The Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences conducted the first webinar in its series of scientific webinars which will focus on a number of important topics. This webinar series will feature previous winners of the Award who will share their expertise in several diverse fields with the participants.

The webinar was attended by more than 300 participants from all over the world. Participants received one CME hour accredited by the University of UAE.

The first webinar in this series focused on the topic of “Phenotypic and Target Based Drug Discovery: Approaches for the Discovery of Innovative Therapeutics”, and hosted a lecture by Prof. Magid Abou Gharbia, Laura H. Carnell Professor of Medicinal Chemistry and the founding Director of the Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research at the School of Pharmacy, Temple University- Philadelphia, USA. Prof. Magid is the winner of the Grand Hamdan Award for the 2013-2014 term.

Prof. Magid has received numerous awards for his scientific achievements and serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of several companies and professional societies. He holds adjunct professor appointments at several universities in the US and abroad. His research activities resulted in the discovery of 10 marketed Drugs, 325 Publications, 5 Book Chapters, 125 US Patents, over 350 Worldwide Patents and 228 Presentations and invited Lectures and 4 spin off companies. 

In his talk, Prof. Magid talked about the drug discovery approaches and the different strategies needed to reach an effective chemical molecule. This process is achieved through both the targeted therapy and the phenotype-based approach. He also highlighted the way that both approaches can be integrated. 

Prof. Magid also discussed some models and experiences from both the industrial and academic fields, such as the development of anti-cancer drugs, anti-fungal infection drugs, and the evaluation of the biological effects of the discovered molecule until reaching an effective drug.

The webinar was moderated by Prof. Taleb Al Tal, Professor of Organic Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Sharjah, UAE. Prof. Al Tel chaired the Department of Medicinal Chemistry at the College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah from 2009 to 20015, and is currently the Director of the Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah. 

 

Ms. Athira Sujathan Nair, a graduate student with a master's degree in chemical pharmacology, participated as a representative of the researchers and young scholars sector, and shed light on the challenges faced by new researchers as well as expectations for developing their professional future.

 

On his part, H.E Abdullah bin Souqat, Executive Director of the Award, praised the level of interest and participation in the webinar. He also thanked the entities supporting the event, Dubai Health Authority, the Ministry of Health And Prevention, the Abu Dhabi Department of Health and the Emirates Medical Association. He also stressed the importance of continuing to organize such events, which contribute significantly towards improving the health sector in the country.

He added, "The Award, as always, in renewing its approach to serving the medical sector, has decided to give the opportunity to young specialists and researchers from all medical institutions inside and outside the country to share with experts their ideas through webinars."

It is worth mentioning that the current plan for the webinar series includes at least six webinars that will discuss many important topics such as: Alzheimer's disease, esophageal cancer, etc.