalovic M (December 3, 2007) Gertrude Elion, Biochemist, Science History Institute; available biochemisthttps://sciencehistory.org/distillations/gertrude-elion-from:
Dr. Anderson will feature Parkinson's disease and L-DOPA.
Don't miss the December 2022 issue.
1. Chung KT (2010) Women pioneers of medical research. McFarland & Company, Inc. Jefferson, NC, pp 1440152.
Rebecca J. Anderson holds a bachelor’s in chemistry from Coe College and earned her doctorate in pharmacology from Georgetown University. She has 25 years of experience in pharmaceutical research and development and now works as a technical writer. Her most recent book is Nevirapine and the Quest to End Pediatric AIDS. Email rebeccanderson@msn.com
Biosketch:
3. American Chemical Society, Women Scientists in American History: Gertrude Elion (1918-1999); available from: whatischemistry/women-scientists/gertrude-elion.htmlhttps://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/.
2. Gertrude B. Elion – Biographical (1989) The Nobel Prizes 1988, T Frägsmyr, ed, Nobel Foundation, Stockholm: available from: prizes/medicine/1988/elion/biographical/https://www.nobelprize.org/.
The Pharmacologist • September 2022 21
ASPET’s Focus on Pharmacology is celebrating its second anniversary! What started as an idea to provide online content for one summer has turned into a valued member benefit providing the latest in scientific research, lab technique workshops, professional and career development, and demos of innovative teaching methods. Each webinar attracts about 70 registrants from around the world. Participants consistently rate their satisfaction between 4 and 5 stars (out of 5).
Most webinars are available on-demand for ASPET members only. To select a recording, visit www.aspet.org/Focus
Focus on Pharmacology Celebrates Its Second Anniversary
Most Viewed Scientific Webinars 1. Antiviral Measures Targeting Coronavirus Entry 2. Molecular Pharmacology Postdoc Award Competition 3. Behavioral Pharmacology Postdoctoral Award Competition 4. Therapeutic Research for COVID-19: Challenges and Accomplishments 5. Current Advances in Drug Metabolism - Part 1 Most Viewed Career Development and Trainee Tips 1. Writing High Quality Abstracts 2. Microaggressions: How to Recognize, Respond to, and Minimize Microaggressions 3. Designing Science Presentations: Simple Princi ples that Can Allow for Great Impact on Audiences 4. Zooming with Possibilities (educator resources) 5. Preparing Yourself for Successful Hiring
The ASPET Division for Molecular Pharmacology’s series is Learn from a Pro: Methods in Cell Signaling and Pharmacology. The third installment, to be held on October 12, will feature Dr. Carmen Dessauer and Dr. Anibal Garza Carbajal. The discussion will focus on the technique of high-content imaging as it relates to cluster analysis of single-cell type responses in a mixed population, how it can be applied to the fields of molecular pharmacology and cell signaling and what is needed to perform high-content imaging.
Live Webinars Coming This Fall
The fourth installment in the Learn from a Pro technique workshops will be presented on December 7 when Dr. Karen Gregory will lead an interactive session about applying operational models to quantify agonism or allosterism, commonly applied analytical frameworks for GPCR pharmacology. Critical elements of experimental design and core assumptions will be discussed, as well as how these methods can enrich drug discovery.
The ASPET Division for Drug Metabolism and Disposition began hosting quarterly webinars last year. The fourth installment of Current Advances in Drug Metabolism will take place on September 30. The series was created to stimulate discussion and promote young scientists’ careers in this field. All speakers are young scientists who share their most recent research findings and achievements.
The Pharmacologist • September 2022 22
Meeting News
September 30, 2022
23 The Pharmacologist • September 2022
Current Advances in Drug Metabolism – Part 4 October 12, 2022
All webinars are free to ASPET members.
High-content Imaging for Analysis of Signal Transduction in Heterogeneous Cell Populations December 7, 2022
Practical Application of Operational Models to Quantify Pharmacology of Agonists and Allosteric Modulators Register at www.aspet.org/focus.
Upcoming Focus on Pharmacology
“Over the years, ASPET has been a major partner and contributor to the World Congress of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, and WCP2023 will be no different. We’re excited to participate in the event as a Platinum Sponsor and ensure ASPET continues to have a major presence on the international pharmacology stage. We are also excited to partner again with the British Pharmacological Society, the WCP2023 host country, and be part of what will surely be an excellent experience for all attendees.”
ASPET is proud to be a platinum sponsor for the World Congress of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology 2023 (WCP). Hosted jointly by the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (IUPHAR) and the British Pharmacological Society on July 2-7, 2023, this in-person meeting takes place at the Scottish Events Campus in Glasgow, UK. ASPET is participating in the WCP to ensure the Society has a major presence at this international pharmacology-focused event that expects to draw about 3,000 attendees.
The Pharmacologist • September 2022 24
ASPET Executive Officer, Dave Jackson stated:
ASPET Supports WCP2023 as Platinum Sponsor
ASPET is committed to working closely with WCP to highlight the latest pharmacological research from around the world. The Call for Abstracts for WCP is open with a deadline of November 4, 2022. The program features many American and ASPET member speakers who are serving as keynote speakers and presenters for plenaries and symposia.
ASPET is offering several Travel Awards to Young Scientists, specifically graduate students and postdoctoral scientists, to defray expenses to attend and participate in WCP2023. Applicants must be ASPET members in good standing, attend the meeting and submit abstracts to the WCP2023 meeting to be eligible.
Science Policy News
3. Acknowledge the critical need for nonhuman primate research and allocate additional funding for NIH and the National Primate Research Cen ters (NPRCs) to allow researchers to conduct this essential work.
25 The Pharmacologist • September 2022
1. Include language that supports and provides additional funding for large animal foundation al and translational research supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Large animal research includes, but is not limited to canines, felines, nonhuman primates, pigs, sheep, rab bits, ferrets, hamsters, guinea pigs, and llamas.
Along with 46 other biomedical societies, ASPET signed on to a letter on June 12, 2022 to the House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS) Appropriations Subcommittee that stressed the importance of animal research supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In the letter, ASPET and other societies asked the LHHS to consider the following while drafting its fiscal year 2023 appropriations bill:
ASPET Advocates on the Importance of Animal Research Supported by the NIH
4. Address the ongoing refusal of numerous air lines to transport animals for research purposes. Specifically, the biomedical research community encourages the House LHHS Appropriations Subcommittee to include language that directs the NIH, the Centers for Disease Control and Pre vention, and the Food and Drug Administration to form an interagency committee that develops and routinely evaluates a federal plan that ensure the long-term support, breeding locations, veteri nary oversight, and enrichment and social needs of nonhuman primates in the U.S.
5. Include language that directs NIH to provide a list of steps the agency intends to take over the next year to reduce investigator burden, as required by the 21st Century Cures Act; this should be accompanied by implementation timelines and planned strategies for communicating new infor mation with the extramural community.
2. Consider the numerous laws, regulations, and policies that strictly regulate animal research and to consult with the scientific community when drafting appropriations language to ensure future requirements are evidence-based and in the best interest of human and animal health.
ASPET Urges Prompt Consideration for White House OSTP Nominee
■ Authorization of $81 billion for the National Sci ence Foundation (NSF), which would effectively double the budget of the NSF by FY2027
While Congress will still need to appropriate the funds, the authorization of doubling the budget of NSF is very much in line with ASPET’s past advocacy efforts to encourage funding increases to the Foundation.
at NSF to provide guidance and lead NSF’s stra tegic planning to broaden diverse participation of individuals and institutions in NSF-funded activities
■ $4 billion authorized across FY2023 to FY2027 to repair and modernize U.S. national laboratories
■ Codification of the Chief Diversity Officer position
FASEB Submits Comments on OLAW’s Semiannual Annual Program Review
The OSTP is charged with providing the President and staff within the Executive Office of the President advice on the effects of science and technology on domestic and international affairs. Given the office’s importance, ASPET and other societies believe it is imperative that the Senate promptly considers an individual once nominated by the President.
The Pharmacologist • September 2022 26
On August 9, 2022, President Biden signed into law the CHIPS and Science Act. The law, which had bipartisan support from both the U.S. House and Senate, has several provisions affecting scientific research which may impact ASPET members. Chief among them include:
Visit https://www.aspet.org/aspet/advocacy to learn more.
■ Language directing NSF to increase funding for Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) institutions to up to 20% of research funding (currently set at 13%) over 7 years
FASEB, a coalition of ASPET and 27 other scientific societies, submitted comments on July 12, 2022, to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) in response to their Request for Information seeking input on flexibilities for conducting semiannual animal program review. In the response, FASEB acknowledged appreciation for the availability of the outlined flexibilities and recommended that OLAW
was favorably reported out of the committee. She is currently awaiting Senate confirmation.
CHIPS and Science Act Signed into Law, Provides Boost to NSF
include language that permits institutions to review standard operating procedures that are unrelated to animal welfare on a more flexible, as-needed basis. The full list of flexibilities being considered by OLAW can be found at NOT-OD-22-114: Request for Information (RFI) on Flexibilities for Conducting Semiannual Animal Program Review (nih.gov), including a checklist to help institutions with semiannual animal program reviews.
Joining 33 other scientific societies, ASPET issued a letter on July 8, 2022, to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation to promptly consider the nominee for the position of Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). With the White House nominating Dr. Arati Prabhakar for Director of the OSTP on June 21, 2022, ASPET encouraged the Senate Committee to consider the nomination promptly considering the OSTP’s essential role in America’s scientific enterprises. On July 20, the committee held a hearing for Dr. Prabhakar and on July 27, her nomination
-Bayli Dean, 2020 Washington Fellow
aspet.org 2023
Become Advocates in their Home Districts: Washington Fellows will have the opportunity to meet with members of Congress in their home districts, act as a conduit to inform colleagues within their departments/institutions about federal legislative matters, and write op-ed pieces to local papers on current science policy issues. All these activities will be undertaken with the support and advice of ASPET.
The mission of the ASPET Washington Fellows Program is to enable developing and early career scientists interested in science policy to learn about and become more engaged in public policy issues. Fellows will develop an understanding of how public policy decisions made in Washington help shape science policy, such as funding for the National Institutes of Health and other science agencies. Fellows will also learn how to advocate effectively on Capitol Hill and in their home districts. This program will help Fellows develop the skills and insights to become future leaders in science.
ASPET anticipates up to 10 Washington Fellows Program participants in 2023. Fellows serve one-year terms. FellowsWashingtonProgram
The ASPET Washington Fellows Program is open to any graduate student, postdoctoral trainee, or researcher no more than four years past the completion of his/her postdoctoral training. Applicants must be members of ASPET in good standing and have a strong interest in science and its intersection with public policy. Fellows will be selected by the ASPET Science Policy Committee.
www.aspet.orgwashingtonfell owsprogram.com
What Will ASPET Fellows Do?
Who Should Apply?
Application Information
Advocate on Capitol Hill: ASPET Fellows will come to Washington, DC, to meet with their congressional delegation to advocate for increased federal support for biomedical research and increased funding for the NIH. Fellows will be well trained by ASPET and prepared with the appropriate message to deliver to Congress. ASPET will cover transportation costs, hotel, and other reasonable expenses that follow ASPET’s reimbursement policy.
Program Mission
All applications must be submitted by November 18, 2022 online at:
Attend the ASPET 2023 Annual Meeting: ASPET Fellows will receive a discounted registration to attend the 2023 ASPET Annual Meeting in St. Louis, Mo.
Submit your application by November 18, 2022 more publicaffairs@aspet.org(301)634-7060www.aspet.org/ASPET_Washington_Fellows_Programinfo:
27 The Pharmacologist • September 2022
Incomplete applications or applications received after November 18, 2022 will not be
For
Pleaseconsidered.feelfree to contact publicaffairs@aspet.org with any questions.
“The ASPET Washington Fellows Program provided an excellent introduction to policy and advocacy, especially as someone with no prior experience in policy. Participating in the ASPET Washington Fellows Program solidiied my desire to pursue a career in science policy.”
The Pharmacologist • September 2022 28
The ASPET Mentoring Network is a professional development program designed to supplement the training that graduate students and postdoctoral trainees receive through their universities. The ASPET Mentoring Network focuses on developing skills needed to succeed scientifically, professionally, and psychologically, including discussions about experiences and pressures faced by groups that are underrepresented in the sciences. As a professional development experience, the program uses a coaching model to help participants develop success skills for a variety of careers.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for an ASPET travel award at www.aspet.org/travelawards. A limited number of travel awards will be available through the Mentoring Network to help defray travel expenses for those with significant financial need who do not have other support. You will be able to indicate your interest in one of these special travel awards during the application process.
Education News
What Support Is Provided?
Graduate students and postdoctoral scientists who are members of ASPET in good standing are eligible to apply. Graduate students must have advanced to candidacy at the time of application. Postdoctoral scientists must be no more than 5 years past receipt of their terminal degree at the time of application. All
Graduate students and postdoctoral scientists accepted into the 2023-2024 program will attend several events in association with the ASPET Annual Meeting 2023 in St. Louis, MO (May 18-21, 2023). During this time, participants will meet the coaches and other trainees and become part of a six-person coaching group. Each trainee will also meet individually with their coach during the ASPET Annual Meeting and participate in virtual group meetings throughout the year, typically held as monthly conference calls or webinars. Group events will be tailored to the specific needs of each coaching group but may focus on work/life balance, interview skills, job searches, networking, grant writing, and other topics frequently identified as important to growth as a professional.
Who Is Eligible?
applicants must be residents of the United States, Canada, or Mexico. If you’re not a member, it’s easy to join! Please visit https://www.aspet.org/membership/
Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scientists: Apply to Join the ASPET Mentoring Network
You must attend and participate in all Mentoring Network programming during the ASPET Annual Meeting 2023 and be an active participant with your coaching group for the year following. We are not able to accept participants who cannot attend the ASPET Annual Meeting in person or who are only available for a portion of the programming.
Coaches will participate in training sessions with our Mentoring Network facilitators, including a one-hour conference call ahead of the Annual Meeting and an in-person session at the meeting. The training is designed to introduce our coaching model, highlight facilitation approaches and strategies, and prepare coaches to navigate conversations with a diverse group of mentees.
The ASPET Mentoring Network is looking for volunteers to train as coaches who will work with a group of six mentees in developing broad-based career skills. Coaching responsibilities include the following:
Prior to the Annual Meeting
Coaches will participate in programming at the ASPET Annual Meeting on Wednesday (May 17) and Thursday (May 18), prior to the start of the ASPET Annual Meeting in St. Louis, MO. During the rest of the Annual Meeting, coaches are expected to meet individually with each trainee.
To apply to be a coach, please send your CV and a short statement of interest (maximum 250 words) to Catherine Fry at cfry@aspet.org by Monday, December 4, 2022. For more information contact Catherine L. Fry, PhD at cfry@aspet.org.
29 The Pharmacologist • September 2022
After the Annual Meeting Coaches will participate in monthly virtual group meetings throughout the year. Group meetings will be tailored to the specific needs of each coaching group, but may focus on work/life balance, interview skills, communication, networking, and other topics frequently identified as important to growth as a professional.
Prior coaches have responded positively about their own experiences, overwhelmingly agreeing that the program was worthwhile. Many coaches have also emphasized how much they learned from interacting with their groups. According to one previous coach: “I learned to see life through their eyes, which was very educational for me. The idea of discussing differences in a non-threatening and supportive environment was excellent.” Don’t miss the opportunity to get involved with mentoring at ASPET!
During the Annual Meeting
What Do Previous Participants Have to Say about the Program?
Volunteer to Be a Coach for the ASPET Mentoring Network
Coaches will be reimbursed for one hotel night at the headquarters hotel and will receive paid registration for the ASPET Annual Meeting at the advance rate.
What Is Required to Participate?
“Our group instantly connected with each other, and it was amazing to see how much we all had in common. We support each other and plan monthly goals, which motivates us to achieve them. Most importantly, sharing each other’s experiences helps us gain valuable insights.”
Why Become a Coach?
The Pharmacologist • September 2022 30
to interact with and learn from my peers. Despite many of us being in different pharmacology-focused fields, it is these relationships that will be most valuable as we all transition towards becoming independent scientists. I recommend participating in this program enthusiastically and without reservation.”
We invite you to apply to join this distinguished group of educator-scholars!
“Participating in the ASPET Mentoring Network has significantly expanded my network in the ASPET community and has provided me with wonderful mentors and fellow mentees that support each other both professionally and personally. I’ve enjoyed hearing stories and getting career advice from a diverse group of people who are at different stages of their careers with varied experiences.”
The application deadline is Monday, January 23, 2023. Applications submitted after that date will be reviewed the following year. Please carefully review the evaluation criteria, required components, and application instructions before you begin: https://rb.gy/gooujy
“I credit the Mentoring Network with helping me get my dream job in industry. The support of my coach and group members during the job application and interview process was invaluable.”
How Do I Apply?
Applications for the ASPET Mentoring Network will open in October and close on Monday, December 12. Please visit ASPET | ASPET Mentoring Network for additional details.
“This served as an amazing support system for me. My group was a great sounding board for someone who works in a very small lab. I also feel like the activities at [the meeting] gave me a great tool kit to work with my PI to improve upon our mentor/mentee relationship.”
The purpose of the Academy of Pharmacology Educators is to provide a means to recognize senior and mid-career individuals who have made exemplary contributions to pharmacology education in the following areas: student-teacher interaction, innovative contributions, scholarly endeavors, and professional development and service. Applications are also encouraged from ASPET members who may be more junior in rank but who have chosen to focus their career goals on the education mission.
Applications will be reviewed by at least three members of the Academy of Pharmacology Educators Membership Committee, which consists of the DPE Executive Committee and volunteer members. The Academy began in 2010 and now has 28 members among its ranks. Current fellows of the Academy can be viewed here: https://rb.gy/ksinb5
“One memorable feature of the ASPET Mentoring Network is that it provides an open forum in which to discuss the ways our lives fit in and around science. Even though our discussions have been adeptly facilitated by established pharmacologists as mentors, of value to me has been the opportunity
Apply to join the Academy of Pharmacology Educators
Dr. Baojian Wu, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
Dr. Klarissa D. Jackson, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
The Publications Committee recently approved the following new Drug Metabolism and Disposition Editorial Board members:
Dr. Shelby Anderson, AbbVie, Chicago,NorthIL
Dr. Miki Kanazawa,KanazawaNakajima,University,Japan
Dr. Jingkai Gu, Jilin University, Changchun, China
New DMD Editorial Board Members
Dr. Guang-Bo Ge, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
Dr. Dan UnitedUniversityScotcher,ofManchester,Kingdom
The Publications Committee thanks them and all ASPET editorial board members for their service and dedication to the Society’s journals.
Dr. Luc Rogée, Eli Lilly & Co., Indianapolis, IN
Diane AstraZenecaRamsden,
Dr. Sam Washington,UniversityArnold,ofSeattle, WA
Journals News
31 The Pharmacologist • September 2022
The expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes when responding to stimulus signals is tightly regulated by a variety of transcription factors, including the nuclear receptors pregnane X receptor (PXR) and constitutive androstane receptor (CAR). These receptors are xenobiotic sensors that respond to environmental stimuli. The quest to understand the molecular mechanisms by which PXR and CAR control the expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes, including cytochrome P450s, has been one of the driving forces that established the current foundation of knowledge on the regulation of drug metabolism and disposition.
All content in the special section on Pharmacokinetics and ADME of Biological Therapeutics is freely accessible through January 2023.
DMD Special Section on Pharmacokinetics and ADME of Biological Therapeutics
DMD Special Section on Drug Metabolism and Regulation
The special section on Drug Metabolism and Regulation found in Drug Metabolism and Disposition July 2022 (50/7) issue addresses the fundamental knowledge by the 2016 Bernard B. Brodie Award recipient Dr. Masahiko Negishi’s former mentor and trainees.
All content in the special section is freely accessible through February 2023.
Pharmacokinetics and ADME properties of therapeutic biologics, including molecular weight, substitutions of charged amino acids, FcRn interaction, targetmediated drug disposition (TMDD), and chemical modifications are important attributes for the safety and efficacy of these new drug modalities. The increasing complexity of therapeutic biologics demands more mechanistic ADME studies for many unsolved fundamental questions. The current DMD special section on Pharmacokinetics and ADME of Biological Therapeutics features eight review or research articles covering a wide range of topics, including industry perspectives, a white paper from the working group of The International Consortium for Innovation and Quality in Pharmaceutical Development, model-informed drug development of therapeutic biologics, the fate of the PEGylated copolymers, mechanistic investigation of renal elimination, and ADME characteristics and adverse drug reactions of antisense oligonucleotide drugs. These articles fully acknowledged the current knowledge gaps and described various technologies and the best practices that may expedite the evaluation of new therapeutic biologics using more efficient ADME studies and mathematical and mechanistic PK models.
The Pharmacologist • September 2022 32
impact of genetic variants in these transporters on disease development and drug responses, and the functional consequences of their gene regulation.
33 The Pharmacologist • September 2022
The September 2022 issue of the ASPET journal Drug Disposition and Metabolism, features a special section titled “New Era of Transporter Science: Unravelling the Functional Role of Orphan Transporters.” Dr. Kathleen M. Giacomini, a worldrenowned leader in membrane transporter biology, pharmacogenomics, and regulatory sciences, led efforts to prepare the six review articles. Dr. Giacomini, from the University of California, San Francisco, and her formal trainees outlined the recent advancement of de-orphaning research on solute carrier (SLC) transporters, their gene regulation, and their impact on drug Membranedisposition.transporters
play a major role in human physiology and in drug disposition and response. However, substrates and/or functions of many members in the SLC superfamily are still not known. Therefore, de-orphaning these SLC proteins becomes a matter of great importance in understanding the
The review articles highlight cutting-edge research on emerging roles of the human SLC 22 family, the regulatory sciences of studying transporter interactions, the role and application of transporters in disposition, tumor targeting and tissue toxicity of nuclear medicinal diagnostic reagents lobenguane and mIBG. In addition, the special section includes comprehensive reviews on SLC1 and SLC7 transporters in inflammation and immune responses, the epigenetic and nuclear receptor-mediated transcriptional regulation, and the impact of inflammation and infection on transporters in the placenta.
All content in the special section can be found in the September 2022 (50/9) issue of Drug Metabolism and is freely accessible through March 2023.
New Special Section Published in the Journal Drug Metabolism and Disposition Focuses on Unravelling the Functional Role of Orphan Transporters
Highlighted Trainee Authors
Sharan Srinivasan Lei Zhang
■ Lei Zhang (Texas A&M Univ.) – August
Pasquale Mone Edna Santos Lloyd Wei Tat Tang
■ Aditya Kumar (Univ. of Washington) – June
■ Edna Santos (Virginia Com monwealth Univ.) – July
Aditya Kumar Robert Betterton
Congratulations to the latest Highlighted Trainee Authors selected for Drug Metabolism and Disposition, The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, and Molecular Pharmacology:
The Pharmacologist • September 2022 34
■ Pasquale Mone (Campania Univ.) – June
■ Dr. Sharan Srinivasan (Univ. of Michigan) – July
A brief description of their areas of research, current projects, the anticipated impact of their work, and what they enjoy when not in the lab is online at https://bit.ly/2yX1YeH. We congratulate all of them for being selected.
JPET
■ Lloyd Wei Tat Tang (Na tional Univ. of Singapore) – August
Drug Metabolism and Disposition
Molecular Pharmacology
■ Robert Betterton (Univ. of Arizona) – July
Mayank K. Singh, The National Dendrimer & Nanotechnology Center/NanoSynthons LLC, MI
James Wakefield, Stealth BioTherapeutics, MA
Brinda Bradaric, Rush University, IL
Graduate Student Members
Thomas Burris, Univ of Florida
William H. Conrad, Lake Forest College, IL Kristen S. Egerton, North Central College, IL Gwendolyn Fate, Nonclinical ADME & Pharmacokinetics Consultant, CT
Chitra Saran, Univ of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Catherina Salanga, Univ of California, San Diego
Anna M. Di Staulo, Univ of Illinois at Chicago
Kyle Feldman, Univ at Buffalo, NY
William M. Marsiglia, Univ of Alabama at Birmingham Jayshree Mishra, Texas A&M Univ
Aleena Khalid, The Chinese Univ of Hong Kong
New Members
Swapna Yellanki, Alkermes Inc, VA
Alexus Acton, Univ of Alabama at Birmingham Oluwaseyefunmi I. Adeniran, Sefako Makgatho Hlth Sci Univ, South Africa
Erik R. Butcher, Harvard Medical School, MA
Tawna L. Mangosh, Case Western Reserve Univ, OH
Luis F. Cifuentes Monje, Mundipharma, Colombia
35 The Pharmacologist • September 2022
Nalinikanth Kotagiri, Univ of Cincinnati, College of Pharmacy, OH
Fran Sverdrup, Saint Louis Univ, MO
Richard Tschirret-Guth, Living Water DMPK Consulting, LLC, AnastasiosNJ Tzingounis, Univ of Connecticut
Regular Members
Guang-Bo Ge, Shanghai Univ of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China
Sandra Calderon Montoya, Laboratorios Legrand SA, AmandaColombiaS.Chin, Actinium Pharmaceuticals Inc., NY
Mohan Krishnan, Johns Hopkins Univ, MD
Evette S. Radisky, Mayo Clinic Grad Sch of Biomed Sci, DanielFLRomero Urrea, Tecnoquímicas S.A., Colombia
Alper Dagcan, Univ of Ankara, Turkey
Postdoctoral Members
Robert D. Betterton, Univ of Arizona
Affiliate Members
John C. Hackett, Florida International Univ Ege T. Kavalali, Vanderbilt Univ, TN
Mallika C. Asar, Kansas City Univ, MO
Rajitha Gadde, Massachusetts Coll of Pharmacy & Hlth Sci
ASPET welcomes new members. The Society offers a variety of member benefits, including: publications, ASPET meetings, ASPETConnect online community, ASPET Career Center, public affairs and advocacy, ASPET awards, ASPET divisions and more.
Chan S. Kim, Univ of Alberta, Canada
Membership News
Bryony L. Winters, Univ of Sydney, Australia
Sneha S. Kapse, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Christopher Ford, Univ of Colorado School of Medicine Heide Ford, University of Colorado School of Medicine Jesualdo Fuentes Gonzalez, SURA, Colombia
Marvin Bowlin, Univ of Alabama at Birmingham
Ashkan Zandi, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Jingkai Gu, Jilin Univ, China
Fawzia A. Alshubaily, King Abdulaziz Univ, Saudi EmanueleArabiaAlves, Virginia Commonwealth Univ, VA
Kayla S. Dixon, Colby College, GA
Hala F. Alnajjar, Centre College, KY
Post-baccalaureate Members
Sinead L. Claffey, Univ of Maryland-College Park Faythe Cooper, Oberlin College, MD Sage M. Crosby, Univ of Arizona Alexis M. Daniels, Washington State Univ Andrew Decker, Michigan State Univ
Undergraduate Members
Valerie Fortouna, Rutgers Univ, NJ Sophie Gao, Rutgers Univ, NJ
Johana Guci, Case Western Reserve Univ, OH
Hannah N. Wilkins, Johns Hopkins Univ School of Medicine, MD
Catharine M. Carfagno, Louisiana State UnivMonsetrrattShreveportCastillo, Univ of Illinois at Chicago Maygha Chaudhuri, SUNY Buffalo, NY
Mohamed Diagne, Univ of Virginia Jacob C. DiStasio, SUNY-Buffalo, NY
Eleni Karypis, Grinnell College, MN Murtuza Khan, Univ of Texas at San Antonio Mohammed Khedr, Rutgers Univ, NJ Lance Knipper, Univ of Tennessee Nivedita Krishnakumar, Rutgers Univ, NJ
Gabriela N. Garcia Quinones, Univ of Puerto Rico at BenjaminMayaguezGelfand-Titiyevskiy, Rutgers Univ, NJ
Meena Afroze Shanta, Washington State Univ Margi Sheth, Midwestern Univ, IL
Daniela Bermeo Grajales, Kean Univ, NJ Benjamin Brisky, Florida Gulf Coast Univ Thai M. Bui, Univ of Arizona
Felipe Hernandez Romero, Family Compensation Fund - CAFAM, Colombia
Kevin W. Kuang, Univ of Virginia Melissa J. Kudlak, Rutgers Univ, NJ Maggie E. Landherr, Univ of Michigan Kat T. Le, Pacific Univ, OR Sung Jae Lee, Rutgers, The State Univ of New Jersey Alexandra N. Lewis, Michigan State Univ Alfredo A. Lopez Carrero, Univ of Illinois at Chicago Daniel Luo, Pharm, Rutgers Univ New Brunswick, NY Pilar Maestre Fernandez-Flores, Catholic Univ of Valencia, Spain Jena A. Malone, Univ of Kentucky Jaiden E. Martin, Pacific Univ, OR Abigail A. Masri, SUNY Stony Brook Univ, NY Hayden McArdle, William & Mary, VA Naieemah A. Mershon, California State Univ Abigail Muccilli, Rowan Univ, NJ Michel Nafash, Penn State Univ, PA Mohamad H. Naser Eddin, Rutgers Univ, NJ Grace R. Nelson, Kansas State Univ Ngoc Nguyen, Knox College, IL Micaila R. Oberle, I, Univ of Kentucky Alden Ordaniel, Rutgers Univ, NJ
Harsha Thakkalapally, St John’s Univ, NY
Marla R. Gravino, Rockford Univ, IL
The Pharmacologist • September 2022 36
John N. Hanson, National Institute of Health, MD
Daniela M. Guerrero, New York Univ, PA
Karim Abdelhalim, Rutgers Univ, NJ
Sylmira Andrew, Univ of Cincinnati, OH Avery Arnold, Pacific Univ Oregon Madison R. Aust, Univ at Buffalo, NY
Molly E. Woodson, Saint Louis Univ, MO Daniel Wurm, Univ of Arizona
Samantha A. Dye, Albion College, MI
Krysten Cassandra Padasdao, Pacific Univ, OR Allison Paschack, The College of Wooster, MI Sunjal Patel, University of Virginia Duy Pham, Univ of North Carolina Taylor I. Rabanus, Michigan State Univ Yashwini Ravinthiran, Univ of Arizona Sanjida Z. Riea, Univ at Buffalo, NY Nathaniel A. Roethler, Loras College, IA
Emily Leong, San Jose State Univ, CA
Joseph M. Martinez, Univ of California Davis
Chloe M. Edwards, Univ of California San Diego Kaitlyn Fang, Cornell University, NJ
Michael Rowley, Univ of British Columbia, Canada
Izabella O. Babadzhanov, Long Island Univ, NY Ashley Ban, Univ of Virginia
Abigail B. Calvert, Univ of Pittsburgh, PA
Ana G. Gutierrez, Texas Tech Univ Brandon Hall, Michigan State Univ Madailein M. Hayes, Univ of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Boyu Huang, Univ of California Berkeley Riley Hurr, Univ of Chicago Fizra Ihsan, Univ of Kentucky Erol D. Ikiz, University of Illinois at Chicago Chacko Jacob, Rutgers Univ, NJ Evan Johnson, Michigan State Univ Andrew Jung, Univ of Texas at San Antonio Varsha Karthikeyan, Oregon State Univ
Sara Snyder, Pacific Univ, OR Ines Studer, Univ of Arizona
Maureen Tanner, Florida Atlantic Univ
Caroline Youdes, Univ of Kentucky Betia Zeng, Rutgers, The State Univ of New Jersey
Mark Williams, Univ of Pittsburgh, PA Jason Won, Univ of Notre Dame, PA
Isabel Sala, Connecticut College
Abigail G. Rose, Univ of Texas Health Science Center
Tong Shen, Case Western Reserve Univ, OH
Emily Xu, Univ of Michigan Medical School
Lucas J. Tittle, Univ of Michigan
Caleb A. Seekins, Univ of Arizona
Kevin Ryu, Purdue Univ, CA
Nate J. Sanford, Univ of Cincinnati, OH
Julianna Saez, Rowan Univ, NJ
Roman Slowinski, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Univ
Nebeeka Saha, McGill Univ, CT
Tam Vo Do Gia, Michigan State Univ
In Memoriam ASPET notes with sympathy the passing of Roy W. Pickens, PhD, 1939-2022 Renew Your ASPET Membership for 2023 Thank you for choosing to be a member of ASPET! We hope you are enjoying and utilizing all the benefits of membership. Renew your membership early so that you don’t miss out on any exciting opportunities to grow your connections and advance your career. How to Renew Be sure to watch your email for the 2023 dues renewal notice this month. Don’t want to wait for the email? You may complete your renewal online by visiting www.aspet.org/renew or by contacting Member Services at 301-634-7060. Thank you for your valued support of ASPET. We look forward to another amazing year!
Emily Sutton, SUNY at Buffalo, NY
Kelly A. Salinas, Our Lady of the Lake Univ, TX Shreya M. Salwi, Univ of Michigan
Suja Thakali, Kalamazoo College, MI
Lauren Wieczenski, Penn State Univ, PA
Perel Rose, Pharm, Rutgers Univ, NJ
Megan Shuck, Michigan State Univ
Emma Rudolph, Westminster College, CA
Katelyn Wyatt, Pacific Univ, OR
William Tran, Case Western Reserve Univ, OH Adam E. Trupp, Northwestern State Univ of Louisiana Cole Turner, Colby College, NH
Seth Wilcox, Washington State Univ
37 The Pharmacologist • September 2022
Shine W. Wang, Rutgers, The State Univ of New Jersey Grace Ward, Emory Univ
San Antonio
Jillian N. Sullivan, Univ of Pittsburgh, PA Rachel Sun, Rutgers Univ, NY
Melanie Vocelle, Univ of Michigan
Roy W. Pickens, PhD, 1939-2022
The Pharmacologist • September 2022 38
Roy W. Pickens died peacefully on May 25, 2022, at his home in Glen Allen, Virginia, where he and his wife, Dace Svikis have lived since 1999. Dr. Pickens was one of the principal conceptual and innovative pioneers in the experimental analysis of drug taking behavior first in animal subjects and subsequently extending that research to human volunteers. His studies helped establish behavioral pharmacology as a quantitative experimental subdomain of pharmacology. Dr. Pickens subsequently translated the basic findings of drug reinforcement in animals to human subjects and turned to genetic influences on drug dependence in patients at treatment facilities in Minnesota. Dr. Pickens moved in 1985 to the National Institute on Drug Abuse where he promoted research on the genetics of drug abuse and headed the NIDA AIDS/HIV program. He subsequently directed the NIDA intramural Research Program and a laboratory on genetics of drug abuse within the NIDA IRP. After leaving NIDA, Dr. Pickens returned to academia at Virginia Commonwealth University where he was involved in promoting new interdisciplinary research initiatives and cultivated interest in both basic and clinical women’s health research. He retired from VCU in 2011.
Submitted by Jonathan L. Katz
Psychiatry, with adjunct appointments in the Departments of Pharmacology and Psychology. The early emphasis of his research at Minnesota was drug dependence, specifically examining the reinforcing effects of abused drugs (or drug self-administration). The time was ripe for these types of studies with the first only having been published a few years earlier. Dr. Pickens, with Dr. Travis Thompson, were Co-Principal Investigators on a NIMH grant studying morphine self-administration and shortly thereafter Dr. Pickens was awarded a grant for the study of behavioral dependence on non-narcotic drugs. These were two of the earliest grants funded by the NIDA when it was established in 1974.
Possibly the most influential of the papers published during that time systematically examined the effects of cocaine dose and schedule of reinforcement on cocaine self-administration (Pickens and Thompson, 1968). Within that paper was a series of studies directed at what seemed to be unique aspects of cocaine as a reinforcing stimulus. At intermediate to high doses there was an inverse relationship between cocaine dose and response rate, an outcome unexpected if cocaine dose was thought to be reinforcer magnitude. However, Pickens and Thompson established that food reinforcement under conditions resembling those used with cocaine also yielded an inverse relationship between reinforcement magnitude and response rate.
P.B. Dew Lifetime Achievement Award for Research in Behaviorial Pharmacology.
Dr. Pickens received his doctoral degree in psychology from the University of Mississippi in 1965, with a thesis that examined the conditioning of locomotor effects of d-amphetamine (supervised by William F. Crowder). He then accepted a post-doctoral fellowship in a USPHS Psychopharmacology Training Program (directed by Drs. Travis Thompson, Gordon Heistad and Frederick Shideman) at the University of Minnesota. That program was the preeminent program of its time, and one through which many of the next generation of behavioral pharmacologists were to come. He joined the University of Minnesota faculty in 1966 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of
Roy Pickens (left) and Travis Thompson in 2016 in San Diego as they accepted the ASPET
In Memoriam
In 1999, Dr. Pickens was appointed Professor of Psychiatry and Associate Vice President of Research at Virginia Commonwealth University. His primary
39 The Pharmacologist • September 2022
Dr. Pickens also conducted some of the first studies directed at an experimental analysis of tobacco smoking. He and his colleagues concentrated first on the topography of smoking, examining puff volumes and nicotine yield (e.g., Gust and Pickens, 1982). The research progressed to studies characterizing the nicotine withdrawal syndrome (Hughes et al., 1984; Hatsukami et al., 1984), environmental aspects determining whether nicotine in gum formulation would serve as a reinforcer, and further to treatment modalities for smoking cessation and the reduction of withdrawal symptomology (Pickens et al., 1983).
objective at VCU was the development of largescale interdisciplinary new research initiatives, and to enhance federal funding at the University. He cultivated interest in both basic and clinical women’s health research, spearheading VCU’s launch of a NIH-funded training program dedicated to Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health. As PI of the program, Dr. Pickens formed multidisciplinary research teams on sex/gender differences and women’s health with VCU faculty members committed to training and mentoring a new generation of independent research scientists. He was also involved in the re-building of the VCU system for protecting human research subjects as well as the program for animal care and use. He retired from VCU in 2011.
In the mid-1970s Dr. Pickens, along with Drs. Thompson, Leonard Heston and Elke Eckert, established a research ward at the University of Minnesota Hospital to study human drug dependence. In that controlled environment they examined the translational potential to human participants of the basic findings of drug reinforcement in animals. This research extended the research on drug-dependent humans conducted at the Public Health Service hospital in Lexington, Kentucky (the Addiction Research Center) to integrate the emerging techniques used to study drug self-administration. Additionally, the research led to a NIDA supported treatment program focused on alcohol and sedative dependence in women, which focused on behavioral and pharmacological variables controlling human sedative self-administration (e.g., Pickens et al., 1977). One part of the program was a focus on the effectiveness of contingency management in reducing sedative drug use. Other studies focused on benzodiazepines (e.g., Healey and Pickens 1983), presaging a period when the abuse potential of these drugs would come under intense scrutiny.
Dr. Pickens is survived by his wife of 34 years, Dace Svikis and his children, Robert, Sharon, Marks, and Kristopher; sister, Bawana Cullen; ex-wife, Patricia Claycomb; niece, Sally Dukes; as well as five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
During his career Dr. Pickens received several awards, including notably a USPHS Special Recognition Award in 1989 and in 1992 the Presidential Meritorious Rank Award (the second highest award in government service) given for his extramural clinical research, his work on AIDS, as well as his administration of the NIDA IRP. Additionally, he was given the Michael Morrison Award from the College on Problems of Drug Dependence for his government service in 1999. In 2016 Drs. Pickens and Thompson were reunited in sharing the P.B. Dews Lifetime Achievement Award for Research in Behavioral Pharmacology awarded by the Behavioral Pharmacology Division of the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.
As a mentor Dr. Pickens was unsurpassed. He had the ability to express complexities with clarity which made him an extraordinarily effective teacher. He was generous with his time and ideas and, possibly most importantly, always worked to create opportunities for his students, and later the more junior scientists at NIDA. He conveyed his commitment to those students and colleagues, which was returned in their many contributions to the science of drug abuse and service to public health which are part of his enduring legacy. He will be greatly missed by those whose lives he touched.
After stepping down as Director of the NIDA IRP in 1994, Dr. Pickens assumed the position of Chief of the Clinical Neurogenetics Section where he continued to pursue his research on the behavioral and molecular genetics of drug dependence. His analysis of data collected from the studies at Hazelden continued and he initiated new laboratory studies focusing on individuals with different allelic status of the dopamine D2 receptor gene.
ASPET Members Take Positions on FASEB Board
The Pharmacologist • September 2022 40
2017 ASPET Washington Fellow Sophia Kaska has joined the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) Board as an early career representative member. She is positioned to share her insights and experience to connect current and future generations of researchers. Dr. Kaska earned her PhD in pharmacology and toxicology from Michigan State University and holds a BS in biochemistry from the University of Kansas. Her research is focused on investigating the molecular neuroadaptations in the ventral tegmental area in response to opiates, stress, and stress-induced opiate reward. Dr. Kaska is currently the Manager of Science Initiatives and Outreach with Research!America.
Mary-Ann Bjornsti, PhD, is now the FASEB presidentelect and was FASEB’s vice president for science policy in 2021. Dr. Bjornsti most recently served as ASPET’s past secretary/treasurer and served on the Science Policy Committee and the Division for Cancer Pharmacology executive committee. She is the chair of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and chair of the Newman H. Waters Clinical Pharmacology. Dr. Bjornsti also serves an associate director for translational research at the UAB comprehensive cancer center and will serve as chair-elect of the division.
Members in the News
41 The Pharmacologist • September 2022
The Pharmacology of Taste is comprised of contributions by leading scientists from the field of chemosensory research, presented all together in the context of pharmacological principles of receptor function. The chapters cover all levels of scientific inquiry, from molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying taste signaling to its manifestation in overt behavior. The overarching objective of this volume is to inspire the application of concepts and methods of pharmacology to the study of the chemosenses.
King’s College London, England and a post-doctoral fellowship in Physiology and Pharmacology from McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada. Dr. Ghayur is a licensed pharmacist in Ontario, Canada.
He has been a member of ASPET since 2001 when he joined as a graduate student member. Since that time, Dr. Ghayur has served twice (2002-2003 & 20042005) as a Student Councilor with the ASPET Student Chapter and was also affiliated in the past with one of ASPET’s special interest groups on Herbal Medicines and Medicinal Plants from 2003-2005. Dr. Ghayur is a member of the Divisions for Drug Discovery and Development, Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Molecular Pharmacology, Pharmacology Education, and Toxicology.
Dr. Ghayur Takes a Lead Pharmacology Role at University of Pikeville
M. Nabeel Ghayur, BPharm, MPhil, PhD, was named Course Director for Pharmacology at the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM), University of Pikeville (UPike), Pikeville, Ky., in July. He is an Assistant Professor of Pharmacology at UPike’s KYCOM and Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO). Dr. Ghayur has an undergrad degree in Pharmacy, and master’s and PhD degrees in Pharmacology. He also completed a pre-doctoral fellowship in Neuropharmacology and Pharmacognosy from
Kyle Palmer, PhD, Chief Science Officer and cofounder of Opertech Bio, Inc. has co-edited the recently published volume The Pharmacology of Taste in The Handbook of BiologyServant,PharmacologyExperimentalserieswithGuyVicePresidentofatFirmenich.
Dr. Palmer Co-edits The Pharmacology of Taste
The chemosenses, taste and olfaction, now are universally recognized as being mediated by cellsurface receptors. The Pharmacology of Taste represents a shift in thinking about chemosensory phenomena as physiological and behavioral processes under the control of receptor function. This is the first volume in The Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology series to present the study of taste as proper subject matter for pharmacological investigation and was published in June 2013.
Dr. R. Kyle Palmer received his PhD in pharmacology from the University of Michigan. Dr. Palmer cofounded Opertech Bio, Inc. where he is the Chief Science Officer. He also is adjunct professor at Temple University School of Pharmacy. An ASPET member since 2003, he currently serves as vice president for the Mid-Atlantic Pharmacology Society.
The Pharmacologist • September 2022 42
■ Communications Officer: Vanessa Minervini
■ Councilor: Jack Bergman
■ Graduate Student Representative: Brittany Pope
Interested in becoming part of the BEH Executive Committee? Volunteers are encouraged to run for Chair and Secretary/Treasurer in the upcoming election (term would be from 2023 – 2027). All interested parties should contact Emily Jutkiewicz (ejutkiew@umich.edu) and/or Brenda Gannon (BGannon@uams.edu).
■ Postdoctoral Fellow Representative: Ewa Galaj
Division News
BEH Acknowledges New Division Leaders
The current Chair and Secretary/Treasurer of the Division for Behavioral Pharmacology (Emily Jutkiewicz and Brenda Gannon, respectively) acknowledge and thank the outgoing Executive Committee members:
■ Graduate Student Representative: Shawn Flynn
The new BEH Executive Committee members whose term began on July 1st include:
■ Councilor: Paul Czoty
■ Postdoctoral Fellow Representative: Briana Mason
■ Councilor: David Maguire
More information can be found https://pharmacologycanada.org/Montreal2022at:
The gala dinner returned as the “Legendary Conversations Dinner” with informal interviews with the inaugural class of CSPT fellows.
43 The Pharmacologist • September 2022
CSPT hosted an “AntiDo and AntiDon’ts” webinar in March. The session was led by Dr. Margaret Thompson, director of the Ontario, Manitoba, and Nunavut Poison Centres, and Dr. Constance MacKenzie assistant director of the Ontario, Manitoba, and Nunavut Poison Centres.
Each webinar will be available for members through the CSPT website. The CSPT webinar series will return in the fall with a new lineup after the scientific meeting.
In June, the Education Committee organized a virtual Town Hall on pharmacology education. This webinar featured Dr. Steven Tucker presenting on the development of a core pharmacology curriculum for the School of Medical Sciences at the University of Aberdeen, followed by an open discussion led by Dr. James Hammond on the state of pharmacology education in Canada.
The joint meeting represented the society’s first in-person gathering in more than three years and featured sessions on Safety and Efficacy in Cancer Pharmacology, Drug Safety in Children, and several high-profile debates such as “Should voluntary surveillance of adverse drug events be replaced with mandatory surveillance in clinical practice.” In addition to the full conference agenda, a one-day preliminary conference for CSPT members was held on September 11 with awards lectures, educational sessions and a focus on molecular pharmacology.
Chapter News
In April, Dr. Tamorah Lewis (SickKids, Toronto, Canada) and Dr. Dan Hawcutt (University of Liverpool) led a webinar on “Evaluating Drug Safety and Efficacy in Children.”
CSPT Webinar Series
A workshop on “How to prepare your paper for publication” was held in May. The workshop hosted led by Josephine Sciortino, managing editor for Canadian Science Publishing, was well received by CSPT trainees and senior members alike.
2022 CSPT Annual Meeting in Partnership with the Safety Pharmacology Society
Canadian Society of Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Submitted by Dylan Burger
The Canadian Society of Pharmacology and Therapeutics held the 2022 annual meeting in association with the Safety Pharmacology Society. The conference took place from September 11-14 in Montreal, Canada.
Benefits of Advertising
Directly Reach Students Interested in Pharmacology
Space and materials deadline is Monday, September 26, 2022.
Promote Your Graduate Program in Explore Pharmacology
Reserve Your Ad Now Contact Lynne Harris at lharris@aspet.org or call (301)634-7069 to reserve your ad.
Visit www.aspet.org/explorepharmacologyads for print specifications and pricing information or contact Lynne Harris, ASPET Marketing and Communications Director at lharris@aspet.org.
Through mailings and distribution at national meetings
Your ad will also be highlighted on ASPET’s Departments and Training Programs in Pharmacology webpage as a featured graduate program. Deadlines
ASPET’s Explore Pharmacology booklet provides students with a broad overview of the discipline of pharmacology. It describes the many employment opportunities that await students who pursue pharmacology and outlines the academic path that they are advised to follow. The 2022 edition is due out this Fall and will be distributed to undergraduate students directly interested in graduate pharmacology programs. Take advantage of this unique opportunity today!
American
Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET) 1801 Rockville Pike, Suite 210 Rockville, Maryland 20852-1633o PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID MANASSAS VA PERMIT #250 St. Louis Union Station Hotel May 18–21 Meet us in St. Louis! Scan to get the latest updates!