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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
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.
Graduate Degree Programs
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.
Recent Thesis Submissions
Doctoral Citations
| Year | Citation | Program |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Dr. Kim determined control of cardiomyocyte lipoprotein lipase secretion following diabetes. These studies will assist us in understanding the mechanisms by which excessive lethal fatty acids are delivered to hearts in diabetic patients. | Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD) |
| 2010 | Dr. Kiang used a variety of experimental models to study liver toxicity associated with valproic acid, a popular anti-epileptic drug. His results help us understand the roles of metabolism, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction in valproic acid-induced liver toxicity. | Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD) |
| 2009 | Dr. Nagareddy showed how activation of protein kinase C and matrix metalloproteinases affects the regulation of blood pressure in diabetes. His research provides novel insights into our understanding of the etiology of diabetic vascular disease and offers potential therapeutic strategies in the management of hypertension associated with diabetes. | Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD) |
| 2009 | Dr. Kewalramani identified three new roles of cardiac AMPK, a protein at center stage in studies of diabetes. His research unfolds complex functions of this protein in a diabetic heart and contributes to our understanding of this emerging drug target for diabetes. | Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD) |
| 2009 | Dr. Deo studied the conversion of bile acids to their water-soluble metabolites in the liver. He identified various enzymatic pathways involved in these conversions in rodents and humans. These comparative studies help us understand an important mechanism by which potentially toxic bile acids can be eliminated from the human body. | Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD) |
| 2009 | Dr. Deb has studied a new drug metabolizing enzyme known as cytochrome P4502S1 in rats and has provided insight into the factors that control the expression of CYP2S1 and CYP1B1 enzymes. The findings of his PhD work demonstrate that CYP2S1 is present in rat lungs and stomach and its levels are controlled by environmental toxicants and that pituitary hormones control the expression of CYP1B1 in rat and mouse testis. | Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD) |
| 2009 | Dr. Zhang investigated how an important lysolipid regulates vascular tone. She found that this lysolipid possesses biphasic effects on the contractile and relaxant responses of small arteries, resulting in enhanced vascular resistance. These findings may lead to strategies to treat the vascular malfunction caused by lipid accumulation. | Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD) |
| 2009 | Dr Tran designed and conducted studies to examine how blood pressure is increased in a rodent model of the metabolic syndrome, a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors. She showed that numerous factors are involved in the development of high blood pressure. This research may provide clues for potential therapies in the treatment of hypertension. | Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD) |
| 2009 | Dr. Ting investigated contribution of UGT and ABCC2 genetics to mycophenolic acid pharmacokinetics and clinical outcomes in thoracic transplant recipients. She showed that UGT2B7 is a promising gene that influences mycophenolic acid pharmacokinetics, and may be incorporated in developing a dosing algorithm for mycophenolic acid in the future. | Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr Letchford developed a nano-sized drug carrier composed of biodegradable polymers for the anticancer drug taxol and evaluated its properties in blood. Enhanced solubility, stability and controlled drug release were achieved. This nanomedicine has the potential to increase blood circulation lifetime and drug effectiveness by targeting tumor sites. | Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD) |