Register & submit your research from 3 June ISSN No: 1757-8175 PHARMACOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF Volume 9, issue 2 – June 2016 MICROVASCULAR CELL-CELL SIGNALLING AND CVS DISEASE 21−22 September 2016 Oxford, UK

There has been a dramatic increase in our understanding of cell signalling over the last five years, with key papers indicating the importance of endothelial cell projections as signalling microdomains, which appear subject to disruption by cardiovascular disease. This focused meeting will provide a forum for scientists working in vascular biology, with a particular interest in identifying novel therapeutic targets in endothelial cell dysfunction Repurposing: that is a feature of cardiovascular disease. beyond one use Deadlines for your diary: For further information about Abstract submission: 10 August attending or presenting at this meeting, Early registration: 26 August please email [email protected] or Bursaries (available for members visit www.bps.ac.uk/cvs. of the British Pharmacological Society): 10 August Drug repurposing I Alemtuzumab in multiple sclerosis I EU referendum LastSave chancethe date to register INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS RESEARCH CONFERENCE (INRC) 10−14 July Bath Assembly Rooms, Bath, UK

The International Narcotics Research Conference, founded in 1974, is an organisation whose purpose is to run an annual scientific meeting on the topic of opioid research bringing together scientists from around the world to discuss aspects of opioid research ranging from genetic and molecular to in vivo studies.

For more information about attending or presenting please contact [email protected] or visit www.bps.ac.uk.

INRC save the date.indd 1 05/04/2016 12:41:01 Pharmacology Matters I June 2016

Contents

Editorial Your BPS 4 Jono Brüün Back to school for a former 5 pharmacology lab update Felicity N.E. Gavins Katharine Steer Editor-in-Chief, Pharmacology Matters Save the date Drug repurposing to enable 8 accelerated access to new therapies In this latest edition of Pharmacology surrounding the fact that although David Cavalla & Matters, the theme is one of many journals have endorsed the ARRIVE Rick Thompson INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS ‘repurposing in pharmacology’ – this idea guidelines few have actually done that a drug has more than one use has anything to assure compliance. I am Europe – the final countdown many advantages, including reducing pleased to say that the BJP does not fall to the referendum 10 RESEARCH CONFERENCE (INRC) R&D time, increasing success rate into that category. Chinara Rustamova, David Webb, and reducing cost. David Cavalla from Stephen Hill, Robin Plevin, 10−14 July Numedicus Limited tells us more. Vedia Can writes about the latest news & Iain Greenwood Bath Assembly Rooms, Bath, UK from the Young Pharmacologists, and Representing Young 17 We have the latest news from Jono, we have an article from Artysha Tailor, Pharmacologists at Voice of who discusses one of the Society’s major a student at King’s College London, the Future projects at present, that being Focus about her exciting venture of setting Vedia Can on Pharmacology. This will be familiar up a society called ‘ThinkMental’. We to many of you, but in this edition of also have an Ambassador update from Leading the way in raising Pharmacology Matters, Jono unveils the Anne Leaver, Steve Tucker and Kayley publication standards 18 true meaning of this major endeavour. Scott regarding a super event that was Elliot Lilley organized by Ambassadors from both Moulding minds with jelly 20 Following this, Katharine Steer tells us a Aberdeen and Edinburgh to promote Melissa McNaughton lovely story about one of the successes understanding of drug development of the Putting UK Pharmacology on the and therapy. Setting futures in STEM 22 Map Society initiatives, involving the Crystal Ann Thompson James Black Foundation laboratory, This is followed by an article written by Going (Brazil) nuts about 24 which has now been transformed into Zoya Georgieva and Alasdair Coles, in pharmacology and nanomedicine the Judith Kerr primary school. which they discuss alemtuzumab (the Sophie Bradley & André Luis Branco de humanized monoclonal antibody against Barros We all have an opinion regarding CD52) as a positive treatment How to set up a Society that 28 whether we want to be a part of Europe for multiple sclerosis. Thinks Mental or not. It is hard to escape the media Artysha Tailor frenzy regarding the topic, particularly Finally Barbara McDermott and Talja as we are only a few weeks away Dempster provide our regular meetings British Pharmacological Society 30 before we cast our vote. Even for me, updates, and we also have the initial Ambassador Update although I am based across the pond details about our annual meeting in Anne Leaver, Steve Tucker in the USA, there is a great fascination December. & Kayley Scott as to whether the UK will leave. In the Alemtuzumab in multiple 34 very enlightening article by Chinara We hope that you enjoy this latest sclerosis: a whistle-stop tour Rustamova, David Webb, Stephen Hill, packed edition of Pharmacology Matters! Zoya Georgieva & Alasdair Coles Robin Plevin and Iain Greenwood, we are provided with a breakdown of unbiased Best Wishes, Meetings update 38 evidence regarding this hot topic, and it Barbara McDermott is certainly food for thought. Felicity & Talja Dempster

The International Narcotics Research Conference, founded in Elliot Lilley, senior scientific officer at 1974, is an organisation whose purpose is to run an annual the RSPCA, then discusses the issues scientific meeting on the topic of opioid research bringing together scientists from around the world to discuss aspects of Editorial Team Editorial Board opioid research ranging from genetic and molecular to in vivo Vedia Can studies. Editor-in-Chief Margaret Cunningham Disclaimer Felicity Gavins Mike Curtis Opinions expressed in Pharmacology Matters are not necessarily those of the British Pharmacological Society.. The publishers, authors, and printers cannot accept liability for Karolina Gherbi errors or omissions. All rights reserved. No parts of this publication may be reproduced in Managing Editor Fraz Mir any form without the prior written permission of the copyright holder and the publisher, Sophia Griffiths application for which should be made to the publisher, The British Pharmacology Christopher Tsantoulas Society. Registered office: The Schild Plot, 16 Angel Gate, City Road, London, EC1V 2PT. Steven Tucker Tel: +44(0)20 7239 0171; Fax: +44(0)20 74170114; Website: www.bps.ac.uk. British Pharmacological Society is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England with No. 2877400, registered charity No, 1030623.

For more information about attending or presenting 3 please contact [email protected] or visit www.bps.ac.uk.

INRC save the date.indd 1 05/04/2016 12:41:01 Your BPS

Jono Brüün Chief Executive

I wanted to take this opportunity to academic framework; to bring the we held a workshop to discuss the discuss one of our major projects at pharmacology teaching community interim report that we’ve developed the moment – Focus on Pharmacology. together; to help ensure our students so far. I have mentioned Focus a few times have more opportunity to create previously in this column, or you may impact and to provide services that We still need your help to understand have heard about it if you attended support the teaching of pharmacology, the spread of pharmacology in the Pharmacology 2015. There has been mapped to an understanding of the UK, and we would greatly value your a great deal of work going into this skills needs of industry and other input on two surveys we’re conducting project and I wanted to ‘lift the curtain’ potential employers. at the moment. You can participate to give you a glimpse into just some of on both surveys on www.focus.ac.uk. what is going on. To begin to address these objectives, Information gathered from the first we have undertaken a large survey will help us to identify the UK Focus is a multi-faceted programme scale and consultative review of pharmacology teaching community of work that is intended to help the pharmacology curriculum. and pharmacology modules in broader us understand the impact that In September 2015, we held a life sciences degrees. The other pharmacology makes in the UK, higher education workshop where survey results will help us to develop and ensure that its underpinning professionals in pharmacology educational support for educators knowledge and skills are supported teaching shared what they believed and users alike, so if you would value – now and into the future. The to be the core knowledge, skills additional teaching resources in project represents an ambitious new and attitudes in undergraduate pharmacology, please let us know. phase of the Society’s investment pharmacology education. These in pharmacology as a responsive, were then developed into the first If you’d like more information about integrated and proactive discipline. statements, which were then scored Focus or would like to share your views This is no easy feat – we are undertaking by a group of individuals working or any information you think may a number of different projects to help across the pharmacological spectrum be relevant, please don’t hesitate to us gauge this. This has led to a number (our Expert Group), using the Delphi contact Dr Anna Zecharia, Head of of collaborations and the opportunity process. On 24 June, we will be Education, Training & Policy, on to hear from hundreds of people within holding another core curriculum [email protected] or visit the pharmacology community. implementation workshop to examine www.bps.ac.uk/focus. these results, explore the challenges Focus naturally divides into two in delivery, and work out how to frame This is just a glimpse at the work we’ve themes: one focusing on the value of the final curriculum. From then until been doing to understand and support pharmacology in society and the other the launch of the curriculum, we will pharmacology teaching in the UK. After on education. Within the value strand, be working out how the Society could spending months examining evidence we’re currently evaluating the impact best support institutions to deliver it. and researching, we will be looking of pharmacological research case The findings of this project will also at how we can use our understanding studies using the Research Excellence feed into a review of the Diploma for to better direct the strategy of the Framework (www.ref.ac.uk/). Advanced Pharmacology. Society. I hope to be updating you many more times in the coming Linked to our review of skills needs and This allows us to look at the cross- months (and years) as the results of curricula, is a comprehensive review collaboration among various all of this work bear fruit. disciplines, as well as the impact that of the Integrative Pharmacology Fund each of these studies has had within (IPF), a £22 million fund for developing society. education, training and research using in vivo methods. The funding provided Our goals in education are clear, but by the IPF for these initiatives and complex. We are working to try to projects has now ended. Our project better understand the way in which aims to evaluate the impact of these pharmacology is taught in a modern considerable investments. Last month,

4 Pharmacology Matters I June 2016 Back to school for a former pharmacology lab

Katharine Steer, Head of Communications & Membership

Some readers may recall that the Fast-forward to the present and, while also planning visits to the school to site of the James Black Foundation Sir James sadly died in 2010, the site engage pupils in different aspects of laboratory was commemorated as continues its link with ‘discovery’ pharmacology. part of the British Pharmacological and ‘development’: as a new primary Society’s ‘Putting UK Pharmacology on school. I was invited to attend the Grand the Map’ initiative in 2013.1 Opening of the school at the end of the school day on 23 March 2016, along Sir James joined the Society in 1961 with Professor Rona MacKie (Lady and was later elected as an honorary Black, Sir James’ widow). Headteacher member in 1988 – the same year that Claire Eskelson welcomed invited he won the Nobel Prize with Gertrude guests, pupils, parents and supporters Elion and George Hitchings for their to celebrate the transformation of discoveries of important principles the building after some significant for drug treatment. He was knighted renovations. The pupils marked the in 1981 and awarded the UK’s highest occasion with an enthusiastic choral honour, the Order of Merit, by the performance in the playground, and Queen in 2000. provided guests with tours of the The laboratory building in 2013, before it was school. I am grateful to Arlo, John and Sir James spent the early part of transformed into a primary school. Emile from Years 3 & 4 for giving me a his career in industry: he invented whistle-stop tour of their classrooms, the first beta-blocker (propranolol, The Judith Kerr Primary School is a including dedicated rooms for art launched 1964) while working at bilingual English/German primary and chess lessons (my guides were ICI (now AstraZeneca) and the first state school (the first in the country) particularly keen to share their current selective histamine H2 antagonist and its intended focus will be language rankings in the school’s ongoing chess for the treatment of stomach ulcers and science. The school reached out tournament!). (cimetidine, launched 1975) at Smith, to the KCL pharmacology department, Kline & French (now GSK). His research who kindly introduced the Society. and discoveries reflected his deep The school is named after German- fascination for receptor theory as the born British author and illustrator bedrock of pharmacology and drug Judith Kerr, best known for her Mog discovery. series of books and (a personal By 1984 Sir James joined King’s College favourite from my childhood) The London (KCL), and in 1988 he founded Tiger Who Came To Tea. Judith is an the James Black Foundation, a group official Patron for the school, and parts of scientists engaged in new drug of the building are now decorated with research, supported in part by Johnson her beautiful illustrations. & Johnson. The group was primarily concerned with the development of I’m pleased to report that the school drugs that inhibit gastrin, a hormone is equally proud of its pharmacological A pupil cuts the ribbon to officially open the Judith Kerr Primary School. that may play a role in causing connections and the role these could stomach cancer. play in engaging pupils in science at an early age. An application has been A laboratory building on Half Moon submitted for an English Heritage References Lane in South London (between North ‘blue plaque’ to promote Sir James Dulwich and Herne Hill train stations) Black’s history with the site. The 1. British Pharmacological Society. Putting Society is contributing a banner UK Pharmacology on the Map. Available was already well-known for KCL plant online: https://www.bps.ac.uk/about/about- science research and was selected and materials to form the basis of a pharmacology/putting-uk-pharmacology- as the home of the James Black display about Sir James Black and his on-the-map - insert short link if possible. Last Foundation. achievements. Members from KCL are accessed: 27 April 2016.

5 Save the date PHARMACOLOGY 2016 13−15 December The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London

6 For more information about attending or presenting please contact [email protected] or visit www.bps.ac.uk. The British Pharmacological Society is delighted to announce initial details for our annual meeting, Pharmacology 2016. The latest research from across the whole spectrum of pharmacology will be the focus for plenary lectures, oral communications and poster sessions. There will also be invaluable opportunities for participants to network with pharmacologists from the UK, Europe and overseas.

Symposia

Cardiovascular & Respiratory Pharmacology 1,081 participants welcomed last year From bench to bedside: Targeting the pathophysiological responses of ischemia- reperfusion injuries 97% BSCR embedded symposium: Targeting of survey respondents were satisfied or more cardiovascular GPCRs using biased agonism Nanomedicine in pharmacology than satisfied with the scientific programme in 2015

Drug Discovery, Development & Evaluation and Toxicology 48 countries were represented in 2015 Organ-on-a-Chip technology - the future of physiological profiling? Clinical application of systems pharmacology models Clinical pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and Dates for your diary pharmacogenetics in pregnancy (C4P) Registration opens: 24 June Integrative Systems Pharmacology Abstract submission deadline: 9 September The long reach of the bowel: Translating microbiome science into therapeutics for Bursary application deadline: 9 September systemic human diseases Study, development and rationale use of Early bird registration deadline: immunopharmacological agents 9 September Immuno-Oncology: From bench to bedside Translation to therapeutics: Resolution of inflammation

Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology Exhibition & Sponsorship Non-traditional/orphan GPCRS as novel therapeutic targets By having exhibition space or sponsorship Biochemical strategies in drug discovery and package at Pharmacology 2016 you will targeting be reaching an audience of approximately Anti-tumour pharmacology and traditional 1,000 scientists. This well-regarded Chinese medicine conference provides an informal yet professional environment in which to Neuropharmacology highlight your products and services. Uses and challenges for human pharmacology studies to understand CNS diseases For further information about how you can Fatty acid amides (aka lipoamines) beyond cannabinoids support Pharmacology 2016, please email Recent developments in research of melatonin [email protected] or visit and its potential therapeutics application www.bps.ac.uk/pharmacology2016. Drug repurposing to enable accelerated access to new therapies David Cavalla, Numedicus Limited with support from Rick Thompson (Findacure)

Drug repurposing, or the identification Unfortunately, despite the The subject raises substantial ire of secondary uses for existing drugs, advantages, there is a notable among people with Duchenne and is a term first used a few years after hesitancy among some their families, even though it is not the establishment of NICE (the pharmaceutical companies to a cure and is not the only highly National Institute for Health and Care pursue this strategy because of the priced product likely to be reviewed Excellence). In recent years, drug unclear commercial position of drug for this condition in the future. Yet repurposing has become increasingly repurposed treatments. Marketing at the same conference we heard adopted by charities and some departments are concerned that about the potential for repurposed small biotech companies as a means the new use of a compound which developments like sildenafil citrate, to accelerate access and increase has competing generic alternatives tamoxifen and metformin, cheap productivity in the pharmaceutical cannot command the prices necessary alternatives that are based on small Research and Development (R&D) to return the R&D investment – even molecule generic products. These sector. though that investment is much latter research programmes are still less than would be required to of unproven utility, and would not The advantages of this strategy are commercialise an entirely new drug. conform to the standards of safety and clear: it reduces drug discovery time To be clear, if the generic drug can efficacy required for widespread use. by two-thirds, increases chance of substitute for the branded repurposed They are taken forward with public developmental success by 250% medicine – since, despite the funds or charitable support, and in and reduces cost of R&D for new possibility of method-of-use patent consequence are much slower to come medicines by five-sixths. We know protection, such patents are often to the market. Just like the above from experience that it is common for difficult to enforce – then any money example of aspirin, development medicines to have multiple uses and spent in bringing the repurposed of alternative uses for generic now believe that over 90% of existing product to market is a wasted products can take decades and formal drugs can be repurposed, in some cases investment. regulatory approval may never be fully more than once. Aspirin is a salient accomplished. example: it was first used for pain, So, despite the advantages to the then as an antithrombotic and has patient and to the medicines available recently been found to have important to our health service, mainstream potential cancer preventative pharmaceutical research is often properties. It is an impressive array of unpersuaded that this approach uses for this common drug that has is commercially attractive. An taken over a century to identify, but alternative framework of incentives in the case of its use in cancer, has still is therefore necessary to encourage not reached regulatory approval. the pharmaceutical industry to invest in drug repurposing, or an entirely Drug repurposing holds huge future new model of drug development and promise, particularly in the area of payment must be devised to facilitate rare and orphan diseases, of which the involvement of the charitable there are about 8,000, and only sector and promote patient-led around 200 of these diseases have an research. approved pharmaceutical therapy. (An orphan disease is defined as one On 6–7 November 2015, I attended with a prevalence of less than 200,000 the annual conference of the Action in the USA.) Moreover, although the Duchenne charity. One of the key numbers of patients affected by an points of debate was the status of individual rare disease is low, when ataluren, an expensive new product added together a large number of for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy patients are affected: 3.5 million in the which is currently being considered for UK, and 350 million worldwide. reimbursement by NICE.* Used with kind permission from Action Duchenne

8 Pharmacology Matters I June 2016

I have considered this problem phase II clinical trials of generic drugs  deeply since I have worked in drug repurposed for rare diseases that have a About the author repurposing for as long as the strategy high cost of care to the NHS. Successful has had a name. I recently wrote a trials lead to off-label prescription in David has 30 years’ experience book called Off-Label Prescribing: the NHS, and reduce the healthcare in various senior scientific and Justifying Unapproved Medicine1, cost of patients. The NHS then pays a commercial roles within the where I proposed that there proportion of their savings back to the pharmaceutical industry. He is should be two levels of pricing for charity as a success payment, which currently involved with a number repurposed products to be imposed is used to repay their investors, and of biotech companies at board at the point of prescription and develop further treatments. Here, level. Previously he was founder reimbursement, and operated for funds for generic repurposing are and CEO of Arachnova Ltd, a some years as an incentive to the leveraged from the savings made to company focused on therapeutic repurposing innovator. In the era the NHS, rather than commercial sales. switching; previous affiliations of electronic prescribing, this dual Ideally, the treatment of the wider UK include Glaxo Group Research Ltd pricing arrangement is not difficult to population, subsequent to successful and Napp Research Centre. implement. Moreover, it is a proposal phase II trials, would be carefully He is author of Modern Strategy that dovetails with the founding monitored and then fed into a dataset for Pharmaceutical R&D – Towards principle of NICE, that therapeutic used for conditional approval, and the Virtual Research Centre, and indication and reimbursement are ultimately licencing of the drug. This Off-Label Prescribing: Justifying intertwined. Since the book was scheme, though promising, struggles Unapproved Medicine. David published, a very similar proposal to secure public sector investment in frequently contributes articles was made by Prof Ben Roin, a policy the current funding climate. on pharmaceutical strategy strategist at Harvard/MIT, with respect and is on the editorial board to the US system of medicines.2 Lastly, what happens if nothing is of Drug Discovery Today. He is done? There are clear dangers if a author/inventor of more than 70 This simple change, linking balanced framework of incentives published papers and patents. prescription to condition on an for drug repurposing cannot be put electronic platform with a dual in place, because in its absence, pricing structure, strengthens the pharmaceutical research will be slanted value of mode-of-use patents for towards high-priced products that are the pharmaceutical industry, thus effectively unaffordable. The problem promoting commercial investment is that, under the current system, the into repurposing research. Of course, interests of pharmaceutical companies such a scheme would leave the are not aligned with those of patients pricing of the repurposed drugs in and payers (such as the NHS): the the hands of the commercial entities, need to make a profit takes companies but rigorous licencing and health towards difficult and lengthy research technology appraisal processes would that can command a high price rather help to improve patient safety, and than easier and quicker research that allow some control of pricing in the might be unprofitable. UK market. Without change, I see a future Without changes to encourage therapeutic landscape populated Note commercial investment in with a multiplicity of highly priced *Recommended by NICE on 16 April 2016 in repurposing, more creative models for pharmaceutical research products that connection with a Managed Access Agreement both funding and licencing of drugs stretch the NHS budget to breaking (MAA) with NHS England for ambulatory patients will have to be explored, with the aim point, and an increasingly disgruntled older than 5 years old. of promoting patient driven research. UK public that cannot comprehend why Such routes could be particularly access to innovative products is denied. References useful for rare diseases, where small This is a lose-lose scenario for both 1.  Off-label Prescribing: Justifying Unapproved markets drive up drug prices in those governments and taxpayers alike. But Medicine. David Cavalla. ISBN: 978-1-118-9120 rare cases where development is seen. particularly for the sake of patients, 7-2. 216 pages. March 2015, Wiley-Blackwell. 2. Roin, B. Solving the Problem of New Uses The Social Impact Bond model being and especially for those with the http://dash.harvard.edu/bitstream/ piloted by the UK charity Findacure thousands of rare conditions currently handle/1/11189865/Solving%20the%20 has clear potential in this area. Here, lacking any therapy, inaction is not an Problem%20of%20New%20Uses%20.pdf the charity secures funding to run option. Oct 13, 2015.

Used with kind permission from Action Duchenne

9 Europe – the final countdown to the referendum

Chinara Rustamova, Education, Training & Policy Officer David Webb, President Stephen Hill, President Elect Robin Plevin, Honorary Treasurer Iain Greenwood, Vice President – Policy & Public Engagement

In February 2016, the Prime Minister The British Pharmacological Society 1. People: collaboration announced that voters in the United is a charity with a mission to promote and mobility Kingdom (UK) would be given the and advance the whole spectrum of chance to vote in a referendum on pharmacology. Founded in 1931, the When examining the possible effects membership of the European Union Society now represents over 3,500 of the UK leaving the EU, it is worth (EU) to take place on 23 June. The members working across academia, considering the value and impact British Pharmacological Society’s industry, regulatory agencies and of collaboration in the current Education, Training & Policy team the health services, and many of ‘ecosystem’ of scientific discovery. set to work reviewing the available whom are medically qualified. Clinical literature and other evidence about pharmacology is the only medical The UK is undeniably an international the impact of the vote across the specialty in the NHS focusing on the leader in scientific research – breadth of pharmacology as a safe, effective and economic use of punching well above its weight. The discipline and on our members based medicines. The Society supports good UK represents only 1% of the world’s in the UK and EU. It was agreed that it prescribing in the UK, most recently population, but produces 16% of the would be helpful to provide members notably by developing the Prescribing world’s most highly-cited articles from with a balanced summary of this work Safety Assessment with the Medical only 4.1% of the world’s researchers. that would share sources of interest. Schools Council and is interested in: These researchers are highly The summary was carefully developed collaborative, placing the country in with input and approval from our • Promoting and advancing high a central position to be able to build a Trustees, and as some of you will quality science, especially network of collaborative partnerships. have seen, a final version was recently pharmacology and clinical For example, scientific papers that published on our website (www.bps. pharmacology. are co-authored with international researchers have a greater citation ac.uk/europe) in time for the final • Supporting students and academics impact, than those articles that weeks of the campaign. in research, as well as the UK are not1. More than 60% of the UK’s university system. Our experience of the drafting this internationally co-authored papers are • Supporting UK industrial 2 paper was enlightening: we uncovered written alongside EU partners . pharmaceutical discovery and information about aspects of the development, and underpinning Countries displaying high relationship between the UK and EU the role pharmacology and clinical levels of research collaboration that we hadn’t known before. We pharmacology has to play in that characteristically have high levels of felt very keenly the responsibility environment. researcher mobility, both of which are for trying to produce a breakdown associated with high research quality3. of evidence that didn’t actively Given that, the Society outlines in UK researchers are highly collaborative favour either the ‘leave’ or ‘remain’ the following four sections the areas and mobile across the world4. In campaigns, as the debate had already of the broader pharmacological addition, EU funding mechanisms become heated and partisan. We hope landscape connected with Europe in create opportunities for collaboration. members appreciate the hardwork. a wide range of ways. By way of an example, the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions enable researchers, from PhD candidates to highly experienced researchers, to work in various countries, sectors and

10 Pharmacology Matters I June 2016 disciplines across Europe5. The budget 2. Funding for this programme is €6.16 billion in 6 In 2007–2013, the UK contributed €78 the period to 2020 . Question: billion to the EU of which €5.4 billion How might Brexit affect researcher Elsewhere, it is possible to see was indicated as being for the EU’S mobility and high quality science? other examples of pan-European Research and Development (R&D) collaboration and mobility in support budget. During the same period, the Consideration should be given to: of UK and EU scientific discovery: UK received €48 billion, of which €8.8 billion was for research, development • Whether or not the UK will 14 • The UK Government provides and innovation . In other words, the benefit from not having to student loans and maintenance UK received €1 billion per year on provide students loans and funding for EU students as a average which approximated to 15% of maintenance funding for EU statutory obligation7. the national science budget during the students. 15 • The university sector contributes same period . Overall, the UK won 16% • Whether or not fewer EU over £73 billion annually to the UK of research funding from the recent students might register at UK economy8. European Framework Programme universities, if categorised (FP7) with only 12.7% of the EU-28 • EU nationals make up 15% of the UK- as overseas students at population16. While this funding based academic workforce and EU 12 higher fees , and what the stream is enormously valuable to students make up 5% of students in resultant impact might be the sector, some researchers and the UK9. on the university sector that members of the Society report • At 21%, science disciplines have contributes over £73 billion significant challenges in access to a higher proportion of EU staff in annually to the UK economy13. funding, in particular the complexity comparison with 13% across other • Whether or not there will of application procedures – so called 10 subjects . be an impact on the number ‘red tape’ – which slows funding and • In 2013/2014, EU government bodies of partnerships and highly- grant applications down. funded 8.5% of UK academic staff on cited research projects fixed-term contracts and other EU which are reliant on EU European Research Area and sources, 2.1%11. researcher mobility, especially Horizon 2020 where sustainable funding The European Commission launched And, a little closer to home, examples mechanisms have created the European Research Area (ERA) of relationship with EU can be seen in opportunities for partnerships. in 2000 to coordinate research and the British Pharmacological Society’s • The impact of restrictions innovation activities in the EU. ERA own membership. Of the Society’s on mobility on all sectors, initiatives are delivered through 800+ members (typically 20% of including non-academic staff in periodic framework programmes17. total membership) based outside of academia and pharmaceutical Meanwhile Horizon 2020 is the largest the UK at the start of 2016, around industry. ever EU research programme, aiming 40% were based in EU countries, and • Whether or not researcher to allocate €74.8 billion for research of this group 5% were UK ‘ex-pat’ 18 mobility and collaborations and innovation from 2014 to 2020 . pharmacologists living and working that might be built outside The European Research Council in the EU. In addition, of the Society’s of the EU (for example with allocates funding on behalf of Horizon members based in the UK, 10% are EU institutions and individuals in 2020, and UK universities are expected nationals. the US) would be enough to to receive approximately £2 billion in 19 sustain and develop the UK the first two years of the programme . research base, should there be a reduction in EU collaborations.

11 In addition, one of the four Framework Programme for research programmes initially proposed under (FP7), and half of which came from Horizon 2020 has a pharmacological EFPIA companies. It currently has Question: angle: over 50 projects focusing on varying In order to sustain science funding topics including broader challenges at current levels, and to remain • European and Developing Countries in drug development like drug competitive with our European Clinical Trials Partnership 2 and vaccine safety, knowledge counterparts, the UK Government (EDCTP2): EDCTP is a partnership management, the sustainability of would need to consider matching between 14 African and 14 European chemical drug production, the use lost research income (which countries that aims to support of stem cells for drug discovery, drug approximated to 15% of the “collaborative research that behaviour in the body, the creation national science budget during the accelerates the clinical development of a European platform to discover period of 2007-2013), in the event of new or improved interventions novel medicines, and antimicrobial 20 of leaving the EU . What might the to prevent or treat HIV/AIDS, resistance27. For example, CHEM 21, a impact be for pharmacology? tuberculosis, malaria and neglected €26.4 million project, brings together infectious diseases in sub-Saharan six pharmaceutical companies, 13 23 In the event of leaving the EU, Africa” . The UK is one of the 14 universities and four small to medium there may be two major risks for European countries. The European enterprises from across Europe UK pharmacology in relation to Union will allocate up to €683 with the aim to develop sustainable EU funding withdrawal, and the million for the ten-year programme biological and chemical alternatives future of the European Medicines (2014–2024), to be matched by to finite materials. The project is led Agency (EMA). The 24 Russell contributions from the European by The University of Manchester and Group universities, a number Participating States. GlaxoSmithKline and includes Pfizer, of which teach pharmacology, the Universities of Durham, York and Partnerships: Joint Technology receive around £400 million of EU Leeds and UK-based small to medium Initiatives (JTIs) funding a year, which makes about enterprises among other European 21 11% of their research income . JTIs are public-private research participants28. Losing access to EU research partnerships between industry and funding may affect not only these EU member states. The current JTIs but a number of other universities, are active in a number of areas of organisations and bodies receiving strategic importance for the EU24. The EU research funding. It seems largest public-private initiative has a uncertain as to whether the UK will pharmacological and pharmaceutical be able to stay in the ERA or retain angle: its association with Horizon 2020 and influence the direction or • Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 focus of future programmes. (IMI2): IMI2 is a joint undertaking between the European Union and the European pharmaceutical industry represented by the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations Partnerships: Joint Programming (EFPIA). The partnership supports Initiatives (JPIs) collaborative research projects and builds networks of industrial JPIs are public-public research and academic experts in order to partnerships between ERA countries. boost pharmaceutical innovation in Common research agendas are Europe25. It has a €3.3 billion budget agreed by participating countries to for the period of 2014–202426 (half implement jointly. There are currently of the budget comes from Horizon ten JPIs and the UK participates in 2020, €1.425 billion committed all of these joint programmes22. by EFPIA companies and up to Two of these programmes have a €213 million by other life science pharmacological aspect: industries or organisations). • Alzheimer’s and other Neurodegenerative Diseases During the first phase of the • Antimicrobial Resistance- The programme (2008–2013), IMI1 Microbial Challenge - An Emerging had a budget of €2 billion, half of Threat to Human Health which came from the EU’s Seventh

12 Pharmacology Matters I June 2016

internationally as one of the leading Committee’s report “EU membership regulatory authorities for medicines and UK Science” highlights the UK’s Question: and medical devices31. involvement in the development of Would the UK be able to continue the framework. taking part in JPIs, e.g. EDCTP2 and Clinical Trials Regulation JTIs, e.g. IMI2? How would those All clinical trials implemented in the European Medicines who were excluded from research EU are required to be conducted in Agency (EMA) cooperation be supported? accordance with the Clinical Trials Located in London, the EMA is Directive 2001/20/EC until the new responsible for the scientific The UK is currently taking part in Clinical Trials Regulation (CTR) EU evaluation, supervision and safety most joint initiatives. The level of No 536/2014 becomes applicable monitoring of medicines developed by impact from leaving the EU would sometime after 28 May 2016. The pharmaceutical companies for use in be different for each project and UK had played a significant role in the EU (since 1995)39. It is the largest programme. For example, Norway influencing the improvements to the EU body in the United Kingdom with participates in EDCTP2 and UK clinical trials regulation32. The EMA a full-time staff of more than 600 may well be able to negotiate was commissioned to establish an people. British experts were leaders or its continued participation and EU portal and database as a single co-leaders in examining 27 new drug contribution along similar lines. entry point for submission of data applications in 201440. and information relating to clinical Some projects, however, e.g. trials required by the Regulation33. CHEM21 led by The University The House of Lords’ Science and of Manchester and the Technology Select Committee’s Question: GlaxoSmithKline, could be report “EU membership and UK In the event of Brexit, how would significantly affected. Since 2014, Science”34 notes that clinical trials the Government tackle the Swiss participants are no longer regulations were “highlighted as regulatory infrastructure changes, eligible for research funding from causing UK business and research particularly in relation to EMA? the EU and are funded by the to be disadvantaged compared to Swiss Secretariat for Education, competitors outside the EU” by the A number of industry officials Research and Innovation (SERI). UK science community. However, the believe that the EMA would In addition, the Federal Council development of the new clinical trials relocate from London to directly supports those who have regulation is seen as a considerable another member state in the been excluded from research improvement. event of Brexit41. The Swedish 29 cooperation . pharmaceutical association Directive 2010/63/EU on the expressed interest in making Protection of Animals Used for Sweden the new host country Scientific Purposes for the EMA as a major boost for Directive 2010/63/EU governs animal the country’s entire life sciences 42 3. Regulation research in the EU. Revising the earlier field . In case of relocation, Directive 86/609/EEC, it was adopted UK could still continue its The UK is subject to EU legislation on 22 September 2010 and is based relationship with EMA and benefit that has an impact on a number on the principle of the three Rs, to from centralised marketing of pharmacology-relevant areas, replace, reduce and refine the use of authorisations as Iceland, e.g. pharmaceuticals, the working animals used for research35. Article 2 Lichtenstein and Norway are hours of doctors, Clinical Trials of the Directive outlines that member included for the latter. Otherwise, Directive, Directive 2010/63/EU on states can maintain stricter provisions pharmaceutical companies will the protection of animals used for aimed at ensuring more extensive need to apply for marketing scientific purposes, and others. In protection of animals which were in authorisations separately to return, the UK contributes to wider EU force on 9 November 201036. Recently, the MHRA for every medicine law in a variety of ways. For example, the European Commission had started they would like to supply in the 43 the Academy of Medical Sciences an infringement process against UK . Overall, the status of the contributed to and led pan-European Italy concerning the overly stringent MHRA would change and the statements on research regulation and transposition of the Directive, as organisation would potentially EU Research and Innovation strategy, stricter provisions were not in force in grow. Simultaneously, the MHRA and recently the Clinical Trials and the country before this date37. In the would lose some of its ability to 30 Data Protection Regulations . The UK, revised legislation transposing influence regulations due to the Medicines and Healthcare products the new Directive came into force withdrawal from the EU platform. Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is a leading on 1 January 201338. The House of contributor to EU law and is respected Lords’ Science and Technology Select

13 The Unified Patent Court (UPC) The UK takes part in BBMRI ERIC flagged that the benefits of the single The agreement to create a unified and INFRAFRONTIER and hosts the market including access to wider patent court was signed by 25 EU headquarters of ELIXIR (Hinxton) market for pharmaceutical companies Member States on 19 February 201344. and INSTRUCT (Oxford). In addition, and their products would be at risk in 56 According to the agreement, the the UK hosts the headquarters of the the event of Brexit . UPC will comprise of Court of First Infrastructure for Systems Biology Instance, a Court of Appeal and a Europe (ISBE), the ESFRI Project in The chief executive of 49 Registry. The Court of First Instance London (Imperial College London) . GlaxoSmithKline, Sir Andrew Witty, will be composed of a central division As for ESFRI itself, which was setup as noted the benefits of having a Pan- 50 in Paris with two sections in London an informal forum in 2002 , Norway European regulation at the World and Munich and local and regional and Switzerland participate in the Economic Forum in Switzerland 57 divisions. The London section will be forum and host the headquarters in January 2016 . Pharmaceutical responsible for “Human necessities” of projects. Given that, the UK is executives believe that the level of and “Chemistry, metallurgy”45. There also likely to be able to continue its fallout from Brexit will depend on is a concern that the section of the participation. whether UK stays part of the EMA. Unified Patent Court will have to Switzerland, for example, has a separate drug approval process58. relocate from London before it even 4. Impact on the UK opens46. The UK could have a lesser priority in pharmaceutical industry launch sequences of pharmaceutical The European Strategy Forum on The pharmaceutical industry accounts companies if they were required to 59 Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) for 20% of total expenditure on R&D seek separate approvals in the UK . 51 In addition, UK pharmaceutical The ESFRI is a multi-disciplinary forum implemented in UK businesses . The companies could seem less attractive to support a coherent and strategy- sector brings a trade surplus of £3 52 because of tax incentives from led approach to policy-making on billion per year but it is safe to say business transactions in countries Research Infrastructure (RIs) in Europe there is some risk to the maintenance within the EU60. and to facilitate initiatives leading of that surplus, should UK vote to the better use and development to leave the EU. For example, the of RIs47. All EU Member States are pharmaceutical labour force might be represented by two delegates on ESFRI affected by restrictions on mobility, including a number of Associated and participation of pharmaceutical Nations. The current Chair of ESFRI companies, particularly small is Professor John Womersley, the to medium enterprises in EU Chief Executive of the UK’s Science programmes, e.g. IMI2 would be and Technology Facilities Council48. restricted. In addition, the UK’s The following landmarks that are access to the Small and Medium-sized pharmacology-relevant (health and Enterprises (SME) Instrument – a food section) were identified in ESFRI mechanism that allows EU to support Strategy Report on RIs (2016): growing businesses – would be under question. The budget for the SME • BBMRI ERIC - Biobanking and Instrument for 2014–2020 is €3 billion 53 BioMolecular resources Research (4% of Horizon 2020) . Infrastructure Some changes would have a bigger • EATRIS ERIC - European impact on the pharmaceutical industry Advanced Translational Research than on the UK pharmacological Infrastructure in Medicine landscape. Pharmaceutical companies • ECRIN ERIC - European Clinical have invested to establish their Research Infrastructure Network European headquarters in the UK • ELIXIR - A distributed infrastructure given the unrestricted access to the EU for life-science information market. A number of companies based • INFRAFRONTIER - European in Japan and USA had selected the UK Research Infrastructure for the as their European headquarters. This generation, phenotyping, archiving has contributed to the UK economy and distribution of mouse disease and generated job opportunities for 54 models UK nationals . Leaving the EU might change the pharmaceutical landscape • INSTRUCT - Integrated Structural by prompting companies to relocate Biology Infrastructure their headquarters55. HM Treasury has

14 Pharmacology Matters I June 2016

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Great Britain, Parliament, House of Lords Select Committee on Science CaSEEPCEUReport2015.pdf [Accessed on 20 April 2016] and Technology (2016) EU membership and UK Science. Available 14. CaSE (2015) The role of European Union membership in UK science and from: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201516/ldselect/ engineering research. Available from: http://sciencecampaign.org.uk/ ldsctech/127/127.pdf. [Accessed 19 April 2016] CaSEEPCEUReport2015.pdf [Accessed on 20 April 2016] 35. European Commission. (2016) Animals used for scientific purposes. 15. Natasha Little (2016) Biosciences and Brexit, The Royal Society of Available from: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/lab_ Biology Blog. Posted 19 January. Available from: http://blog.rsb.org.uk/ animals/legislation_en.htm [Accessed 12 May 2016] biosciences-and-brexit/#more-5075 [Accessed 18 April 2016] 36. Directive 2010/63/EU (2010). Available from: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/ 16. 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15 38. Home Office (2013) Research and testing using animals. Available from: 51. Office for National Statistics (2015) Statistical Bulletin: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/research-and-testing-using-animals Business Enterprise Research and Development: 2014, London: [Accessed 12 May 2016] Office for National Statistics. Available from: http://www. 39. EMA (2016) Available from: http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index. ons.gov.uk/economy/governmentpublicsectorandtaxes jsp?curl=pages/about_us/general/general_content_000235.jsp&mid. /researchanddevelopmentexpenditure/bulletins/ [Accessed 19 April 2016] businessenterpriseresearchanddevelopment/2014 [Accessed 19 April 40. Hirschler, B. (2016) Brexit threat hangs over London-based EU medicines 2016] agency, Reuters, 29 January 2016. Available from: http://uk.reuters. 52. Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (2014). Delivering com/article/us-britain-eu-medicines-idUKKCN0V71AS [Accessed 19 April value to the UK, Amended in January 2016. Available from: http://www. 2016] abpi.org.uk/our-work/library/Documents/delivering_values_dec2014. 41. Hirschler, B. (2016) Brexit threat hangs over London-based EU medicines pdf [Accessed 19 April 2016] agency, Reuters, 29 January 2016. Available from: http://uk.reuters. 53. The Royal Society (2015). UK research and the European Union: The role com/article/us-britain-eu-medicines-idUKKCN0V71AS [Accessed 19 April of the EU in funding UK research. Available from: https://royalsociety. 2016] org/~/media/policy/projects/eu-uk-funding/uk-membership-of-eu.pdf 42. Hirschler, B. and Nordenstam, S. (2016) Swedish industry wants [Accessed 19 April 2016] European medicines agency if UK quits EU, Reuters, 26 February 2016. 54. Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (2015) Witten Available from: http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-britain-eu-medicines- evidence (EUM0017) to the Lords Science and Technology Select idUKKCN0VZ25P [Accessed 19 April 2016] Committee’s inquiry on Relationship between EU membership and UK 43. Great Britain, Parliament, House of Commons (2016) Exiting the EU: science. Available from: http://data.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/ impact in key UK policy areas, 07213, 12 February 2016. Available from: committeeevidence.svc/evidencedocument/science-and-technology- http://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/ committee-lords/relationship-between-eu-membership-and-the- CBP-7213 [Accessed 20 April 2016] effectiveness-of-uk-science/written/24627.html [Accessed 19 April 2016] 44. European Patent Office. (2016) Available from: https://www.epo.org/ 55. Taylor, K. (2016) What would Brexit mean for the pharma industry? law-practice/unitary/patent-court.html [Accessed 19 April 2016] Deloitte blogs. 12 February 2016. Available from: Dhttp://blogs.deloitte. 45. Agreement on a Unified Patent Court (2013). Available from: co.uk/health/2016/02/what-would-brexit-mean-for-the-pharma- http://documents.epo.org/projects/babylon /eponet.nsf/0/ industry.html [Accessed 19 April 2016] A1080B83447CB9DDC1257B36005AAAB8/$File/upc_agreement_en.pdf 56. Great Britain, HM Government (2016) HM Treasury analysis: the long- [Accessed 19 April 2016] term economic impact of EU membership and the alternatives. 46. Hirschler, B. (2016) Brexit threat hangs over London-based EU medicines 57. Follain, J. and Kennedy, S. (2016) Cameron takes ‘Brexit’ Referendum agency, Reuters, 29 January 2016. Available from: http://uk.reuters. Push to Executives in Davos. Bloomberg. Available from: http://www. com/article/us-britain-eu-medicines-idUKKCN0V71AS [Accessed 19 April bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-01-21/cameron-takes-brexit- 2016] referendum-push-to-executives-in-davos [Accessed 19 April 2016] 47. ESFRI. (2016). Available from: http://www.esfri.eu/about [Accessed on 58. Crow, D., Ward, A. and Allen, K. (2016) Brexit would be a ‘mistake’, 19 April 2016] say global pharma leaders. The Financial Times. 25 January 2016. 48. The Royal Society (2015). UK research and the European Union: The role Available from: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/9216298e-bf67-11e5-846f- of the EU in funding UK research. Available from: https://royalsociety. 79b0e3d20eaf.html [Accessed 19 April 2016] org/~/media/policy/projects/eu-uk-funding/uk-membership-of-eu.pdf 59. Taylor, K. (2016) What would Brexit mean for the pharma industry? [Accessed 19 April 2016] Deloitte blogs. 12 February 2016. Available from: Dhttp://blogs.deloitte. 49. ESFRI (2016). Strategy Report on Research Infrastructures. Available co.uk/health/2016/02/what-would-brexit-mean-for-the-pharma- from: http://www.esfri.eu/sites/default/files/20160308_ROADMAP_ industry.html [Accessed 19 April 2016] single_page_LIGHT.pdf [Accessed 19 April 2016] 60. Scripintelligence. (2016) 18 ways a Brexit would affect Pharma. Available 50. ESFRI (2016). Strategy Report on Research Infrastructures. Available from: http://www.scripintelligence.com/home/comment/18-ways-a- from: http://www.esfri.eu/sites/default/files/20160308_ROADMAP_ Brexit-would-affect-Pharma-358448. [Accessed 19 April 2016] single_page_LIGHT.pdf [Accessed 19 April 2016]

16 Pharmacology Matters I June 2016 Young Pharmacologists update: Representing Young Pharmacologists at Voice of the Future Vedia Can, University of Westminster

Members of the Young One of the highlights from this research and our future as scientists. Pharmacologists Advisory Group year’s VOF was a video message from His message was very inspirational and (Joanne Carter, Laura Ajram, Ross King Major Tim Peake addressing MPs and motivational for all attendees present and myself) attended the Voice of the Ministers, which was pre-recorded on at the VOF, which can be viewed on the Future (VOF) event on 1 March 2016 the International Space Station. The following link: https://www.youtube. held in the Boothroyd Room at the British astronaut answered questions com/watch?v=zY1brEl4nQY House of Commons. from Jo Johnson MP on experiments he is conducting in space and what more Personally, this event gave me the This prestigious event, hosted by the might be possible in the future. Major opportunity to learn more about Royal Society of Biology in conjunction Peake described how his experiments science policy and how scientists can with the House of Commons Science often focus on understanding the get involved with politics. I was able & Technology Committee and body’s ageing process and looking at to gain a better understanding on other science organisations, gives ways to counter the negative effects how Parliament and the Government young scientists and engineers the of growing old. He emphasised that functions in the UK and the impact our opportunity to quiz Members of the future of scientific exploration government has on an international Parliament and Ministers on science lies in space. An example of a study level. In addition, this event allowed policy and current affairs in science and that could be beneficial for asthma scientists and engineers to gain a technology. sufferers on planet Earth is the better insight into the career paths and “Airway Monitoring” European project. opportunities available in politics or One of the goals of the Young This exciting and complex project related disciplines. So, if you feel that Pharmacologists Advisory Group investigates the changes of airway a career change is what you need, why is to encourage students to study inflammation, and could provide us not try Science Policy? STEM-related subjects, in particular, with key information that could help us pharmacology. However, we are combat the difficulties associated with You can find more information aware that the number of students asthma treatment and management. regarding the event on the Royal studying STEM-related subjects Society of Biology’s website (www.rsb. at higher education in the UK is Major Peake’s positive energy and org.uk/policy/policy-events/voice- reducing. I was fortunate enough enthusiasm for science has definitely of-the-future), and you can watch the for my question to be selected and encouraged us all to pursue our dreams entire event on this link: http://www. answered by Jo Johnson MP, Minister and address our questions on bbc.co.uk/programmes/b054g39r for Universities and Science. I asked: “Do you think business should offer greater incentives for young people to study STEM subjects at university to help fill the shortfall of skills in the science and engineering sectors?” The response I received was very honest and reassuring. The Government is aware of the current initiatives set up by societies to encourage the development of skills for students studying STEM-related subjects, and they are keen to support businesses to ensure there are more apprenticeship vacancies and supportive measures available for skill development.

17 Leading the way in raising publication standards Elliot Lilley Senior Scientific Officer, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

I’ve been a member of the Society for the best part of twenty years and throughout that time I’ve been a keen reader of the British Journal of Pharmacology (BJP). Indeed, all of my results chapters of my PhD thesis were published in the journal as well as a number of abstracts from the many Society meetings I attended and presented at.

After obtaining my PhD, my contact with the journal was limited to reading articles and refereeing the occasional paper. During my 15 years in the pharmaceutical industry, publication was not always possible and I’m sad to say that I haven’t published any original science in BJP since I finished my PhD.

After joining the RSPCA Research Animals Department in 2012, I was interested in the launch of the ARRIVE (Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments) guidelines and proud to see that BJP was not only involved in the development of these important principles, but were one of the first journals to ‘sign up’ to their use. There is a growing literature that casts a poor light on the standard of reporting of pre-clinical research and ARRIVE offers a robust framework to try and address some of the issues that have been raised. However, in December 2012, I was reading the latest issue of I wrote to Ian McGrath (the then and power analysis was not the journal and noticed that, despite editor-in-chief) to express my concern mentioned. In most cases, it was all papers that included animal data and he asked me to submit a formal impossible to follow the fate of citing the ARRIVE guidelines, there review of ten papers from recent each animal and in some papers was a distinct lack of adherence to the issues. I focused on compliance with animals seemed to disappear without ARRIVE principles. I emailed a friend the twenty points outlined in the explanation; figure legends frequently of mine who was also a senior editor ARRIVE guidelines. None of the papers indicated a range of group sizes, again to ask what process the journal had complied in full with the guidelines with no explanation. in place to monitor compliance with and some clear themes became ARRIVE and was dismayed to find out apparent. No papers included an I submitted my review and waited that there was none. explanation for the group sizes used for a response. After a couple of

18 Pharmacology Matters I June 2016 weeks Ian came back to me with a by asking for clarification on a few  plan. He acknowledged the issue methodological points. and asked me to become an editor About the author of the journal and to contribute Ian’s term ended as editor-in-chief at Elliot is a Senior Scientific Officer towards the development of a new the end of 2015 and Professor Amrita in the Research Animals system of submission and review. Ahluwalia has taken on the role. Department of the Royal Society What happened next was a period of Under Amrita’s excellent stewardship, for the Prevention of Cruelty intense activity followed by some very the process has undergone further to Animals (RSPCA). Prior to long periods of waiting. It became iterative change, taking into account joining the RSPCA, he spent 15 apparent that after I sent anything to feedback from authors. The latest years as a pharmacologist in the Ian, an intense period of discussion 18-point checklist2 is easy to follow pharmaceutical industry and has and deliberation took place that I and the revised author guidelines3 been a member of the British (thankfully) was not privy to. make it clear what the journal Pharmacological Society since 1994. expects. It combines the journal’s He is an editor of the British Journal requirements on animal ethics (and It was clear to me that the official of Pharmacology, a former member their transparent disclosure) with its ARRIVE checklist was going to be of the the Society’s Meetings requirements for improved standards difficult to ‘police’ for any journal; Committee and a current member of experimental design and analysis authors were stating adherence, of the Animal Welfare and In Vivo (the oversight of which is managed by but the length and complexity of Pharmacology (AWVIP) the editor-in-chief). the checklist meant that the journal Sub- committee. was failing to check this. What I had proposed to Ian was an overarching I’m proud that BJP has taken the principle of ‘full disclosure’ stance it has on this issue and accompanied with a modified ARRIVE welcomed the opportunity to play checklist. Publications checklists like a part in the process. Many journals have endorsed ARRIVE, but few have ARRIVE are very useful concepts that References set out to encourage the inclusion done anything to ensure compliance; of information critical for both the in this regard we are leading the evaluation of quality and replication way. These efforts should result in 1. McGrath J C and Lilley E. Implementing of the study, but if they are going to higher quality papers in our journal; guidelines on reporting research using papers that showcase robust and work, their principles must be taken animals (ARRIVE etc.): new requirements into account during the planning and transparent experimental design for publication in BJP. British Journal of execution of the project. Trying to and proper regard to the importance Pharmacology. 2015: 12 (13). 3189–3193. conform to the checklist at the point of good standards of animal welfare http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ bph.12955/epdf, http://onlinelibrary. of submission to a journal is never and ethics. Clearly this will only be wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.12954/epdf, achieved if everyone involved is going to be a feasible approach. We http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ felt that a simplified ARRIVE checklist, committed to the process. Only time bph.12856/epdf that focused on the key issues of will tell if the new policies can be 2. British Journal of Pharmacology Declaration robust and transparent experimental implemented to have the desired of Transparency and Scientific Rigour.British Journal of Pharmacology. 2016: 173(3). 628. 2. design and ethical conduct of animal effect. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ work, would be easier for authors, bph.13405/pdf editors and referees to use. Ian also 3. British Journal of Pharmacology author asked me to take on the role of ‘animal guidelines. British Journal of Pharmacology). ethics editor’ to offer advice on animal 2016. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/ welfare and ethics for senior editors store/10.1111/(ISSN)1476-5381/asset/ whenever manuscripts raise concerns. homepages/Author_Guidelines_BJP. While Ian and I had worked on the animal ethics part of the process, the policy on experimental design and analysis was led by Mike Curtis.

It took a while, but in mid-2015, the new process was launched with changes to the submission system and a series of editorials1. Since then, I have had a steady stream of ‘animal ethics’ referrals, about one per week, most of which can be dealt with

19 Moulding minds with jelly

Melissa McNaughton Final year PhD student, University of Strathclyde

We all had a favourite teacher at I initially planned this activity as part school. For me, my biology teacher of the Glasgow Science Festival2, (Mr Cochrane) was the person who but after the success of the activity I provided valuable advice at a time now take it to local primary schools when I was struggling to decide which as part of my STEM outreach role. path to take when I left secondary One of these schools was Lennox school. I always knew that I wanted Primary in West Dunbartonshire. to go to university but I was unsure This activity provides the children what I wanted to do. It was a close call with the opportunity to design their between law and science. Mr Cochrane very own cells by adding sweets made learning biology truly exciting of various shapes and sizes (to and really went the extra mile to get represent intracellular organelles) to know his students, so was naturally to pre-set bowls of jelly. Although the person I looked to for advice this activity took a bit of planning when making this decision. He knew Melissa McNaughton, Professor Susan Pyne (SIPBS) (Note: paper bowls will disintegrate me well enough to know that I had and Aleena Khan. Nuffield Foundation STEM Inspire when filled with hot jelly and spoil awards held at the Royal Society of Edinburgh in a true passion and talent for biology August 2014 your freshly hoovered car mats!!) – which had developed and grown three prototype bowls, fifty jellies over five years of secondary school. and one risk assessment later, I was His encouragement was enough to ready! It is always heartening to see convince me to continue my education the children engage in the activity in science. Now, two and a half Foundation on various occasions whilst they eagerly volunteer to act as years into my PhD in biochemistry as a project provider for their STEM mitochondria, lysosomes and the all- and cell biology at the University of Inspire programme1. I felt particularly important nucleus as I explain the role Strathclyde, I am confident that I passionate about being a project of each organelle. made the right decision. The reason I provider on this programme, as it reflect on this period of my life is that aims to provide gifted pupils from In addition to designing their own it serves as a good example of the disadvantaged backgrounds with cells, the children are encouraged to influence and impact that educators a mentor. This is an invaluable work in teams to discuss potential can have on the minds of the young opportunity for the students and is roles that their cell would perform in and impressionable. In light of one that I wish I had myself at that the body. Each team then presents this, I developed a keen interest in age. My remit in this role was to offer their designer cells to the rest of the STEM outreach to try and similarly support and research experience to class. This is the most rewarding touch the minds of young people, to talented young individuals who were aspect of this activity. It’s a great engage them in the subject which I so about to embark on their university experience to witness the raw passionately love. It was during my career. Such projects give the student excitement the children display as PhD that I volunteered to be the STEM the opportunity to gain insight in to they describe the fine details of their ambassador for my research institute. life as a scientist whilst acting as a super-duper cell capabilities (from stepping stone to studying a STEM anti-aging to accelerated speed and My role as a STEM ambassador at subject at degree level. eternal life). SIPBS involves coordinating and delivering STEM activities ranging In the ‘fun-filled’ category, creating These interactive lessons, using role from hosting summer laboratory and delivering one of these activities play as well as the lure of sweets, projects for secondary school students has been a particular highlight for makes it easy to achieve the overall to fun-filled afternoons of science for me. ‘Jelly cells’ is an activity aimed at learning objective - to introduce the primary children. For the former, I primary children (or anyone who likes children to the building blocks of the have collaborated with the Nuffield sweets!). body (cells) and give them a basic

20 Pharmacology Matters I June 2016

Primary 3 and 4 children at Lennox Primary School engaged in Jelly Cell fun

understanding of how cells work. I hope that this activity is something that the children will remember About the author and that they will take home a Melissa received her BSc in simple message: science is fun and it Biochemistry and Pharmacology surrounds us every day! from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow in 2013. Since then, Through the different activities she has undertaken a PhD in that I have been actively engaged Biochemistry and Cell Biology in, I have visited many schools and at the Strathclyde Institute met some wonderful teachers who of Pharmacy and Biomedical are committed to developing STEM Science (SIPBS), which she will initiatives as part of the curriculum complete in 2016. Melissa’s they design for their pupils. One of research questions the role of a those teachers, Mrs Crystal Thompson, class of biologically active lipids in has kindly provided her perspective on regulating senescence in cancer some of the activities she has been cells. She trained as a Science, involved in organising in her role as Technology, Engineering and STEM coordinator at Lennox Primary. Mathematics (STEM) ambassador at the beginning of her PhD in 2013 and has since collaborated with the Nuffield Foundation, Glasgow References Science Festival and the Carnegie 1. Nuffield Foundation. Trust on various STEM outreach http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/stem projects. 2. Glasgow Science Festival. http://www.glasgowsciencefestival.org.uk/

21 Setting futures in STEM

Crystal Ann Thompson Primary 1/2 teacher and STEM coordinator at Lennox Primary, West Dunbartonshire

Scotland has a long history of scientific in August 2015 when two of the local children to topics that they can relate discovery. Children are fascinated schools merged but in this short to in their day-to-day lives that have by new discoveries and technologies time we have already managed to obvious impact (i.e. health, disease, and have a natural curiosity about create links with some excellent environment, renewable energy, the world around them. The biggest organisations to help us deliver communication, etc.). challenge when organising science activities that cover a wide range of and related activities in the primary topics. One of these organisations Despite the generosity of volunteers, school setting is to make sure that is Generation Science1 which has the costs associated with delivering the activity is pitched at the right been actively involved in supporting diverse STEM activities can be quite level. Communicating science to a activities: from ‘Little Giants’ where considerable. Our parent council, lay audience has its own difficulties, children examine differences in an ‘Friends of Lennox’, has done a but keeping children engaged in an insect’s body compared to ours and wonderful job at hosting fundraising activity when it is either too advanced learn how bees communicate with events to help support many of our or simply not challenging enough each other by dancing (primary 2/3) extracurricular activities. In order can spell disaster. There is no one- to holding interactive workshops to maintain our future activities and size-fits-all approach when it comes related to generating green electricity enhance our STEM program, we have to developing a program of STEM- (primary 5). Creating strong links been involved in several scientific related activities that are suitable for with STEM ambassadors has also outreach funding applications which primary 1–7 aged children (4–12 year been tremendously important to have been led by Melissa McNaughton olds). Each activity has to be finely the success of the STEM program and others. If successful, then this tailored to match the children’s level at Lennox Primary. The school has will help to support our ‘in-house’ of understanding as well as taking into also been working closely with 2016–2017 STEM project ‘Pond Life’ account the principles of curriculum The Environmental Trust (West which is centred on the establishment design (challenge and enjoyment, Dunbartonshire). This organisation of a pond ecosystem within the breadth, progression, depth, has been integral to the development grounds of the school. personalisation and choice, coherence of our outdoor learning environment. and relevance). We have been extremely fortunate In addition to interactive workshops to have so many willing volunteers (topics covering habitats, pond At Lennox, this involves working who work in STEM subject areas who lifecycle, eutrophication), the aim of closely with the Principle Teacher, Jill have donated their time and resources this project is to give the children the Williams, and interacting with every to enhance our program. Children in opportunity to conduct environmental teacher to identify key areas where primary 3 and 4 were recently treated enquiries and communicate their STEM outreach would be of benefit to to the Jelly Cell activity delivered by findings using a variety of tools from the day-to-day learning environment Melissa McNaughton. Primary 5 and lab book to lab blog. The secondary, of the children in their class. We also 6 were then given the opportunity but equally important, aim of this engage with the children through to learn more about climate change activity is to establish a natural STEM our student committee to identify and its effects in Scotland as part of activity that is literally built into the key areas that would be of interest to an activity delivered by Mr Fraser foundations of the school. The beauty them. This dialogue really provides Ralston (STEM ambassador and of centring the project on the pond the ideas which I then take forward to Senior Operational Meteorologist establishment is that it can take many seek out willing organisations (e.g. the and Transport Scotland Advisor). years (over five years) to become British Pharmacological Society and One of our recent visitors at Lennox fully developed. After this project Biochemical Society) to contribute was a graduate engineer at Atkins, is initiated, the plan is to create a towards the outreach in specific STEM Ms Lindsay Walter, who covered learning framework that can be subjects. topics related to global warming and purposeful through the years that is flood prevention with our primary 6 driven and eventually maintained by Lennox Primary was only established children. Our aim is to introduce our the children over time. Peer learning

22 Pharmacology Matters I June 2016

will be encouraged throughout to help families with the opportunity to carry confidence-building and promote out hands-on experiments. Other interaction collaboration across the ventures have proved diverse and About the author years. Our ‘Pond Life’ project was collaborative (with other learned Crystal Ann received her BSc principally based on the interests of societies e.g. The Biochemical Society) Caledonian Degree by Negotiated the children at the school. Listening to and have included engaging events Learning (Science) from Glasgow the children’s ideas and identifying at science festivals across the length Caledonian University in 2006 areas that they are keen to learn more and breadth of the UK, establishing and went on to receive her PDGE about is really what drives me as student-run laboratories in primary merit from Glasgow University in STEM coordinator at Lennox Primary. schools and the innovative online 2009. Since then, she has worked They do all the hard work – I merely interactive I’m a Scientist, Get Me with West Dunbartonshire Council facilitate to get the experts on board Out Of Here: Pharmacology Zone. A as a Primary School Teacher. In to help bring their ideas to life. further round of funding applications 2013, Crystal undertook the role of is currently under consideration. Science coordinator, with this role Visit the Society’s website for more Outreach activities title latterly changing to STEM information related to funding sponsored by the British coordinator in 2015. In 2014, the opportunities and to read more about Pharmacological Society role extended out with the school, the outreach projects that have been to work in the learning community The Society supports public sponsored to date. www.bps.ac.uk and beyond, with the introduction engagement and outreach activities of the Scottish Schools Education through its dedicated outreach Research Centre (SSERC) Mentor funding scheme which offers up to References 2 programme. £1,500 per project . Four awards were 1. Generation Science. Edinburgh International given in 2015 which helped to support Science Festival. projects such as the Cambridge Hands- http://www.sciencefestival.co.uk/ On Science (CHaOS) summer roadshow. generation-science The aim of the CHaOS roadshow 2. Outreach grants. British Pharmacological Society. was to travel to various schools and https://www.bps.ac.uk/membership- community centres and provide awards/support-for-outreach-and-teaching/ children aged 8–13 year old and their outreach-grants

23 Going (Brazil) nuts about pharmacology and nanomedicine Sophie Bradley, MRC Toxicology Unit, Leicester André Luis Branco de Barros, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil

All of the invited speakers and organisers of the Workshop on Drug Discovery and Nanomedicine at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Taken 30th March 2016.

In March 2016, ten early career The objectives of the workshop researchers were selected from the UK were to bring together early and Brazil to participate and present career researchers and provide their research at a bilateral workshop the opportunity for them to form on drug discovery and nanomedicine new collaborations and enhance at the Federal University of Rio Grande their career opportunities. Here, Dr do Sul in Porto Alegre, Brazil. This Sophie Bradley from the University workshop, which was organised by of Leicester and Dr André Luis Branco Professor Adriana Raffin Pohlmann de Barros from the Federal University (Federal University of Rio Grande do of Minas Gerais, Brazil share their Sul, Brazil) and Professor Nick Holliday experience of the workshop, their (University of Nottingham, UK), was research, and their hope for future funded by the Newton Fund and the collaborative ventures. National Counsel of Technological and Scientific Development (CNPq).

24 Pharmacology Matters I June 2016

Dr Sophie Bradley: have used a novel mouse model reported in order to describe Given the emphasis on drug discovery, of neurodegeneration to show novel nanoparticle-based drug the pharmacology-based aspects of that targeting the M1 muscarinic delivery systems. Administration of the workshop were predominantly acetylcholine receptor may offer antitumor drugs-loaded nanocarriers focused on G protein-coupled therapeutic potential in relieving typically yields high payload of receptors (GPCRs) as potential symptoms of neurodegeneration, drugs to the tumor when compared therapeutic targets in a range such as impairment in learning in to conventional approaches. of diseases, including metabolic memory, and also in modifying the Furthermore, side effects may be diseases, cancers, cardiovascular progression of the disease. I presented reduced since nanoparticles can diseases, inflammation and asthma. some of this research during the avoid some unspecific uptake in 4,5 In addition to the selected speakers, workshop. healthy tissues . Recent advances three lectures were delivered by in molecular imaging have driven expert pharmacologists, Prof. Steven Seminars and lectures were followed the use of nanoparticles to visualise, Charlton, Prof. Nick Holliday and Dr by lively discussion sessions which characterise and measure biological Liz Rosethorne from the University promoted interaction between all of process at molecular and cellular of Nottingham, who described basic the speakers and audience. The social levels. Molecular imaging offers principles in pharmacology and events in the evening were equally advantages over the traditional mechanisms of drug action. Over lively, particularly at Galpão Criolo in diagnostic imaging techniques since the course of the workshop, we also Porto Alegre where we experienced it provides functional imaging that learnt about modern technologies traditional Brazilian barbeque, live enables the evaluation of chemical being used to probe more complex music, dancing and entertainment. and biological process in the body, aspects of receptor pharmacology, The format of the workshop provided instead of just images of physical including bioluminescence resonance the perfect opportunity to engage structures as given by traditional 6 energy transfer biosensors and novel with each of the early career imaging approaches . Due to the fluorescent imaging approaches. researchers and discuss overlapping versatile nature of nanoparticles, research interests. many efforts have recently been made These lectures were complemented by to merge diagnostic and therapeutic a series of presentations focusing on In terms of future collaborations, tools into a single particle, known as nanomedicine and the use of micro- I am really interested in using MRI theranostics7. Therefore, the purpose and nanoparticles for therapeutics. to visualize misfolded protein of using theranostic nanoparticles is accumulation in the brains of to diagnose and treat the diseases at Of particular interest was the use neurodegenerative mice, and how their earliest stage, when the diseases of nanoparticles as carriers of drugs that target GPCR may impact are most likely curable. therapeutics agents, for example, on these insoluble deposits. For this cytotoxic agents for cancer treatment I hope to initiate collaboration with Our group has been studying the use and therapies for HIV and fungal Javier Hernández-Gil (Imperial College of radiolabeled nanoparticles as a infections. This really highlighted the London) who gave a really interesting theranostic nanoplatform for cancer. potential for this type of approach presentation at the workshop on iron In this sense, we have been working in limiting side effects associated oxide nanoparticles and how they may on the design of functionalized with standard anti-cancer drugs be designed and used as a contrast radiolabeled pH-sensitive liposomes, and overcoming issues with drug agent for imaging purpose in addition loaded with several antitumor drugs, resistance. to therapeutic agents. for breast cancer diagnosis and/or therapy. Another study conducted I am coming to the end of my first André Luis Branco: in our laboratory is based on use post-doctoral position in Professor Nanotechnology is a field dedicated of nanostructured lipid carriers Andrew Tobin’s laboratory at the to the manipulation of atoms and co-encapsulating, at least, two University of Leicester, and am hoping molecules in order to construct new anticancer drugs. The in vivo results to establish an independent research structures in a nanoscale range1. indicated high tumor uptake, which career within the next few years. My Since nanostructures show similar lead to a better treatment response. interests and expertise lie in the use sizes as biological molecules, they of novel animal models to probe the can be engineered to exhibit several From the nanomedicine perspective, physiological roles of GPCRs and to functions designed for biomedical several complementary studies evaluate specific GPCRs as therapeutic applications2. Therefore, the term were showcased at the Newton targets in disease. The M1 muscarinic ‘nanomedicine’ comprises an area workshop. Dr Marcelo Bispo de acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) is a of medical science devoted to the Jesus (University of Campinas, highly attractive therapeutic target use of nanoparticles for diagnosis, Brazil) presented several interesting for improving cognitive decline monitoring physical and pathologic studies about cellular trafficking of in neurodegenerative diseases, process for therapy3. Over the last nanostructures. The knowledge of such as Alzheimer’s disease. We years, many studies have been the nanoparticle fate after reaching

25 The participants of the workshop enjoying a meal at Galpão Criolo, a traditional Brazilian Barbecue place.

a cell is extremely important to understand the molecular interactions of nanomaterials with diseased and References healthy eukaryotic cells. Deeper works 1. Moghimi SM, Hunter AC, Murray JC. in this field might contribute to select Nanomedicine: current status and future the best nanoparticle to attain better prospects. FASEB J. 2005: 19:311 – 330. in vivo outcomes. 2. Kim BYS, Rutka JT, Chan WCW. Current concepts: nanomedicine. N Eng J Med. 2010: 363:2434 – 2443. The interactive nature of the workshop 3. de Barros ALB, Tsourkas A, Saboury B, was of great benefit to all involved, Cardoso VN, Alavi A. Emerging role of from the selected speakers to the radiolabeled nanoparticles as an effective audience of students who attended diagnostic technique. EJNMMI Res. 2009: 2: to learn more about drug discovery 39. 4. Prencipe G, Tabakman SM, Welsher K, et al. and nanomedicine. For early career PEG branched polymer for functionalization researchers, creating international of nanomaterials with ultra-long blood collaborative networks is an essential circulation. J Am Chem Soc. 2009: 131:4783- process in career development. 4787. The quality of the presentations 5. Alexis F, Pridgen E, Molnar LK, Farokhzad OC. Factors affecting the clearance and and discussions during this focused biodistribution of polymeric nanoparticles. workshop pose new perspectives for Mol Pharm. 2008: 5:505-515. the participants that might result in 6. Barros ALB, Cardoso VN, Mota LG, Leite future collaborations. EA, Oliveira MC, Alves RJ. Synthesis and biological evaluation of technetium-labeled D-glucose-MAG3 derivative as agente for tumor diagnosis. Bioorg Med Chem Let. 2009: 19: 2497-2499. 7. Kang H, Mintri S, Menon AV, Lee HY, Choi HS, Kim J. Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and toxicology of theranostic nanoparticles. Nanoscale. 2015: 7(45): 18848-18862.

26 Pharmacology Matters I June 2016

About the authors - Sophie completed her PhD at the University of Leicester under the supervision of Prof. John Challiss, which was supported by a BBSRC CASE studentship with GlaxoSmithKline. During her PhD, Sophie characterised the pharmacological properties of novel allosteric modulators for the type 5 metabotropic glutamate receptor. Following completion of her PhD, Sophie moved to Prof. Andrew Tobin’s laboratory at the MRC Toxicology Unit in Leicester, where she has been developing expertise in in vivo behavioural testing and novel imaging techniques to complement her background in molecular pharmacology.

André completed his PhD in 2012 The organiser of the workshop, Professor Adriana Raffin Pohlmann (centre) with Sophie Bradley (left) and from Federal University of Minas another invited speaker from the University of Strathclyde, Margaret Cunningham (right). Gerais, Brazil. He completed his post-doctoral training from Center of Nuclear Technology Development, Brazil. André is now a Professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil. He is working on several projects which focus on the development of new radiopharmaceuticals and nanoplatforms for treatment and diagnosis of many diseases.

27 How to set up a Society that Thinks Mental Artysha Tailor Student, King’s College London

I was seven days away from my advice from your student union (SU) is second year exams of dental school - often useful. The rest, such as a name, I was racking up a maximum of three logo and social media page will come hours sleep per night over a period in time and it’s a good idea to reel in of two weeks, I couldn’t work out some favours from skilled colleagues why I had a continuous low grade around you to help with these. headache, my brain was on overdrive trying to absorb the copious facts but In order to establish a society, you I just couldn’t retain anything. I was need a good team and you need to panicking; my heart was racing and think carefully about a few things - who I was faced with the possibility of is going to be part of this team, where failure. are you going to find them (your student union might be able to help), I had come into a degree straight from This combination of experiences led what are they going to do (don’t forget school; I found school fairly easy, me to investigate if there was a society you can have more than one person getting good grades throughout and at King’s College London that was for a given role!) and what is their never failing an exam. I had suddenly dedicated to mental health. There primary reason for wanting to help found myself at university, living wasn’t one and so, together with a you? The last question is an important away from home and feeling out of friend who I met through our mutual one because someone wanting to help my depth. I had never experienced passion, ThinkMental was born. It is solely for the sake of it looking good on this sort of exam-induced anxiety dedicated to raising awareness and his or her CV is unlikely to be a reliable and it was not helping me...and I breaking down barriers of stigma team member. Try your best to find was not helping it. However, a good towards mental health through people with as much passion as you. friend, help from my parents and informal support groups, educational a mindfulness tape did help. They talks, campaigning and many more If your society can fit under the gave me back my sleep, reduced my activities. umbrella of your SU, which is normally anxiety, allowed me to understand done by ratification, it will help with and retain information again. I There are a lot of things to think about a whole host of things such as online managed to get through my exams when starting your own society but a advertisement of events, funding and was onto the next year with a good place to start is by considering and so on. Our ratification with the SU better awareness of my own mental what your aims are, how you will do meant we could apply for funding of health. it and where will you get the money up to £1,000 towards our ThinkMental from to set the society up? Getting Health awareness week. I am sure this is a more common scenario than most would like to admit.

Prior to this, I knew the effects of mental illness quite well – from my early to late teens I had looked after a family member with a severe mental health problem. I observed, first hand, the devastating effects of others perceiving their mental illness as not being “a part of them” and instead being some sort of exogenous entity… and I watched the stigma that followed. As a result, I am more open and accepting of all mental health. All female a cappella group, The Rolling Tones, singing at ThinkMental’s Variety Show, by Artysha Tailor

28 Pharmacology Matters I June 2016

Funding is really important when you’re a new society. Without money it’s hard to organise and advertise events; no student will be interested in a society that doesn’t do anything! As well as approaching your SU for funding, try and obtain sponsorship from a company (they often ask for favours in return for their money, for example their logo at the bottom of event advertisements).

Ratification may also allow you to hire out and use SU and university spaces for free or for very little money. Use this to your advantage – you can hire out Splashing out the stigma campaign, lecture theatres, classrooms, your SU bar and more. This year we used this to by Artysha Tailor our advantage to hire out a student space to put on a Variety Show with music, dance and drama acts, for very little money. where you’re going to get funding from and how you can tailor your events to the people you’re likely to engage with. It’s a broadening experience trying to set something up from scratch - you’ll meet some incredible people and do some incredible things along the way.

How to Contact ThinkMental: • [email protected] • www.facebook.com/ Pop that Stigma campaign, by Artysha Tailor thinkmentalsoc

This brings me on to another great tip – collaborate with other societies. Get in touch if you’d like to know One of the reasons why our Variety Show was so successful was because of more or get involved! collaborations with other societies, such as The Rolling Tones (seen in the It is coming to the end of the picture on the left), Bhangra Society and Running a Mock Improv (a very academic year now so things are talented improvisation group). These societies were well established with large winding down a little. However, followings and this allowed us to reach out to a larger audience, which we would we’ll have events going on next have otherwise not been able to. year - like the ones that have already been mentioned plus more. When coming up with ideas for events, try to think about who your audience will be. Mental health is a hard topic to engage students with and we generally have two types of events: one type where people will turn up because they’re already interested and campaigns, where we go around trying to get people’s neurons firing. For example, our tea and talk events, where we create an informal, About the author non-discriminative environment for people to talk, tend to attract people that already have an interest. While our campaign events involve actively approaching Artysha is a fourth year dental students to try and create an open conversation about mental health. Two good undergraduate at King’s College examples are our “Pop that Stigma” and “Splash that Stigma” campaigns. Both London. It was during her are exercises which involve writing negative connotations of mental health on intercalated Neuroscience that balloons and white t-shirts, respectively, and then symbolically popping the she, along with Chloe Cameron, balloon or splashing coloured powder on the words. The aim of this process is to founded the ThinkMental society wipe out the negative associations and replace them with something positive. and sat on the committee as Co- Presidents. During that year the Last but not least, publicising your society events is really important. Think society won the Best New Activity about what sort of students you are likely to engage and target them, whether it group award from their student is through social media, asking other societies to publicise your events, handing union. Currently Artysha sits on out and putting up flyers or getting an article about your society in a relevant the committee as the charities university publication. officer and also sits on the Dental Council committee as the Welfare So, if you’re thinking about setting up a society my best pieces of advice are: Officer. think carefully about what your aims are, who is going to be your committee,

29 Ambassador Update: Innovative Chemistry in Drug Design and Pharmacology in the Public Eye Anne Leaver University of Edinburgh, Steve Tucker University of Aberdeen and Kayley Scott University of Glasgow

There has been a lot of progress The event was sponsored by the British their studies and ambitions with in anticancer drugs and medical Pharmacological Society, in order them, as well as the importance imaging. The availability of new to promote understanding of drug of biotechnology. The Society also cancer treatments has increased, development and therapy. It was handed out information about and the technology of imaging has organised as part of the the Society’s pharmacology careers and encouraged allowed the detection of abnormal Ambassador scheme, recently set students to look into grants/prizes for blood vessels and tissue, improving up by the Society to widen access basic research, as well as membership diagnosis and treatment. This has and promote pharmacology using and work in clinical therapeutics. involved bringing new ideas from a diversity of approaches including Of particular note was the efforts diverse fields of chemistry and student societies, school and public of the student ambassador from biophysics into drug design and outreach and networking. In this the University of Aberdeen (Denys monitoring. event, jointly organised by Edinburgh Prociuk) and the student reporter and Aberdeen Ambassadors, a from the University of Glasgow Innovations Biotechnology at the new idea was trialled; student (Marzug Ungogo) who helped with Edinburgh International Conference ambassadors and reporters from all setting up the event, and spent time Centre focused on the biotechnology over Scotland were invited to help welcoming the public to the British of drug discovery and new approaches run the event. In addition to meeting Pharmacological Society’s stand. to cancer research and imaging of and greeting the public, student the eye. Two early career scientists ambassadors and reporters were The first speaker was Asier Unciti presented innovative research to a also able to learn from shadowing Broceta, from the Edinburgh Cancer public audience of all ages and took professional staff at the international Research Centre at the Western part in discussion and networking conference centre. In the auditorium, General Hospital. Asier recently won sessions before and after the student ambassadors and reporters two prestigious awards. The first was presentations. were introduced and attendees were a Healthcare Technology Challenge encouraged to discuss elements of Award, to carry out work on palladium-

Dr Anne Leaver (BPS ambassador) chairs the BPS sponsored ecent in Edinburgh.

30 Pharmacology Matters I June 2016 activated therapy, which involves effectiveness of treatments. During converting inactive pro-drugs into his presentation, Tom discussed the anti-cancer agents within the tumour. potential of eye imaging for detecting Asier also received the Royal Society cardiovascular disease, cancer, and of Edinburgh’s Patrick Neill medal for neurodegeneration. Tom’s particular his work on biomedical technologies interest is small blood vessels and and innovative therapeutics. Asier has microvascular disease. The shared studied Medicinal Chemistry in Spain, blood supply between the brain and Italy and the UK and has developed retina, and the influence of the kidneys new areas of translational research. on vascular function through renin- He joined the Chemistry department angiotensin mean that retinal imaging at Edinburgh, where he developed and angiography can act as biomarkers carriers which target specific cells, in MS, stroke, dementia and diabetes. chemosensors, and bioactivity screens These conditions are characterised by and, as the impact of these findings thinning of the retina and/or dying became apparent, later moved to the back of small blood vessels. The project Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre. aims to collect data on retinal structure Asier also discussed kinase inhibitors, and disease progression and link this another important group of anti-cancer data with prognosis and intervention. Below are some quotes gathered drugs which owe a lot to pioneering Thus retinal biomarkers may provide by the Society’s student reporter, research led by Philip Cohen in Dundee. early warnings of disease and indicate Kayley Scott, during the Innovations response to therapy. Biotechnology and Drug Discovery The next speaker, Dr Tom McGillivray networking event. from the Centre for Clinical Brain During the lectures, student reporter Sciences, talked about imaging of the Kayley Scott referenced a quote from Kayley spoke to members of the eye and his role in project VAMPIRE Dr MacGillvray’s lecture: “empowering public, asking what it was that brought (Vascular Assessment Measurement the high street optician to be screening them to the event. A high school Platform for Imaging the REtina). Tom for more than just eye health”. She felt delegate told Kayley “I want to keep trained in Edinburgh as a biophysicist it really summed up the whole idea of learning and understanding science”. and is a member of Edinburgh Imaging, Innovation, with science constantly A retired physicist & engineer: “I an Edinburgh and Dundee collaboration driving us forward to new discoveries to want to know what we can learn from with domestic as well as international help make life better for people. animal cells and how we operate”; links. Work in his retinal imaging lab in he was keen to explore “a different the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary aims aspect of science” than what he had to identify disease and monitor the previously experienced.

Dr Asier Unciti Broceta begins his talk on novel approaches to cancer treatment.

31 Dr Tom MacGiilvray begins his talk on eye imaging.

Afterwards, Kayley was introduced to “cross disciplines and convey this, but the informal aspect is very to Andy, a 75-year-old man who new research”. He also told Kayley welcoming and a fantastic way to attended Innovation Nation because he believes it is important to invite network and share interests and the presentations are relevant to his the public to explore science and hopefully meet some exciting people! life, after being diagnosed with cancer hopefully “inspire new participants” I know I certainly did! Thank you again and eye problems. He told Kayley for studies. for involving me in this wonderful this attracts him to attend further event and fantastic opportunity.” research-led events in these fields and Kayley feels we should continue he believes events like these provide hosting such events, as it is a fantastic “a wealth of information” for the way for the general public, researchers A video of the event is public. and young scientists to be involved available online: with the ever changing world of https://youtu.be/ZF0x2t_BkUw Kayley spoke to Dr Broceta and Dr science: “I feel that bringing wider MacGillvray and asked them why they understanding to people through wanted to be involved in these public these talks is vital to continue to events. inspire people to become engaged with research in new ways. Not only Dr Broceta spoke about his home in Spain and his outreach to local high schools: “I visit high schools to show students that they can follow this pathway [into science] and do it too”.

Dr MacGillvray told Kayley that he supports these public events by the British Pharmacological Society, as they provide people with “an exciting opportunity, meeting people you wouldn’t normally communicate with” and that he feels it allows researchers

32 TODAY’S SCIENCE TOMORROW’S MEDICINES

Save the date PHARMACOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF MICROVASCULAR CELL-CELL SIGNALLING AND CVS DISEASE 21 – 22 September 2016 | Magdalen College, Oxford

Pharmacology Matters I June 2016

Upcoming British Pharmacological Society meetings and workshops

International Narcotics Research Conference (INRC) 2016 Pharmacological aspects of microvascular cell-cell 10 – 14 July 2016 | Bath signalling and CVS disease 21 – 22 September 2016 | Oxford New Insights in Inflammation 27 July 2016 | London Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics Workshop 25 – 26 October 2016 | Birmingham Drug Discovery Workshop 6 – 7 September 2016 | Edinburgh British Pharmacological Society’s President’s Lecture 17 November 2016 | London General and Advanced Receptor Theory Workshop 12 – 13 September 2016 | Liverpool Pharmacology 2016 13 – 15 December 2016 | London

To register your interest and for further information about any of these scientific meetings and workshops, please contact www.bps.ac.uk [email protected] or visit www.bps.ac.uk/news-events [email protected]

A4 advert.indd 1 25/01/2016 10:32 summer meeting2016

Brighton Centre, Kings Road, Brighton Sunday 17th to Wednesday 20th July 2016 Featuring a range of non-clinical and clinical presentations across of range of neuropsychiatric conditions 2016 Guest Lecture to be presented by Patricia Gaspar from IFM -Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris PLUS Post-Doc Symposium Translational models and biomarkers for neuropsychiatric disorders organised by David M Thomson of Strathclyde University Short Orals, Satellite Symposia and Special Sessions 9 invited symposia covering cutting-edge clinical and non-clinical psychopharmacology Welcome Reception and Disco at the Brighton Centre Restaurant Conference Dinner at the Grand Hotel including presentation of the 2016 Prizes and Awards

For full details of the meeting, including abstract submission, go to 27 www.bap.org.uk/BAP2016 Alemtuzumab in multiple sclerosis: a whistle-stop tour

Zoya Georgieva, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge Alasdair Coles, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most cell precursors. Within minutes of transplant, alongside graft rejection; common cause of chronic neurological intravenous infusion, alemtuzumab both were known to be driven by disability in young adults, affecting 1 results in a profound long-lasting T-cells in the donor bone marrow in 1,000 in Western countries. In 85% reduction in blood lymphocyte counts or recipient, respectively. In the of MS cases, episodes of inflammation (lymphopaenia)2. 1970s, monoclonal antibody (Mab) (relapses) result in the loss of myelin technology made it possible to around nerve fibres in the brain or Alemtuzumab is given as a daily specifically target T-cells and clear spinal cord (demyelination), followed infusion for five days, then the them from the donor’s marrow, or by complete (later- partial) recovery1. lymphocyte pool is allowed to from the recipient’s blood. A single Repeated cycles of demyelination and repopulate before a second cycle inoculation of human T-cells in a rat imperfect repair cause accumulation of three days’ infusion a year later. created a family of Mabs, all targeting of irreversible disability over time; Subsequent infusions are only given CD52. One of these antibodies, in later stages disability progresses if there is a sign of disease activity CAMPATH-1G, was especially stable independently of relapses (secondary (relapses or new MRI lesions). and effective, and was initially used progressive MS, SPMS; figure 1). in patients with aggressive chronic Because of its high efficacy, lymphocytic leukaemia, a blood alemtuzumab was licensed in the EU Relapses have been treated with cancer. After a dramatic initial to treat active relapsing-remitting corticosteroid therapy for more than improvement, patients tended to MS in 2013, and subsequently in the five decades but disease-modifying stop responding to treatment, partly USA, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, therapies (DMTs) are relatively because their immune system would Israel, Mexico, Argentina and Brazil; recent advances. Interferon β and recognise the rat-derived Mab as in April 2014 it was recommended by glatiramer have been mainstay DMTs ‘foreign’ and develop neutralising NICE. This is the culmination of more since 1993. Only in the last 10 years antibodies against it. than three decades of research, but have monoclonal antibody DMTs been alemtuzumab did not start life as an ushered into the clinical spotlight. To overcome this limitation, CAMPATH- MS drug (figure 2). 1G became the direct precursor of Alemtuzumab is a humanised humanised CAMPATH-1H, now called monoclonal antibody against CD52, From bone marrow transplants alemtuzumab3. Alemtuzumab was a marker expressed on the surface to multiple sclerosis: initially used to treat blood cancers of T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes Graft-versus-host disease was a and vasculitis (inflammation of blood and monocytes, but not on blood major impediment to bone marrow vessels); the rationale for using it in

Figure 1: Natural History of MS

34 Pharmacology Matters I June 2016

Figure 2: Alemtuzumab research timeline

multiple sclerosis was likewise to clear burden at earlier stages of disease, Interestingly, in CAMMS223 and the T-cells driving the disease. making early treatment crucial (figure CARE-MSII a significant number of 2). Subsequent alemtuzumab trials alemtuzumab patients (but not Between 1991 and 1999, a total of have all been in patients with early but controls) experienced improvement in 36 MS patients were treated with active disease (at least two relapses their disability. To date, no treatment alemtuzumab4,5, all with secondary in two years) and mild-to-moderate has been conclusively shown to progressive disease and MRI evidence disability at entry. reverse disability in MS, but the of active inflammation. Despite a observed effect is plausible. T-cells great reduction in relapses and new Efficacy in early MS repopulating the immune system inflammation, 15 of 28 patients A phase II randomised controlled after alemtuzumab may secrete had an increase in disability. This trial (RCT) (CAMMS223) compared factors that support the survival was approximately equivalent to alemtuzumab to the most efficacious of nerve cells and oligodendrocyte walking 100 m unaided at entry to therapy at the time, interferon precursor cells (which give rise to the study and requiring crutches to β-1a (IFNβ-1a), in 334 patients myelin-producing cells, needed for walk 20 m at the end of follow-up. with moderate disability and repair)11. There are now two active Patients with greater brain atrophy disease duration of three years or trials investigating MRI measures of (reflecting nerve cell loss) were more less. Alemtuzumab reduced the remyelination following alemtuzumab likely to have progressive disability accumulation of disability by 71% (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01307332, through worsening of existing during 36 months of follow-up7, an NCT01395316). symptoms. They also tended to have effect durable at five years of follow- more inflammatory lesions before up8. Follow-up studies (ten years for treatment. CAMMS223 and five years for the CARE- In phase III trials in treatment-naive MS studies) indicate that roughly half To address this dissociation between (CARE-MSI)9 and previously treated of patients need only the initial two progression of disability and patients (CARE-MSII)10, alemtuzumab cycles of therapy for disease control suppression of inflammation, 22 was superior to IFNβ-1a in reducing over five years; a third need one patients with aggressive relapsing- relapse rate (49% and 54% reduction, additional cycle of treatment, 20% remitting MS (RRMS) were treated respectively). There was also evidence have two re-treatments and 10% need with alemtuzumab. In this cohort for reduced accumulation in disability five cycles in total. Most patients have there was 91% reduction in relapse from the CARE-MSII trial, but not stable or improved disability at 5–10 rate and 16 of 22 patients experienced in CARE-MSI. This possibly occurred years after first treatment. improvement in their disability over because, purely by chance, a lower one year (the remaining patients than expected proportion of the The immune system after except one were stable)6. control group in CARE-MSI achieved alemtuzumab the disability outcome, making The mechanism of action of This led to a paradigm shift in a difference between the groups alemtuzumab is incompletely MS: accumulation of disability is difficult to detect. understood, but it would be determined by neuron loss, which simplistic to suggest it is purely is dependent on the inflammatory an immunosuppressant.

35 Figure 3: The immune system after alemtuzumab

Firstly, treated patients typically do (a bleeding tendency due to low Cochrane review has estimated that not suffer serious infections although blood platelets, in 2% of treated over 24 months, alemtuzumab is mild-to-moderate respiratory, urinary patients) and glomerulonephritis superior at reducing relapses (by and herpetic infections are common. (inflammation of the kidney, in 0.1% 54% versus placebo), followed by Patients remain able to mount an patients) have also been reported. natalizumab (44%) and fingolimod immune response to a range of However, re-emergence of the (28%). Alemtuzumab came second in vaccines as demonstrated in a small original autoimmune condition reducing accumulation of irreversible case-control series12. Additionally, (MS) is uncommon. Predicting novel disability (65%)6. no cases of progressive multifocal autoimmunity is difficult: IL-21 is a leukoencephalopathy (a usually known marker, whose use is currently The Association of British Neurologists fatal disease caused by JC virus in precluded by the lack of a suitable recently classified DMTs as drugs of immunosuppressed individuals) have detection kit15. The risk is instead moderate efficacy (category 1) and been reported in MS patients receiving managed by regular monitoring drugs of high efficacy (category 2, to alemtuzumab. of blood tests to detect emerging which alemtuzumab belongs). One autoimmune disease early on. treatment approach is ‘escalation Secondly, treatment efficacy lasts therapy’: using category one therapies beyond the period of most profound Additionally, most alemtuzumab early and reserving category two drugs lymphopaenia13 and the repopulating recipients experience a post- for later stages. This is in contrast to immune system after treatment is infusion syndrome (fever, labile ‘induction therapy’ where a potent altered. Repopulating T-cells tend to blood pressure, wheeze, rash), DMT is used first to control early come either from expansion of residual and a transient worsening of their disease. The two approaches have pros cells in blood or new cells generated existing neurological deficits. and cons, comprehensively reviewed in the thymus; these have different Current treatment regimens control elsewhere17. The alemtuzumab trials properties. For unclear reasons, these symptoms using steroids, leading to its approval were in patients patients who develop autoimmunity antihistamines and inhalers. with early moderately active disease after alemtuzumab have defective and its license reflects this, allowing thymic function and instead repopulate A balancing act both escalation and induction 14 via peripheral expansion. With the increasing availability of strategies. The decision remains in the potent immunomodulatory therapies hands of the clinician and patient. Adverse effects for MS, clinicians and patients now Up to a third of patients treated face choices: which agent, when, A patient’s perspective with alemtuzumab develop novel at what risk? No head-to-head This story would be incomplete autoimmunity5, usually affecting trials exist between the newer without considering the perspective the thyroid gland (figure 3). DMTs (natalizimab, fingolimod of the patients who have received Idiopathic thrombocytopaenia and alemtuzumab). However, a alemtuzumab treatment. In preparing

36 Pharmacology Matters I June 2016 the manuscript, we came across the online diary of one such patient. His story is best rendered in his own words References 10. Coles, A., Twyman, C., Arnold, D., Cohen, and can be found here: http://www. 1. Confavreux C., Vukusic S., Moreau T., Adeleine J., Confavreux, C., Fox, E. et al. (2012b) davidscampathstory.org/experience. P. Relapses and progression of disability in Alemtuzumab for patients with relapsing html. multiple sclerosis. New England Journal of multiple sclerosis after disease-modifying Medicine(2000); 343:1430-8 therapy: a randomised controlled phase 3 2. Hu Y, Turner M,Shields J, Gale M,Hutto E, Conclusion trial. Lancet 380: 1829–1839 Roberts B, Siders W, Kaplan J Investigation 11. Jones J, Anderson J, Phuah C-L, Fox EJ, Selmaj Alemtuzumab is an exciting addition of the mechanism of action of alemtuzumab K, Margolin D et al. Improvement in disability to the range of treatments for in a human CD52 transgenic mouse model. after alemtuzumab treatment of multiple Immunology, 128, 260–270 multiple sclerosis. A few days of sclerosis is associated with neuroprotective 3. Riechmann, L., Clark, M., Waldmann, H. and infusion can suppress disease activity, autoimmunity. Brain (2010) 133; 2232–2247 Winter, G. Reshaping human antibodies for 12. McCarthy C, Tuohy O, Compston A, and allow endogenous repair, over therapy. Nature (1988) 332: 323–327 Kumararatne DS, Coles AJ, Jones JL. Immune many years. This comes at a cost, 4. Moreau, T., Coles, A., Wing, M., Isaacs, J., competence after alemtuzumab treatment the most prominent being the risk Hale, G., Waldmann, H. et al. Transient of multiple sclerosis. Neurology (2013); increase in symptoms associated with of autoimmune disease for five years 81:872–876 cytokine release in patients with multiple after each cycle of treatment; this 13. Kousin-Ezewu O, Azzopardi L, Parker RA, Tuohy sclerosis. Brain (1996) 119: 225–237 O, Compston A, Coles AJ, Jones J. Accelerated requires careful monitoring by patient 5. Coles, A., Wing, M., Molyneux, P., Paolillo, A., lymphocyte recovery after alemtuzumab and neurologist. The next chapter will Davie, C., Hale, G. et al. (1999a) Monoclonal does not predict multiple sclerosis activity. likely see a return to the bench side to antibody treatment exposes three Neurology (2014); 82:1–7 mechanisms underlying the clinical course of elucidate its mechanisms of action, 14. Jones JL., Sara A. J. Thompson S.A., Loh P. et multiple sclerosis. Annals of Neurology 46: and to exploit its potential in studying al. Human autoimmunity after lymphocyte 296–304. depletion is caused by homeostatic T-cell human autoimmunity. 6. Coles AJ, Cox A, Le Page E, Jones J, Trip proliferation. PNAS (2013) 110:50 SA, Deans J, Seaman S, Miller DH, Hale G, 15. Jones, J.L., Phuah C.L., Cox, A.L., Thompson, Waldmann H, Compston A. The window of S.A., Ban,M., Shawcross, J.,Walton, A., Sawcer, therapeutic opportunity in multiple sclerosis S.J., Compston, A., Coles, A.J., IL-21 drives Evidence from monoclonal antibody therapy. secondary autoimmunity in patients with Journal of Neurology (2006) 253:98-108 multiple sclerosis, following therapeutic 7. CAMMS223 Trial Investigators. lymphocyte depletion with alemtuzumab About the authors: Alemtuzumabvs Interferon Beta-1a in early (Campath-1H). Journal of Clinical multiple sclerosis. New England Journal of Alasdair is Professor of Investigation. (2009) 119, 2052–2061 Medicine (2008) 359:1786-801 Neuroimmunology in the 16. Tramacere I, Del Giovane C, Salanti G, 8. Coles AJ, Fox E, Vladic A, Gazda SK, Brinar D’Amico R, Filippini G. Immunomodulators Department of Clinical V, Selmaj KW, Skoromets A, Stolyarov I, and immunosuppressants for relapsing- Neurosciences at Addenbrooke’s Bass A, Sullivan H, Margolin DH, Lake SL, remittingmultiple sclerosis: a network meta- Hospital, Cambridge. He led Moran S, Palmer J, Smith MS, Compston DA. analysis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Alemtuzumab more effective than interferon the first investigator-led trial of Reviews (2015), Issue 9 β-1a at 5-year follow-up of CAMMS223 clinical alemtuzumab and was the UK 17. Coles A. Newer therapies for multiple trial. Neurology (2012) 78:1069-78 sclerosis. Annals of Indian Academy of chief investigator for the phase 9. Cohen, J., Coles, A., Arnold, D., Confavreux, C., Neurology (2015);18(Suppl 1):S30-S34 II and III trials. His research since Fox, E., Hartung, H. et al. Alemtuzumab versus 1994 with Alastair Compston interferon beta 1a as first-line treatment for led to licensing alemtuzumab in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis: a randomised controlled phase 3 multiple sclerosis. trial. Lancet (2012)380: 1819–1828

Zoya is an academic clinical fellow at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge. She is interested in neuroimmunology, specifically MS, to which she was first introduced by Prof Coles during her foundation medical training. She is currently supervised by Dr Joanne Jones (Cambridge), studying the mechanisms of autoimmunity in lymphopaenia

37 Meetings update

Barbara McDermott, Vice President – Meetings Talja Dempster, Head of Meetings & Events

Past meetings & events Upcoming meetings & events

6th Focused Meeting on International Narcotics Research Conference Cell Signalling 10–14 July 2016, Assembly Rooms, Bath The British Pharmacological Society’s The International Narcotics Research Conference’s purpose is to bring together 6th Focused Meeting on Cell scientists from around the world to discuss aspects of opioid research ranging Signalling took place on 18–19 April from genetic and molecular to in vivo studies. Previous meetings have been 2016 at the University of Leicester. held throughout the world and the Society is delighted to be hosting the 2016 The conference was attended by 178 meeting. delegates drawn primarily from the UK, but also with attendees from The programme for the upcoming INRC meeting is available on our website. across Europe (France, Germany, There will be a full programme of science from Monday–Thursday including The Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, plenary lectures, symposia on opioid receptor structure, receptor regulation Switzerland and Malta), as well and crosstalk, neuronal plasticity, pain, craving and addiction, emotional as from further afield (Australia, disorders, and the immune system, as well as poster sessions. Canada and USA). 84 abstracts were presented in the form of oral Please visit www.bps.ac.uk/inrc for more information and to register to attend. communications and posters and the feedback survey had a satisfaction rate of 98.7%. New Insights in Inflammation 27 July 2016, University of East London, London This meeting concentrates on the latest concepts in inflammation, centring on the cutting edge research being carried out by young scientists. Themes such as innate immune cells, inflammation and degenerative diseases, the resolution of inflammation, and metabolomics will be welcomed. The meeting is deliberately left wide in order to enable early career researchers to present their work in a series of oral communication and poster sessions dedicated to them. It celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Pharmacology at the University of East London, where inflammation and immunity has been a core research topic since the pioneering work of Dr GB West in the histamine era.

Please check the Society’s website www.bps.ac.uk for more information and to register to attend.

Delegates at the 6th Focused Meeting on Cell Signalling

38 Pharmacology Matters I June 2016

Vice President Pharmacology 2016 symposia announced – Meetings role 13–15 December 2016, QEII Conference Centre, London applications Pharmacology 2016 will welcome members from the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET), the American In June, the Society will be inviting Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (ASCPT) and the applications for a number of leadership Chinese Pharmacological Society (CPS). roles on Council. The participation of members in this way ensures that The symposia for the meeting have been announced, as follows: Council is able to achieve the Society’s mission to promote and advance the Cardiovascular and Respiratory Pharmacology discipline of pharmacology in all its • From bench to bedside: Targeting the pathophysiological responses of forms, and to establish and deliver our ischemia-reperfusion injuries strategic aims. These posts will be filled • Targeting cardiovascular GPCRs using biased agonism by election later this year, with elected • Nanomedicine in pharmacology candidates taking office on 1 January 2017. Neuropharmacology The role of Vice President – Meetings • Uses and challenges for human pharmacology studies to understand is to direct and guide the scientific CNS diseases meetings programme of the Society • Fatty acid amides (aka lipoamines) beyond cannabinoids to serve the needs of the membership. • Recent developments in research of melatonin and its potential This includes working with the therapeutics application Meetings Committee to recommend an annual programme of meetings, Integrative Systems Pharmacology taking into consideration the strategy • The long reach of the bowel: Translating microbiome science into and direction given by Council. Annual therapeutics for systemic human diseases budgets, which include the provision • Study, development and rationale use of immunopharmacological of bursaries, are agreed with the agents Finance Committee. • Immuno-oncology: From bench to bedside To register your interest and receive Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology more information on the Vice • Non-traditional/orphan GPCRs as novel therapeutic targets President – Meetings role, please • Biochemical strategies in drug discovery and targeting contact the Society’s Finance & • Anti-tumour pharmacology and traditional Chinese medicine Commercial Director, Mike Poole • Translation to therapeutics: Resolution of inflammation ([email protected]).

Drug Discovery, Development and Evaluation and Toxicology • Organ-on-a-chip technology - the future of physiological profiling? • Clinical application of systems pharmacology models • Clinical pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenetics in pregnancy (C4P)

39 Register & submit your research from 3 June PHARMACOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF MICROVASCULAR CELL-CELL SIGNALLING AND CVS DISEASE 21−22 September 2016 Oxford, UK

There has been a dramatic increase in our understanding of cell signalling over the last five years, with key papers indicating the importance of endothelial cell projections as signalling microdomains, which appear subject to disruption by cardiovascular disease. This focused meeting will provide a forum for scientists working in vascular biology, with a particular interest in identifying novel therapeutic targets in endothelial cell dysfunction that is a feature of cardiovascular disease.

Deadlines for your diary: For further information about Abstract submission: 10 August attending or presenting at this meeting, Early registration: 26 August please email [email protected] or Bursaries (available for members visit www.bps.ac.uk/cvs. of the British Pharmacological Society): 10 August