University of Nottingham Malaysia
School of Pharmacy
     
  
 

Areej Alshanbari

Phi student in Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Discovery,

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Biography

I obtained my Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy (PharmD) from Taif University in 2017, after which I worked as a Medical Sales Representative with Eli Lilly and Marcom MMS, gaining experience in patient follow-up, pharmacovigilance reporting, and clinical drug interactions. I subsequently worked as a community pharmacist at Shams Pharmacy (2020-2022) and at Al Nahdi Pharmacy (2022-2023), where I was responsible for dispensing medicines, patient education, and promoting product awareness.

In 2022, I completed a Master's degree in Genetic Fingerprinting and Forensic Diagnostics at Taif University. I am currently pursuing a PhD in Pharmacology and Drug Discovery at the University of Nottingham, with a focus on breast cancer and lipid metabolism.

Research Summary

My doctoral research investigates the role of serine hydrolases (SHs) and endocannabinoid-hydrolysing enzymes (FAAH, MAGL, ABHD6, ABHD12, and DAGL) in breast cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and… read more

Recent Publications

Current Research

My doctoral research investigates the role of serine hydrolases (SHs) and endocannabinoid-hydrolysing enzymes (FAAH, MAGL, ABHD6, ABHD12, and DAGL) in breast cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Specifically, I am characterising their expression across breast cancer cell lines, examining interactions with lipid metabolism pathways, and evaluating the effects of selective SH inhibitors on enzyme activity, metabolic reprogramming, and receptor-mediated responses (CB1, CB2, and TRPV1). The overarching aim of this research is to assess the therapeutic potential of targeting SH activity as a novel strategy for breast cancer treatment.

Past Research

My past research spans neuropharmacology, forensic applications, and innovative drug delivery systems. In collaboration with colleagues, I co-authored a recent study examining the neurobehavioral and molecular changes in rats exposed to captagon and counterfeit captagon, published in the Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal (2025). This work provides critical insights into the toxicological and neuropharmacological consequences of illicit stimulant use, highlighting potential risks associated with counterfeit formulations.

Previously, I contributed to a review on the forensic significance of medicinal plants, published in the Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences (2021). This work emphasised the potential of phytochemicals as emerging tools in forensic investigations, bridging pharmacognosy and forensic science.

Earlier in my research career, I co-authored a study on nano-structured liquid crystalline formulations for the delivery of anti-epileptic drugs in pediatric patients, published in the Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal (2018). This work highlighted the potential of advanced drug delivery systems to improve therapeutic efficacy and safety in children with epilepsy.

Together, these projects reflect my multidisciplinary research background, linking drug discovery and development, toxicology, and forensic pharmacology, while emphasising translational approaches to improve healthcare and public safety.

School of Pharmacy

University of Nottingham Malaysia
Jalan Broga, 43500 Semenyih
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Malaysia

telephone: +6 (03) 8924 8000
fax: +6 (03) 8924 8018

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