Research activities are focused in the area of drug discovery, action, development and management. The following research areas reflect the expertise of staff, the acquisition of research funds and recent applications for grants.

Molecular modelling and computational techniques:
These are used to study biophysical properties of molecules and for rational drug design. Membrane-bound proteins have been extensively modelled and studied, as have the molecular aspects of toxin interactions and ion permeation in voltage gated ion channels. In addition, more general biophysical studies leading to the determination of membrane protein structure have been performed. Molecular modelling in rational drug design, particularly in the areas of anti-cancer drug design. Particular projects include the use of QM/MM approaches to model pro-drug activation in anti-cancer treatment and the design of novel enzyme-directed pro-drug therapies. Also of interest is the use of molecular modelling to design fluorescently tagged GPCR ligands in conjunction with research carried out in the School of Pharmacy (UK Campus) by Dr. Barrie Kellam. Additional research in this field includes the development of QSAR to predict the permeability of drugs administered transdermally.

Pharmacognosy and pharmacology of natural products:
Ongoing research and research interests in this area include the ethnopharmacology of medicinal plants in Asia Pacific, the bioprospection, collection and identification of medicinal botanical samples and the phytochemical and pharmacological study for the identification of lead compounds. Further work will also include studies of semi-synthetic compounds from these lead compounds. Specific interests include the investigation and characterisation of anticancer, bactericidal and immunostimulating properties of plant extracts derived from primary rain forest plants. This research will be carried out in collaboration with colleagues from the UK Campus (Prof David Pritchard, Prof David Kendall and Dr Vince Wilson). Molecular and cellular pharmacology and toxicology studies are also carried out, particularly pertaining to anti-cancer agents (usually obtained from natural products).

Drug delivery:
Current research interest is aimed at improving oral bioavailability of poorly absorbed drugs by way of fabrication to either enhance epithelial transfer or protect from the effects of digestive fluids. Drug conjugation with polymeric materials or nano-particle formation capable of favourably modifying physicochemical properties of the drug substance is central. Collaborations with colleagues (Prof. Clive Roberts and Drs. Martin Garnett & Barrie Kellam) at the UK Campus are geared towards fabrication and characterisation studies whilst in vivo & in vitro tests are directed towards proof of concept. Future research will employ the School's £45k Riva Piccola tablet press and will investigate sustained release of drugs from tablets fabricated from molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). Also in the field of drug delivery a MOSTI-funded project examing the in vitro percutaneous permeation of palm oil constituents is ongoing. This project is being carried out in collaboration with staff from the Schools of Biosciences and Chemical & Environmental Engineering.

Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy practice:
Amongst the staff at the Malaysia Campus there are academics who are qualified to practice as Pharmacists within the UK, Europe, Malaysia, Singapore and numerous other locations. Areas of expertise include studies of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and pharmacovigilance, risk management / communication and clinical governance. Future research will focus on compliance and concordance issues, medication errors in secondary care and maturity of clinical governance systems in Community Pharmacy.