Distinguished Research Achievements Enrich the Pharmaceutical Field by Pharmacy Students

As part of the distinguished graduation projects at the College of Pharmacy at the International University for Science and Technology, students Amal Al-Sharif, Rahaf Al-Asmi, and Anwar Al-Ali presented a scientific research project under the supervision of Dr. Sally Al-Moallem entitled: “Characterization of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases in Syrian Patients: Focus on Response to Biologics.”
The research aimed to identify inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as a disease whose prevalence is increasing in developing countries, particularly in the Middle East, due to lifestyle changes. It also aimed to characterize a cohort of Syrian patients and evaluate their response to biologics.
The research found that biological treatments achieved remission (complete or partial) in 87% of patients, regardless of the treatment modalities used. The optimal response was achieved with antibodies directed at interleukin IL12/IL23 compared to antibodies directed at TNF. The most prominent obstacles to optimal response included non-adherence to treatment due to medication discontinuation, high cost, and transportation difficulties, as well as low awareness of the importance of adhering to medication even when symptoms improve.
Research recommendations: Increase awareness of the risk factors for inflammatory bowel disease and the importance of adherence to treatment, and work to provide periodic monitoring tests for drug efficacy to better assess their effectiveness.
This research represents a qualitative addition to the Syrian scientific library and highlights our students’ research capabilities in addressing pressing health issues.