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)
Collier, Abby Drugs in children, Drugs in pregnancy, Developmental pharmacology, Drug metabolism, Pharmacokinetics, Drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics, primarily of the phase II (conjugation) enzymes, focused on pregnancy and pediatrics
Conklin, Annalijn Public health nutrition policy; Other basic medicine and life sciences; Chronic Diseases in Elderly; Community Health / Public Health; disease management evaluation; food and nutrition policy; Gender Epidemiology; gender and health equity; Health Policies; healthcare quality improvement; healthy ageing; Indigenous health; Obesity; obesity & CVD risk factors; Professional Practices; Social Determinants of Dietary and Metabolic Disorders; social nutritional epidemiology; ethics of research and public health
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); Biological and Biochemical Mechanisms; Bioactive Molecules; Organic Molecules and Biomolecules; Proteins; arginine methylation; post-translational modifications; Chemical Biology; drug discovery; Target Engagement; Protein Biochemistry; 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
Hafeli, Urs Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences, n.e.c.
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 Outcomes
Kumar, Ujendra Somatostatin hormone, molecular pharmacology, Somatostatin, , Hormones, somatostatin, locomotor and cognitive function, neurodegenerative diseases, drugs
Lalji, Fawziah Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences (except clinical aspects); Pharmacoepidemiology; Infectious diseases; Vaccination; Antibiotics and Resistance; Tuberculosis
Lau, Tim Clinical pharmacy and pharmacy practice; Infectious diseases; Antimicrobial Stewardship; systematic reviews; Clinical Pharmacokinetics; Clinical Pharmacy
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 and develops biotechnology tools to address both fundamental and applied biological questions; Parallel genome-wide chemical genomic screens; High throughput cell-based screens; Next Generation Sequencing
Page, Brent Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences (except clinical aspects); Cell Signaling and Cancer; Cancer; Cell signaling; Chemical Biology; Drug development; Drug Discovery, Design and Delivery; Medicinal Chemistry; Target Engagement
Rafizadeh, Reza Other clinical medicine; Psychotic disorders, Substance Use Disorders, Clinical Research

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Open Research Positions

This list of possible research projects is non-exhaustive. It only shows positions that are specifically advertised in the G+PS website.

Graduate Student Stories

Sepideh Soukhtehzari's image

Sepideh Soukhtehzari

Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD)

Identification of polysialylated proteins in breast cancer and correlation with patient prognosis

Megan Thomas

Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD)

Addressing equity considerations in research and care of patients with inflammatory arthritis

Petar Iliev

Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD)

Developing selective small-molecule probes for STAT3 using thermal stability assays

Michael Rowley

Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD)

Development of small-molecule inhibitors against Protein Arginine N-methyltransferase 2

Danielle Hanke

Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSc)

Medicinal Chemistry

Sumreen Javed

Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD)

Understanding Role of Invadopodia in Breast Tumor metastasis via Lymphatics.
All 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.

 

Development of an in vivo system to model breast cancer metastatic organotropism and evaluate treatment response using the chick embryo
Publication: iScience
UBC Author(s): Karla Williams (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Volume: 26
Publication Date: 21 April 2023

View Publication
Evaluation of out-of-pocket pay genetic testing in a publicly funded healthcare system
Publication: Clinical Genetics
UBC Author(s): Larry Lynd (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 00099163
Volume: 103
Page Range: 424-433
Publication Date: April 2023

View Publication
MYC-driven synthesis of Siglec ligands is a glycoimmune checkpoint
Publication: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
UBC Author(s): Simon Wisnovsky (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Volume: 120
Publication Date: 14 March 2023

View Publication
Individualised risk prediction model for exacerbations in patients with severe asthma: protocol for a multicentre real-world risk modelling study
Publication: BMJ open
UBC Author(s): Mohsen Sadatsafavi (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Volume: 13
Page Range: e070459
Publication Date: 9 March 2023

View Publication
48-hour Induction of Transdermal Buprenorphine to Sublingual Buprenorphine/Naloxone: The IPPAS Method
Publication: Journal of Addiction Medicine
UBC Author(s): Anil Maharaj (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 19320620
Volume: 17
Page Range: 233-236
Publication Date: 1 March 2023

View Publication
Direct Health Care Costs Associated With Multiple Sclerosis: A Population-Based Cohort Study in British Columbia, Canada, 2001-2020
Publication: Neurology
UBC Author(s): Larry Lynd (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Volume: 100
Page Range: e899-e910
Publication Date: 28 February 2023

View Publication
Comparative changes in breast cancer cell proliferation and signalling following somatostatin and cannabidiol treatment
Publication: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
UBC Author(s): Ujendra Kumar (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 0006291X
Volume: 643
Page Range: 30-38
Publication Date: 5 February 2023

View Publication
Methylarginine efflux in nutrient-deprived yeast mitigates disruption of nitric oxide synthesis
Publication: Amino Acids
UBC Author(s): Adam Frankel (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 09394451
Volume: 55
Page Range: 215-233
Publication Date: February 2023

View Publication
Cycloguanil and Analogues Potently Target DHFR in Cancer Cells to Elicit Anti-Cancer Activity
Publication: Metabolites
UBC Author(s): Karla Williams (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Volume: 13
Publication Date: February 2023

View Publication
Codelivery of synergistic antimicrobials with polyelectrolyte nanocomplexes to treat bacterial biofilms and lung infections
Publication: Science advances
UBC Author(s): Joel Finbloom (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Volume: 9
Page Range: eade8039
Publication Date: 20 January 2023

View Publication
A parametric model to jointly characterize rate, duration, and severity of exacerbations in episodic diseases
Publication: BMC medical informatics and decision making
UBC Author(s): Mohsen Sadatsafavi (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Volume: 23
Page Range: 6
Publication Date: 12 January 2023

View Publication
Setting Goals to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk: A Retrospective Chart Review of a Pharmacist-Led Initiative in the Workplace
Publication: International journal of environmental research and public health
UBC Author(s): Annalijn Conklin (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences), Peter Zed (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Volume: 20
Publication Date: 2 January 2023

View Publication
Exposure to diesel exhaust alters the functional metagenomic composition of the airway microbiome in former smokers
Publication: Environmental Research
UBC Author(s): Corey Nislow (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 00139351
Volume: 216
Publication Date: 1 January 2023

View Publication
A luciferase reporter mouse model to optimize in vivo gene editing validated by lipid nanoparticledelivery of adenine base editors
Publication: Molecular Therapy
UBC Author(s): Colin Ross (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 15250016
Publication Date: 2023

View Publication
In Vitro Properties and Pharmacokinetics of Temporarily PEGylated Onc72 Prodrugs
Publication: Advanced Healthcare Materials
UBC Author(s): Shyh-Dar Li (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 21922640
Publication Date: 2023

View Publication
Reporting of Determinants of Health Inequities in Rheumatoid Arthritis Randomized Controlled Trials in Canada: A Scoping Review
Publication: Arthritis Care and Research
UBC Author(s): Mark Harrison (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences), Mary De Vera (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 2151464X
Volume: 75
Page Range: 101-114
Publication Date: January 2023

View Publication
Breaking the niche: multidimensional nanotherapeutics for tumor microenvironment modulation
Publication: Drug Delivery and Translational Research
UBC Author(s): Shyh-Dar Li (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 2190393X
Volume: 13
Page Range: 105-134
Publication Date: January 2023

View Publication
Uptake and Spending on Biosimilar Infliximab and Etanercept After New Start and Switching Policies in Canada: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis
Publication: Arthritis Care and Research
UBC Author(s): Mark Harrison (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 2151464X
Publication Date: 2023

View Publication
Upregulation of GALNT7 in prostate cancer modifies O-glycosylation and promotes tumour growth
Publication: Oncogene
UBC Author(s): Simon Wisnovsky (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 09509232
Publication Date: 2023

View Publication
Temporal Trends in Reperfusion Delivery and Clinical Outcomes Following Implementation of a Regional STEMI Protocol: A 12-Year Perspective
Publication: CJC Open
UBC Author(s): Ricky Turgeon (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Publication Date: 2023

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Expensive Drugs for Rare Diseases in Canada: What Value and at What Cost?
Publication: Healthcare Papers
UBC Author(s): Larry Lynd (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 1488917X
Volume: 21
Page Range: 10-26
Publication Date: January 2023

View Publication
Therapeutic carbohydrate restriction pre-COVID pandemic: assessing registered dietitians’ knowledge, use and perceived barriers in Canada
Publication: European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
UBC Author(s): Annalijn Conklin (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 09543007
Volume: 77
Page Range: 98-104
Publication Date: January 2023

View Publication
Decisional Needs and Patient Treatment Preferences for Heart Failure Medications: A Scoping Review
Publication: CJC Open
UBC Author(s): Ricky Turgeon (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Publication Date: 2023

View Publication
Patient Characteristics and Survival for Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis Using Different Definitions
Publication: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
UBC Author(s): Mohsen Sadatsafavi (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
ISSN: 1073449X
Volume: 207
Page Range: 102-105
Publication Date: 1 January 2023

View Publication
Identifying Genetic Regulators of Protein-Glycan Interactions with Genome-Wide CRISPR Screening
Publication: Current protocols
UBC Author(s): Simon Wisnovsky (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Volume: 3
Page Range: e646
Publication Date: 1 January 2023

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
2022 Dr. Javed has developed breast cancer models to target primary and metastatic tumors at distant sites. She also explored the role of finger like projections-invadopodia in helping tumor cells movement through the lymphatic system. The findings from these studies will be helpful in providing an in-depth insight into targeting tumor metastasis. Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD)
2022 Dr. Khatri examined the health and economic impact of introduction of 13-pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in infant immunization program in British Columbia, Canada. This research illuminates the value of PCV13 vaccine in preventing pneumococcal disease. Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD)
2022 Dr. Price investigated the processes of inflammation, antioxidant defense, and steroidogenesis within the placenta. These studies assist us in understanding the higher rates of pregnancy complications associated with assisted reproduction technologies. Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD)
2022 Dr. Al Fayez worked on improving the effectiveness of currently available liver treatments. Her research focused on developing novel lipid-based nanoparticles for hepatocytes targeting. Dr. ALFayez believes these nanoparticles can be used as a platform to enhance the treatment of many terminal liver diseases including chronic hepatitis B infection. Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD)
2022 Dr. Nguyen developed a method to make chemical modifications to drugs that enable formation into nanoparticles for improved drug delivery and efficacy. This research will benefit a spectrum of drugs and identify new formulations that will offer safer and effective therapies for patients battling diseases like cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD)
2022 Dr. Benbow developed a pre-clinical model of migraine headache using monosodium glutamate (MSG). He subsequently applied his model to identify and validate a novel drug target that may be leveraged to treat and prevent migraines in people. Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD)
2021 Dr. Salmasi measured medication taking in atrial fibrillation patients in BC. She revealed that patients exhibit distinct patterns of medication taking over time. Study findings can inform the design of interventions to improve medication taking, and ultimately avoid preventable strokes and deaths in patients with atrial fibrillation. Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD)
2021 Dr. Nosrati developed a novel drug delivery system that targets and treats rheumatoid arthritis. Her work resulted in concentrating toxic drugs in inflamed joints more effectively with less side effects, reducing inflammation more strongly and for longer periods of time. Patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis will benefit from her findings. Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD)
2021 Dr. Brown examined how protein arginine methyltransferases interact with their binding partners and identified a process by which these enzymes contribute to stress in yeast cells. Since yeast and human cells are highly similar, these results provide new knowledge of the importance and impact of this family of enzymes on biological pathways. Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD)
2021 Dr. Yang studied a special four-stranded nucleic acid structure, called the G-quadruplex, through developing new tools and methods. His collection of works provide evidence for the biological relevance and existence of these structures in living human cells. Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD)

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Interesting Links

https://phargsubc.wixsite.com/phargsubc