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Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences is where great minds make a difference. The Faculty enjoys an international reputation for outstanding pharmaceutical sciences research. Across a broad base of collaborative, paradigm-shaping pilot projects, our world-leading researchers generate relevant results that address the pressing health needs of society. In short, our work improves lives.

If you are passionate about health sciences research that makes a difference in people's lives, you're in good hands. We offer award-wining graduate programs led by world-class researchers. You'll have access to top-tier facilities and be working alongside the best and brightest in the field, conducting research that addresses real life problems. Our paradigm-changing approach is collaborative, innovative, and results-driven.

We're tackling diseases like asthma / chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and arthritis. We're developing better ways to deliver drugs and prevent adverse drug reactions. And we're conducting clinical and economic research in pharmaceutical outcomes. 

Our reputation as a top research centre attracts some of the brightest and most productive minds in the field. Our faculty includes Canada Research Chairs, Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Scholars and Senior Scholars, and Distinguished University Scholars.

Purpose

We are innovators in pharmacy education, research and practice, with the goal of supporting the optimization of drug therapy in the pursuit of improved patient outcomes.

Commitments

  • We support our people, creating a community that enables excellence through collective action.
  • We seek novel ideas, putting into practice those with the greatest scope for sustained impact.
  • We search for relevant connections, fostering meaningful collaborations that provide mutual benefit.
Mission
To be a catalyst for change in pharmacy practice and the pharmaceutical sciences.
 

Research Centres

adMare BioInnovations is located in our building. It is an independent, non-profit organization with a focus on bridging the gap between academic discoveries in the health sciences and the development of new medicines to treat human disease. The Faculty partners with adMare BioInnovations to provide unique research and mentoring opportunities for MSc and PhD students. 

We are also home to several sophisticated research centres that specialize in the areas of human genome and exome sequencing, and health outcomes research.

Research Facilities

Opened in 2012, the Pharmaceutical Sciences Building at UBC is a state-of-the-art learning and research facility. The building houses modern, modular labs designed specifically for the type of research intended for the space. Our classroom facilities are fitted with advanced technology to facilitate new modes of learning.

Measuring 246,000 square feet, it's an eye-catching addition to our campus, and has drawn attention and admiration from around the world—including 15 awards of excellence. 

Research Highlights

As a leading research faculty, we conduct ground-breaking research in the pharmaceutical sciences – all with the goal of addressing the pressing health needs of society and improving lives. Our research activities centre around four areas of focus.

Epidemiology & Health Outcomes

This theme covers our activities in epidemiological analysis, health outcomes and health economics research seeking solutions for the predictive enhancement of intervention strategies for practical and preventive healthcare. The impact of this work is used to shape policy to optimize the allocation of health care resources as well as defining the efficacy of healthcare interventions and strategy.

Molecular & Systems Pharmacology

This highly interdisciplinary theme embodies research directed at the interactions of therapeutic agents with human cells, and covers fundamental questions of the mechanisms of the drug action through to the behaviour of drugs in human systems. These studies are used to inform and optimize the development and delivery of drug intervention regimes for clinical practice and the pharmaceutical industry.

Nanomedicine & Chemical Biology

This theme applies our expertise in the chemical biology of the fabrication and handling of nanoscopic materials to drug discovery and delivery. Sensing and screening technologies are also an important focus.

Pharmacy Education

Our research in this theme addresses the issue of scholarship in pharmacy and the pharmaceutical sciences with a view to augment our educational research capacity and enhance the methodologies of teaching practice, student learning and curriculum decision-making.

Explore Research Themes

Graduate Degree Programs

Research Supervisors in Faculty

Name Research Interests
Cairns, Brian Neurosciences, biological and chemical aspects; Neurosciences, medical and physiological and health aspects; Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences (except clinical aspects); electrophysiology; headache; Neuropharmacology; Oro-Facial Pain; pain; pain mechanisms; peripheral analgesics; sex-related differences; temporomandibular disorders
Chang, Thomas Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences (except clinical aspects)
Cheng, Miffy nanomedicine; gene therapy to combat chronic diseases
Conklin, Annalijn Public health nutrition policy; Other basic medicine and life sciences; Social Determinants of Dietary and Metabolic Disorders; social nutritional epidemiology; women's health; Health Equity; Chronic Diseases in Elderly; Obesity; CVD risk factors; healthy ageing; food and nutrition policy; Indigenous health; Community Health / Public Health; disease management evaluation; healthcare quality improvement
Coughtrie, Michael Drug metabolizing enzymes
Cragg, Jacquelyn Epidemiology (except nutritional and veterinary epidemiology); data science; open science; Causal inference; Drug Effectiveness; Drug Safety; Epidemiology; neuro-epidemiology; Neurological diseases; Spinal cord injury; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS); multiple sclerosis; Parkinson’s disease
De Vera, Mary examining how eHealth technologies can support new and existing models of care to improve care delivery and patient outcomes; exploring patients' perspectives and experiences with medication taking and adherence; and evaluating the use and impacts of medications among pregnant women, particularly with inflammatory conditions.
Finbloom, Joel Drug discovery, design and delivery; Biologically active molecules; Nanochemistry; Antimicrobial resistance; Nanomedicine; nanomedicine; Chemical Biology; drug delivery; Pharmaceutical Sciences; Infectious disease; Bacterial Biofilms; Microbiome; Probiotics; Antibiotic resistance
Frankel, Adam Other basic medicine and life sciences; Enzymes (including kinetics and mechanisms, and biocatalyst); Protein Biochemistry; arginine methylation; Histones; Nucleosomes; post-translational modifications; Biological and Biochemical Mechanisms; Organic Molecules and Biomolecules; Bioactive Molecules; Proteins; Chemical Biology; drug discovery; Target Engagement; yeast; Amino acids
Giaever, Guri Model organisms, human therapeutics, high-throughput cell biology, drug synergy, technologies for understanding relationship between chromatic structure and transcriptional regulation
Harrison, Mark measurement and valuation of health, health technology and policy assessment, and preferences for healthcare interventions; evaluation/re-evaluation of the type of health care that is provided, the point in the treatment pathway, and the way in which it is delivered
Jarvis-Selinger, Sandra Education, human learning, development, and instruction, education innovation, konwledge translation, teaching excellence, curriculum design, technology
Johnson, Kate Health care effectiveness and outcomes; Health economics; Health outcomes; Epidemiology
Krentz, Nicole Human development and organogenesis; Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences, n.e.c.; Human physiology, n.e.c.; Diabetes; Developmental biology; Genetics
Kumar, Ujendra Somatostatin hormone, molecular pharmacology, Somatostatin, , Hormones, somatostatin, locomotor and cognitive function, neurodegenerative diseases, drugs
Lalji, Fawziah Epidemiology (except nutritional and veterinary epidemiology); Pharmacoepidemiology; Infectious diseases; Immunization; Antibiotics and Resistance; Vaccine preventable diseases
Li, Shyh-Dar Drug discovery, design and delivery; Nano-technology; biopharmaceutics; drug delivery; nanomedicine; pharmaceutics; Gene delivery and therapy
Loewen, Peter Cardiology and circulatory sciences (including cardiovascular disease); Clinical pharmacy and pharmacy practice; Knowledge translation and implementation science in health; atrial fibrillation; Pharmacoepidemiology; Thrombosis and Embolism; adherence to medication; Cardiovascular diseases; Arrhythmia; Heart Failure; stroke; Health Care Technologies; Professional Practices; Hematology; decision making; clinical prediction rules; healthcare communication technologies; hospital pharmacy practice; knowledge translation of evidence to patient care; patient complexiometry; patient decision aids; patient education; pharmacy practice; prediction of stroke and bleeding in atrial fibrillation patients; quality of care, quality drug therapy; Shared decision-making; stroke prevention therapy; use of mobile technology for clinical decision-making
Lynd, Larry health economics, orphan drugs, pharmaceutical policy, respiratory medicine, epidemiology, pharmacoepidemiology, rare diseases
Maharaj, Anil Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences, n.e.c.; Pharmacometrics; Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics; Obstetric and Pediatric Pharmacology
McCormack, James Knowledge translation and evidence-based practice
Nislow, Corey Genomics; Mechanisms of carcinogenesis; genomics; Genetics; drug discovery; Biotechnology; Space Biology
Page, Brent Drug discovery, design and delivery; Cell Signaling and Cancer; Cancer; Cell signaling; Chemical Biology; Drug development; Drug Discovery, Design and Delivery; Medicinal Chemistry; Target Engagement
Rodrigues, Brian Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences (except clinical aspects); Diabetes; Cardiomyopathy; Heart Failure; Energy Metabolism; Cardiovascular metabolism; Endothelial cell - cardiomyocyte crosstalk; Vascular Endothelial Growth factors
Ross, Colin Care; Genomics; Neurosciences, biological and chemical aspects; Neurosciences, medical and physiological and health aspects; Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences (except clinical aspects); Biomedical Technologies; Drug Metabolism; Gene Therapy; Gene-based therapeutics; Pharmacogenomics; Precision Medicine; transgenic models

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Graduate Student Stories

Alumni on Success

Swamy Yeleswaram

Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD) [1992]

Job Title
VP

Employer
Incyte Corporation

Gary Lopaschuk

Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD) [1983]

Job Title
Professor

Employer
University of Alberta
All Alumni Stories

Recent Publications

This is an incomplete sample of recent publications in chronological order by UBC faculty members with a primary appointment in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

 

Amino Acid Stress Response Genes Contribute to a 25-Fold Increased Risk of L-Asparaginase–Induced Hypersensitivity
Publication: Pediatric Blood and Cancer
UBC Author(s): Colin Ross (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 15455009
Volume: 72
Publication Date: June 2025

View Publication
Genetic counselors outside of the genetics clinic: Roles, practices, and ethico-legal implications in light of lagging legal recognition across Canada
Publication: Journal of Genetic Counseling
UBC Author(s): Larry Lynd (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 10597700
Volume: 34
Publication Date: June 2025

View Publication
Challenging the “Undruggable”─Targeting STAT3 but Identifying Potent TrkA-Targeted Inhibitors
Publication: Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
UBC Author(s): Brent Page (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 00222623
Volume: 68
Page Range: 9501-9524
Publication Date: 8 May 2025

View Publication
Perinatal outcomes following nonadherence to guideline-based screening for gestational diabetes: A population-based cohort study
Publication: Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica
UBC Author(s): Laura Schummers (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 00016349
Volume: 104
Page Range: 839-849
Publication Date: May 2025

View Publication
Using Genomic Heterogeneity to Inform Therapeutic Decisions for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: An Application of the Value of Heterogeneity Framework
Publication: Applied Health Economics and Health Policy
UBC Author(s): Mohsen Sadatsafavi (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 11755652
Volume: 23
Page Range: 441-452
Publication Date: May 2025

View Publication
Prohormone cleavage prediction uncovers a non-incretin anti-obesity peptide
Publication: Nature
UBC Author(s): Nicole Krentz (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 00280836
Volume: 641
Page Range: 192-201
Publication Date: 1 May 2025

View Publication
The impact of eliminating out-of-pocket payments for medicines on low-income households: a controlled interrupted time series analysis using linked administrative data from British Columbia
Publication: Health Policy
UBC Author(s): Mary De Vera (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 01688510
Volume: 155
Publication Date: May 2025

View Publication
Assessing the prevalence of unmet need for genetic counseling in Canada and exploring associations with sociodemographic factors
Publication: European Journal of Human Genetics
UBC Author(s): Larry Lynd (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 10184813
Volume: 33
Page Range: 633-641
Publication Date: May 2025

View Publication
Exploring individuals’ experiences with self-reported unmet need for genetic testing
Publication: European Journal of Human Genetics
UBC Author(s): Larry Lynd (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 10184813
Volume: 33
Page Range: 649-657
Publication Date: May 2025

View Publication
Interprofessional collaboration in pharmacist-led primary care clinics
Publication: Canadian Pharmacists Journal
UBC Author(s): Kerry Wilbur (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 17151635
Volume: 158
Page Range: 172-179
Publication Date: May 2025

View Publication
Longitudinal trajectories of healthcare costs among high-need high-cost patients: a population-based retrospective cohort study in British Columbia, Canada
Publication: BMJ open
UBC Author(s): Mark Harrison (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Volume: 15
Page Range: e089693
Publication Date: 25 April 2025

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Changes in local access to mifepristone dispensed by community pharmacies for medication abortion in Ontario: a population-based repeated cross-sectional study
Publication: CMAJ. Canadian Medical Association Journal
UBC Author(s): Laura Schummers (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 08203946
Volume: 197
Page Range: E345-E354
Publication Date: 7 April 2025

View Publication
Expected Value of Sample Information Calculations for Risk Prediction Model Validation
Publication: Medical Decision Making
UBC Author(s): Mohsen Sadatsafavi (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 0272989X
Volume: 45
Page Range: 232-244
Publication Date: April 2025

View Publication
Trends in Abortion Rates in Ontario, Canada
Publication: JAMA network open
UBC Author(s): Laura Schummers (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Volume: 8
Page Range: e254516
Publication Date: 1 April 2025

View Publication
Mental healthcare utilisation among individuals with colorectal cancer: population-based cohort studies
Publication: BMJ Oncology
UBC Author(s): Mary De Vera (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Volume: 4
Publication Date: 1 April 2025

View Publication
Implementation and Evaluation Strategies for Pharmacogenetic Testing in Hospital Settings: A Scoping Review
Publication: Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
UBC Author(s): Colin Ross (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 01634356
Volume: 47
Page Range: 211-247
Publication Date: 1 April 2025

View Publication
The Development of Selective Chemical Probes for Serine Arginine Protein Kinase 3
Publication: Chemical Biology and Drug Design
UBC Author(s): Brent Page (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 17470277
Volume: 105
Publication Date: April 2025

View Publication
Identification of DYRK1b as a novel regulator of small extracellular vesicle release using a high throughput nanoscale flow cytometry screening platform
Publication: Nanoscale
UBC Author(s): Karla Williams (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 20403364
Volume: 17
Page Range: 8206-8218
Publication Date: 10 March 2025

View Publication
Opioid use in treated and untreated obstructive sleep apnoea: remifentanil pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in adult volunteers
Publication: British Journal of Anaesthesia
UBC Author(s): Anil Maharaj (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 00070912
Volume: 134
Page Range: 681-692
Publication Date: March 2025

View Publication
Adverse changes in close social ties in aging women and men: A population-based longitudinal study of the CLSA (2011–2021)
Publication: Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
UBC Author(s): Annalijn Conklin (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 01674943
Volume: 130
Publication Date: March 2025

View Publication
FINEARTS Restoration: Revisiting the Role of Steroidal Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists in Heart Failure with Mildly Reduced or Preserved Ejection Fraction Following FINEARTS-HF
Publication: Journal of Cardiac Failure
UBC Author(s): Ricky Turgeon (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 10719164
Volume: 31
Page Range: 603-605
Publication Date: March 2025

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Should all patients with COPD be treated with inhaled triple therapy?
Publication: ERJ Open Research
UBC Author(s): Mohsen Sadatsafavi (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Volume: 11
Publication Date: March 2025

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Response to the Letter to the Editor regarding “The impact of food-based dietary strategies on achieving type 2 diabetes remission: A systematic review”
Publication: Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research and Reviews
UBC Author(s): Annalijn Conklin (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 18714021
Volume: 19
Publication Date: March 2025

View Publication
Gender, Adverse Changes in Social Engagement and Risk of Unhealthy Eating: A Prospective Cohort Study of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (2011–2021)
Publication: Nutrients
UBC Author(s): Annalijn Conklin (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Volume: 17
Publication Date: March 2025

View Publication
Identification of a vimentin-expressing α-cell phenotype in CF and normal pancreas
Publication: The Journal of endocrinology
UBC Author(s): Nicole Krentz (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Volume: 264
Publication Date: 1 March 2025

View Publication

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Recent Thesis Submissions

Doctoral Citations

A doctoral citation summarizes the nature of the independent research, provides a high-level overview of the study, states the significance of the work and says who will benefit from the findings in clear, non-specialized language, so that members of a lay audience will understand it.
Year Citation Program
2024 Dr. Howren examined the relationship between mental disorders and arthritis and whether people with arthritis receive adequate care for depression or anxiety. Her research demonstrates arthritis has an underlying relationship with depression and anxiety, that mental disorders are substantially undertreated, and that mental health care needs are largely unmet. Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD)
2024 Dr. Bergamo investigated the use of albumin aggregates as a formulation for the delivery of a fibrinolytic enhancer to the lungs. With this research the potential of using a diagnostic tool such as albumin microparticles for a therapeutic purpose was explored. Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD)
2024 Dr. Wu's research revolutionizes protein drug delivery, addressing medicine adherence and effectiveness. He developed a needle-free platform using cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), enhancing insulin delivery and blood glucose control. His Nano formulations promise breakthroughs in treating chronic conditions by delivery of monoclonal antibody. Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD)
2023 Dr. Hohenwarter developed a painkiller derived from an endogenous opioid peptide. He demonstrated the effectiveness of this novel compound in reducing pain and depression, without inducing dangerous opioid-related side effects. This new painkiller may be a safe alternative to opioids for persistent pain treatment and help fight the opioid crisis. Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD)
2023 Dr. Saatchi examined outpatient antibiotic use in British Columbia and Ontario, Canada. Appropriate antibiotic use is integral to mitigate the impacts of antibacterial resistance. This epidemiological research elucidates new targets for antimicrobial stewardship efforts and offers the first interpretations of inter-provincial prescribing quality. Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD)
2023 Dr. Saxena developed a novel oral delivery system called sorbops that can improve the oral delivery of compounds and biomolecules which would normally get degraded in the gastrointestinal tract. She subsequently tested the efficiency of sorbops in different cell lines and mice using SPECT/CT imaging thereby, showing higher amounts of drug uptake in the target sites. Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD)
2023 Dr. Bohrmann used click chemistry to generate tumor specific nanoprobes and to evaluate novel radiotracers for pretargeted imaging. His research showcases opportunities and challenges for the further development of aptamer-based imaging probes and may contribute to the further development of technetium-99m labeled radiotracers. Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD)
2023 Dr. Yu developed and validated two novel reporter gene mouse models that can quickly measure the effectiveness of genome editing in animals. They are valuable tools to evaluate and optimize new ways to deliver gene editors into various tissues. The long-term goal of this research is to improve the safety and efficacy of genome-targeted therapeutics. Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD)
2023 Dr. Shang examined the metabolic effects of a growth factor, VEGFB, in the heart under normal conditions and following diabetes. Her research brings attention to fat utilization as an additional means for development of diabetic heart disease. Her findings are expected to advance the clinical management of this complication seen with diabetes. Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD)
2023 Dr. Khanna examined how nanoscale flow cytometry could improve the analysis and isolation of extracellular vesicles. He identified how STEAP-1 positive extracellular vesicles can be diagnostic of prostate cancer more accurately than currently available blood tests, and subsequently developed a novel method to isolate this subpopulation. Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD)

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Interesting Links

https://phargsubc.wixsite.com/phargsubc