Departments

LSMU Faculty of Pharmacy
Department of Analytical and Toxicological Chemistry
Address: Sukilėlių pr. 13 Kaunas

Head of the department: prof. Liudas Ivanauskas
Phone: +370 37 327245
Email: liudas.ivanauskas@lsmuni.lt

 

About us

In 1922, the University of Lithuania was established. Lectures of chemistry (inorganic, organic, analytical and physical) for pharmacy students of the Faculty of Medicine were delivered in particular departments of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Physiological and colloid chemistry were taught in the Department of Physiology and Physiological Chemistry headed by prof. V. Lašas.

In 1944, the Department of Chemistry was founded in the University. In 1951, Kaunas State University (former University of Lithuania) was reorganised into two high schools – Kaunas Medical Institute and Kaunas Polytechnic Institute. All the disciplines of fundamental chemistry for pharmacy students were delivered in the Department of Chemistry. Heads of the Department were A. Gabrėnas (1944-1951) and K. Edigarovas, PhD in biology (1952 – 1953). In 1953, because of an increased number of students, the Department was reorganised into two separate departments: Department of General Chemistry and Department of Biological and Organic Chemistry. At this time, the head of the Department J. Janickis (PhD in chemistry), senior teachers J. Arnastauskas, V. Gubavičius and D. Reingardas as well as assistants B. Navickienė, E. Klimavičienė and M. Padolskis worked in the Department of General Chemistry.

Since 1957, the Department of General Chemistry was headed by J. Arnastauskas. A. Janutytė after completing pharmacy studies and J. Šuliakienė after completing chemical technology (at Kaunas Polytechnic Institute) joined the Department as assistants. Also, after completing their pharmacy studies A. Matulionienė (1960), R. Kelerienė (1963), B. Aleknavičienė (1965) and M. Sapragonienė (1965) joined the Department as new teachers. A physical chemist I. Pivoriūnaitė, who graduated from Vilnius University, started working in 1964. G. Karnišauskaitė started in 1966 after completing her graduate studies and defending her doctoral thesis in Pyatigorsk. Heads of the Department of General Chemistry had a doctoral degree in technical sciences, namely assoc. prof. L. Džekčiorius (1972-1983) and assoc. prof. M. Sapragonienė (1983-1987).

In 1987, the Department of General Chemistry was reorganised into the Department of Analytical and Toxicological Chemistry, headed by prof. P. Vainauskas. Since April 2008, the Department of Analytical and Toxicological Chemistry was headed by prof. L. Ivanauskas.

The scientists of the Department collaborate with scientific and higher education institutions in Lithuania and abroad. Some research problems are solved with colleagues in the University of Montpellier in France, where graduate students improve their knowledge in instrumental analysis. Some investigations are carried out with the colleagues from the Department of Pharmacognosy.

Studies

The studies are organised in Lithuanian and English languages for students of the Faculty of Pharmacy (master’s degree) and the Faculty of Medicine (bachelor’s degree in Medical and veterinary biochemistry and Medical and veterinary genetics). In the Department, the studies are organised for graduate students (doctoral degree), too. In the Department, students learn:

Obligatory courses:

1. General and inorganic chemistry (1^st year students);

2. Analytical chemistry (1^st and 2^nd year students);

3. Organic chemistry (1^st and 2^nd year students);

4. Instrumental analysis (2^nd year students);

5. Physical and colloid chemistry (2^nd year students);

6. Analytical toxicology (4^th year students).

 

Elective courses:

1. Organic synthesis (2^nd year students);

2. Bio-inorganic chemistry (2^nd year students);

3. Metal toxicology (5^th year students).

 

The study material of all the disciplines is taught in theory and in practice. Theoretical courses are organised with the help of a variety of visual materials. Practical classes take place in the laboratory, where students are introduced to multidisciplinary research methods and equipment.

Research

The main topic of the scientific research in the Department is “Pharmacokinetic and toxicological investigations”. The aim and the tasks are as follows:

- to promote development of modern research techniques in toxicology and pharmacology and the quality assessment of medicinal raw and medicinal products;

- to develop chemical analysis methodologies for medicinal products and adopt them for use in the scientific and industrial area;

- to study bioequivalence of medicines and raw material;

- to develop methodologies for the analysis of impurities, metabolites and various toxins;

- to carry out high-quality research projects;

- to perform contrastive analysis of different natural origin products.

 

The main areas of activity:

- pharmacokinetic studies of medicinal and toxic compounds in vitro and development and optimisation of methodologies;

- bioequivalence studies;

- analysis of heavy metals and pesticides in medicinal products;

- investigation and validation of analysis methodologies for the determination of drugs in biological objects.

 

Much attention is given to the main principles in drug synthesis, purity, qualitative and quantitative analysis of synthesised compounds.

In the Department, research is carried out not only by the staff of the Department, but also by graduates and students. Research results are published in Lithuanian and foreign publications.

Contacts

LSMU Faculty of Pharmacy
Department of Pharmacognosy
Address: Sukilėlių pr. 13 Kaunas
Phone: +370 37 32 72 49

Head of the department: prof. Valdimaras Janulis
Email: valdimaras.janulis@lsmuni.lt
Phone: +370 37 327249

 

About us

The history of the Department of Pharmacognosy begins in 1922 by opening University of Lithuania (Kaunas). During the redistribution of the departments in the faculty, the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy was established in 1978. Department was reorganized into the Department of Pharmacognosy in 2008. Since 2014, the Department has been located at “Santakos” Valley, the Newest Center for Pharmaceutical and Health Technologies of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. The department has 12 employees: 4 professors, 2 assistant professors, 3 lecturers, 1 study administrator, and 2 laboratory workers.

 

Studies

The department participates in the study programs of Pharmacy Faculty: "Pharmacy", "Pharmacy for Foreigners", "Pharmacotechnicians" and "Medical Chemistry". The Department of Pharmacognosy teaches the basic discipline of pharmaceutical botany for students of the 1st year, the profile disciplines: pharmacognosy for the third year students and Chemical analysis of phytopreparations for the fifth year students, elective Nutrition and Food supplements for the fourth year students in the Faculty of Pharmacy. PhD studies are conducted in the Department as well. Currently we have 2 PhD students. Doctoral students' topics.:. "Quantitive and qualitative study of lectins isolated from Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench roots, and the effect on the immune response in vivo", "Phytochemical study of biologically active compounds accumulated in raw materials of Fagopyrum genus".

 

Compulsory subjects

Pharmaceutical botany FF/FKG/F-V23

Pharmaceutical botany FF/FKG/F-U18

Pharmacognosy FF/FKG/F-V18

Training practice of Medicinal herbs cultivation  FF/FKG/F-V19

The optional research practice FF/FKG/F-V20

Chemical analysis of phytopreparations FF/FKG/F-IS04

Phytopharmaceutical preparations FF/KFK/F-V12/02

Phytopharmaceutical preparations FF/KFK/F-U12/02

Pharmacognosy and pharmaceutical chemistry FF/FKG/MC-M01

Master Thesis  FF/FKG/F-V13

Master Thesis FF/FKG/F-IS11

Phytopharmacy practice FF/VSF/F-V106/04

Practice of  Phytopharmaceutical products FF/VTSF/F-IS106/04

Research project 1 FF/FKG/MC-M03

Research project 2 FF/FKG/MC-M04

Elective subjects

Nutrition and Food Supplements FF/FKG/F-V21

Nutrition and Food Supplements  FF/FKG/F-IS13

Phytotherapy  FF/FKG/F-V22

Phytotherapy  FF/FKG/F-IS14

 

Topics of Research and Development

The main research area of the department: "Diversity research of biologically active compounds in medicinal herbal raw materials and preparations". Current research topics: research on the chemical composition of phenolic compounds of Lithuanian flora plants and medicinal herbal raw materials. Development of methods for the quantitative determination of natural biologically active compounds of medicinal herbs and preparations. In vitro studies of antioxidant activity of polyphenolic compounds and lectins accumulated in medicinal herbal raw materials and phytopreparations. In vitro and in vivo effect studies of phenolic compounds accumulated in medicinal herbal materials.

The research direction is the development, improvement, application of new HPLC methods. Validated, new, modern, highly selective and informative methods, for determination of biologically active compounds in medicinal herbal raw materials are developed. Development of HPLC Post-Column methods. The Post-Column reaction method is perspective and applied, since it has a wide range of applications for both analytical and chemometric assessment of bioactivity in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics industries.

 Research is carried out to optimize the equipment and system components for the selection of various herbal antioxidants, the distribution of antioxidants in medicinal herbal raw materials between individual plant organs and quality control according antioxidant activity. Optimization of Post-Column reaction techniques using DPPH and ABTS reagents for rapid identification of antioxidants and determination of activity in composite mixtures after chromatographic analysis of analytes. The assay is performed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds in medicinal herb extracts.

 Scientific researches on the influence of polyphenolic compounds (flavonoids, phenol carboxylic acids, and others) on cell energy by in vitro and in vivo ischemic/reperfusion models are carried out. Research is implemented to find protective biologically active compounds that can protect cells from oxidative stress. Studies are also performed on the evaluation of biologically active compounds in bee products.

 

Projects since 2010

1. Project by Prof. N. Savickienė “Eureka” E! 3695 "ANTIOKSDIABET" ("Development of methodology for the development of complications of diabetes mellitus by natural antioxidants"). 2009 - 2012 Project Agreement No. VP1-3.1-SMM-06-V-01-003 Project value 380 000 Eur)
2. Project by Prof. V. Jakštas "Diversity of biotypes, abundance regulation and use of Solidago species" (No. MIP-50/2013), 2013-2015. The research was funded by LMT. Project value 330.9 thousand. Lt.
3. Project by Prof. V. Jakštas "Selection of buckwheat breeds and cultivation conditions, development of technology for increasing the functional components" (No. SVE-14003), 2014-2015. Project value 365 thousand. Lt.
4. Project by Prof. V. Jakštas BIOKOMPLEKSAS; SV5-6-1; MTEPI-L-15005. Funding Sources: LUHS Science Foundation. Duration 2015 – 2015. Project value is 21 thousand Eur. The share of the LUHS is 11.4 thousand.
5. Project by Prof. V. Jakštas "Biopolymers for the transport of bioactive compounds (BIOPERNAŠA)",foundation: LMT. Duration 2015 – 2018. Project value 100 thousand EUR, Contract No. MIP-055/2015.
6. Project by Prof. V.Jakštas MEDiKOMPLEKSAS; BN16-60 / SV5-0060. Funding Sources: LUHS Science Foundation. Duration 2016 - 2016 Project Contract No. BN16-60 / SV5-0060. Project value 19,5 thousand. Eur.,
7. Project by Prof. V. Jakštas The development of euboetically multifunctional nutraceuticals (EUNUTRITECH). 01.2.2- LMT-K718-01-0062. Total project value, 699,966,93 Eur. LMT according to measure No. 01.2.2-LMT-K-718 "Targeted research in the field of smart specialization", "High-level research group research" (SMART). Duration 2017 – 2021.
8. Project by Prof. N. Savickienė. Horizon 2020, MERA.NET project "Engineering and functionalization of transmission to periodontal inflammation surfaces system with Pelargonium Sidoides active substance " (PELARGODONT) 2017 - 2019 Project Contract No. SM-ERA.NET-17-2 Project Value - 556 546 Eur.

 

Cooperation

The scientists of the department collaborate with Lithuanian scientific and higher education institutions:

• Researchers of VMU Botanical Garden medicinal herbs section analysing the conditions of cultivation of introduced and cultivated plants in Lithuania.
• Collaboration with scientists of the Lithuanian Institute of Horticulture in researching medicinal herbal raw materials.
• Collaborates with the scientists of the KTU Department of Food, researching the qualitative and quantitative composition of essential oils of medicinal plant raw materials, participating in joint projects.
• The effect of dry extracts of medicinal herbal raw materials on the function of rats' mitochondria is studied together with the Institute of Neuroscience Laboratory of Biochemistry.
• Together with the scientists of the Department of Biochemistry and the Institute of Biological Systems and Genetics of LUHS, examining the effects of herbal extracts and biologically active compounds on inflammatory mediators.
• Together with the staff of the Animal Research Center of LUHS, in vivo studies of biologically active compounds - lectins.
• Together with scientists of Institute of Biotechnology of Vilnius University and the Department of Garden Plant Genetics and Biotechnology of Lithuanian Institute of Horticulture, for the isolation of herbal protein from herbal raw materials and purification of these compounds.

• The Institute of Experimental Botany of the Byelorussian State Academy V. F. Kuprevich.
• Riga Stradin University Biochemistry Laboratory.
• Polymer Research Center at the Polish Academy of Sciences.
• Latvian Organic Synthesis Institute.
• Krakow Jagiellonian University.
• Italian Piemonte Orientale University.
• Italian University of La Sapienza

 

Business partnership

UAB pharmacy „Širdažolė“ (chromatographic analysis, consultations)

State Aleksandras Stulginskis University (Mass Spectrometry Research Services)

UAB „Švenčionių vaistažolės“ (Research Services)

MB Probiomas (spectrophotometric and mass spectrometric studies)

UAB „ Ferentis“

UAB „Aconitum“

UAB Innovative Pharma Baltics

UAB „Laifarma“.

 

Awards

1. Prof. S. Trumbeckaitė for the poster "Coffeic acid feneethyl ester protects rat's mitochondria from ischemic damage" won 1st prize at the EAU Baltic Conference, Vilnius, 2014.
2. Prof. S. Trumbeckaitė became the laureate of the LSMU competition "LSMU Mature Scientist 2012" (1st place) in 2012.
3. Prof. V. Jakštas: 2013 LSMU Young Scientist Laureate (2nd place), 2016 LSMU Young Scientist Laureate (1st place).
4. PhD student G. Balčiūnaitė was awarded with a special award from ThermoFisher Scientific for the outstanding scientific report "Isolation and fractionation of root proteins of Echinacea with hemaglutinating activity". The National Doctoral Conference "Science for Health 2016", Kaunas.
5. PhD student G. Balčiūnaitė was awarded for the best poster "Hemagglutinin from Echinacea purpurea L. root separation and identification" "11th International Scientific Conference Vital Nature Sign 2017" Vilnius.
6. PhD student G. Balčiūnaitė was awarded for the best poster „Hemagglutinin fraction from Echinacea purpurea L. (Moench) roots impact on mice immune response in vivo“  „8th International Conference „Science and Practice“,Kaunas,2017.

http://www.lsmuni.lt/media/dynamic/files/6253/ma_ff_fk_nuostatai.pdf

LSMU Faculty of Pharmacy
Department of Clinical Pharmacy
Address: Sukileliu pr. 13, 50162 Kaunas, Lithuania
Phone: +370 37 327291
Email: klinikinefarmacija@lsmuni.lt 

 

About us
The Department of Clinical Pharmacy was established in 2011 in response to an increasing demand from the society and the health care system to give pharmaceutical professionals necessary knowledge and competences to take responsibility for ensuring safe and effective use of medicines and to participate efficiently in the teamwork with other medical professionals: doctors, nursing staff and public health specialists. Studies in clinical pharmacy will provide opportunities for a closer cooperation between doctors and pharmacists with the ultimate goal - provide patient care that optimizes medication therapy and promotes health, wellness, and disease prevention. From the moment of establishment, the Department of Clinical Pharmacy has been headed by professor Vitalis Briedis.
Currently, there are 11 employees in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy: 2 professors, 1 associate professor, 3 lecturers and 4 assistant lecturers. There are also 5 doctoral students implementing research projects in the Department.

Studies
The Department of Clinical Pharmacy is responsible for teaching the following compulsory courses in the integrated study programme of pharmacy: biopharmaceutics, clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical biotechnology and development of medicinal products. Also, the Department participates in formulating biopharmaceutics and clinical pharmacy tasks for practical activities and training in pharmacy practice in public and/or hospital pharmacies.
Compulsory subjects
Complementary courses in the pharmacy program: biopharmaceutics, clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical biotechnology and development of medicinal products
Complementary courses in the KTU-LSMU joint master‘s studies program “Medicinal chemistry”: ,,Drug development“ and ,,Scientific research practice“.

Elective subjects
KTU-LSMU joint master‘s studies program “Medicinal chemistry” elective courses: „Research Project 1“ in the 1st year, and „Research Project 2“ in the 2nd year.

 

Main research areas and research topics:
- Clinical aspects of safe and efficient application of medicinal products;
- Biopharmaceutics of drugs – pharmaceutical and physiological factors influencing bioavailability of drug substances and biologically active components.
Sub-topics:
- Biopharmaceutical evaluation of semi-solid and solid dosage forms;
- Permeability of drugs through biological membranes: modeling and in vitro / in vivo studies;
- Effect of pharmaceutical factors on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of medicinal products;
- Creation of innovative advanced therapy medicinal products.

 

Projects since 2010

1. The project of the scientific groups of the Lithuanian Science Council ,, Separation of anticancer fractions from willow-herb and their molecular and biological analysis “ Nr. MIP-084/2012. 2012-2014;

2. Project "Development and updating of infrastructure for biotechnology and biopharmaceutical specialist training and R & D activities" (BIOTEFA-C/D). 2012-2014;

3. Project Lithuanian Science Council, National Science Program "Healthy and Safe Food" „ Selection of buckwheat breeds and cultivation conditions, development of technologies for increasing the functional components“. 2014-2015;

4. The commercialization of the dermatological cosmetics line "Mother and Baby" (Derma). UAB "Cordata LT" (KTU-LSMU). MITA. 2015-2016;

5. The project of the scientific groups of the Lithuanian Science Council  „Production and analysis of functional nano,micro textile materials with biological active compounds (TEXTILBAC)“ – (KTU-LSMU). 2014–2016;

6. Project „Evaluation of Ex vivo penetration into the skin of propolis flavonoids“ Nr. 01.2.1-MITA-K-824. 2017–2018.

 

Cooperation and business partnership
The Department of Clinical Pharmacy is developing collaborations with scientists from the University of Gdansk (Poland), Riga Stradinš University (Latvia), University of Tartu (Estonia), Universities of Montpellier and Lille (France), Brno Veterinary and Pharmacy University (Czech Republic), University of Cagliari (Italy) , UAB ,,Dermedika“.

LSMU Faculty of Pharmacy
Department of Drug Chemistry
Address: Sukileliu pr. 13, 50162 Kaunas, Lithuania
Phone: +370 37 327316
Email: vaistuchemija@lsmuni.lt  

 

About us

The University of Lithuania (Kaunas) was founded in 1922 (in 1930 renamed Vytautas Magnus University). The Faculty of Medicine of the University had 4 branches; one of them was the Pharmacy branch, which had only one Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacognosy. The Department was established and headed until 1939 by prof. Petras Raudonikis. In 1932, the building of the Faculty of Medicine (A.Mickevičius str. 9) was built and the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacognosy was transferred to the third floor of the building. In 1944, after the re-establishment of the University, this Department was reorganised into 2 profile departments: the Department of Pharmacy (later renamed the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry) and the Department of Botany and Pharmacognosy. The Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry was headed by prof. B. Šiaulis since 1939 until his death in 1957. The Department was headed by assoc. prof. V. Brasiūnas in 1957-1972, by assoc. prof. E. Tarasevičius in 1972-1983, by assoc. prof. P. Vainauskas in 1983-1987, by assoc. prof. F. Malinauskas in 1987-1993 and by prof. V. Janulis in 1993-2008. Since 2008, after reorganisation of the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy into 2 departments, the Department of Pharmacognosy has been headed by prof. V. Janulis and the Department of Drug Chemistry by prof. H. Rodovičius.

The staff of the Department defended their doctoral theses: E. Tarasevičius in Lviv Medical Institute in 1967, R. Bernatonienė in Moscow Medical Institute in 1977, H. Rodovičius in Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv in 1984, F. Malinauskas in All-Union Scientific-Research Institute of Drug Chemistry and Technology of Kharkiv in 1987, V. Brusokas in Moscow Institute of Precision Chemical Technology in 1988, A. Dagilytė in Kaunas University of Medicine in 2001, V. Petrikaitė in Kaunas University of Medicine in 2007 and R. Benetis in Kaunas University of Medicine in 2009. E. Tarasevičius defended his thesis for the degree of Habilitated Doctor in Moscow Medical Academy in 1990.

Studies

Compulsory subjects

• Pharmaceutical chemistry for 2^nd and 3^rd year students;
• Scientific  research practice for 3^rd year students;
• Chemistry of medicines for 4^th year students;
• Drug quality for 5^th year students
• Drug metabolism for 5^th year students;
• Drug analysis in pharmacy practice organization and evaluation for 5^th year students.
• Master's thesis for 4th and 5^th year students.
• Pharmaceutical Biochemistry for the 3^rd year students of the MF MVB program
• MODULE "Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Chemistry" study subject "Pharmaceutical chemistry" (for students of the 1^st year students of the Joint Master's study program "Medical Chemistry" of the KTU-LUHS)

Elective subjects

• Discovery of medicinal substances

Topics of Research and Development

• Synthesis and analysis of new biologically active substances. The synthesis of new biologically active compounds is carried out, the relationship between their chemical structure and the pharmacological action is determined.

• Antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer activity of plant products and chemical substances. Conditions are chosen for the optimal extraction of active substances from the plant material, the antioxidant activity of the extracts and chemical substances is determined, the effects on bacteria and fungi are carried out, anticancer activity is evaluated in cancer cell cultures.

• Studies of drug substances activity and penetration in cancer cell 2D and 3D cultures. The effect of herbal and chemical substances on the viability of the cancer cells and their penetration into cell monolayers and their spheroids (3D cultures), the effect on clonogenicity, migration and invasion is determined.

• Development of functionalized nanoformulations for targeted cancer therapy. Nanoformulations selectively targeting cancer cells are designed, their stability testing, release of the active substance and activity in 2D and 3D model systems is performed.

Projects since 2010

• 2009 10 01 – 2011 09 30 prof. V.Petrikaitė participated in a postdoctoral scholarship at the Institute of Biotechnology funded by Lithuanian Science Council. Supervisor of scholarship – prof. D.Matulis. Postdoctoral research topic: „Evaluation of pharmacokinetic properties, toxicity and anticancer activity of human Hsp90 inhibitors“. Project value – 149 854 Lt (43 400 Eur.).

• The Department has been implementing the LSC-funded project SVE-06/2014 "Perennial Legumes as a Source of Value-Added Ingredients for Functional Food", together with the Lithuanian Center for Agrarian and Forest Sciences and Vilnius University. Project start: 04/04/2014. Project end: 31/12/2015. The project value is 100 000 Lt. (28 962 Eur.)

• The Department has carried out a project supported by LSC in accordance with the signed Agreement on Student Research Exercise SMT2014P312. Scientific research topic "Synthesis of new 4-imidazolinone compounds" Research period from 24.04.2014 to 24.05.2014. Student Eligijus Kupriunas, supervisor prof. Hiliaras Rodovicius. This agreement was concluded in the framework of the Council project "Promotion of Student's Scientific Activity" in the framework of the Human Resource Development Program Priority 3 "Strengthening Researcher's Skills" of the Year 2007-2013 "Promotion of Researchers and Other Researchers' Mobility and Student Research Activities" under Financing and Administration contract No. VP1-3.1-SMM-01-V-02-003, signed in 2011 November 30 between the European Social Fund Agency, the Ministry of Education and Science and the Lithuanian Science Council - student research (free from studies). Project value is 1875 Lt. (543 Eur)

• In 2014 Assoc. Prof. V. Petrikaitė supervised the student‘s A.Ruminaitė scientific practice. Topic of the research: „Evaluation of anticancer activity of nitrothiophene derivatives“. Practice was implemented according to the Lithuanian Research Council project „Promotion of Student Research activities“, under Financing and Administration contract No. VP1-3.1-SMM-01-V-02-003, signed in 2011 November 30 between the European Social Fund Agency, the Ministry of Education and Science and the Lithuanian Science Council. Project value is 2500 Lt (724 Eur.).

• The doctoral student of the department, Jonas Salys, was involved in the project of the LUHS Science Foundation "Synthesis of new 4-thiazolinone, 4-imidazolinone compounds, their anticancer activity". Project start: 2015-01. Project end: 2015-12. Project value 10 000 Lt. (2896 Eur)

• KTU-LSMU joint project "Influence of ultrasound for efficiency of anticancer drugs in 3D cultures formed from different types of cells". Project start: April 1, 2017. Project end: 31st December 2017. Project leader from LSMU part was prof. V.Petrikaite. Project value 10 000 Eur.

• ProBioSanus Research Delivery Agreement "Qualitative Analysis of the Metabolites of Probiotic Bacillus and Lactobacillus sp" according to the Measure No 1 of the EU Funds Investment Action Program Priority 1 "Promotion of Research, Experimental Development and Innovation". 012.1-MITA-K-824 "Innovative Checks". Deadline for service from 01.01.2017 - 02.02.2018. Value 4000 Eur.

• Prof. V. Petrikaitė and PhD student I.Januškevičienė participate in a research project „Application of exosomes for targeted drug delivery (EXOTARGET)“, funded under measure 01.2.2.-LMT-K-718 Targeted research in smart specialisation areas of priority axis 1 Promotion of research, development and innovations of the operational programme for the European Union funds‘ investment in 2014–2020 1. Project leader – dr. Aistė Jekabsonė, project value is 499 872.20 Eur.

• PhD student M.Paškevičiūtė is involved in the project funded by LUHS Science Foundation „Application of intracellular transport modulators to enhance the penetration of doxorubicin and its pegylated formulations into 2D and 3D cell cultures“. Project start: 2018-01-01, project end: 2018-12-31. Project value is 2897 Eur.

• PD student I.Januškevičienė is involved in the project funded by LUHS Science Foundation „Differences in sensitivity of triple-negative breast cancer cell populations to anticancer drugs in 2D and 3D cultures“. Project start: 2018-01-01, project end: 2018-12-31. Project value is 2897 Eur.

Cooperation and business partnership

The scientists of the department collaborate with other departments of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Lithuanian and foreign science and study institutions:

Dr. Kristina Rysevaitė, Prof. Dainius Pauža, LUHS Anatomy institute

Dr. Julius Liobikas, Dr. Aistė Jekabsonė, LUHS Neuroscience  institute

Prof. Dalė Vieželienė, LUHS Department of Biochemistry

Prof. Renaldas Raišutis, Dr. Kristina Andrėkutė, KTU Prof. K. Barshausko Ultrasonic research institute

Dr. Daumantas Matulis, GMC Institute of Biotechnology, Laboratory of Biotermodynamics and Drug Design

Dr. Linas Mažutis, GMC Institute of Biotechnology, Microfluidics Department

Dr. Rūta Aldonytė, UAB Ferentis

Prof. Helder A. Santos, University of Helsinki, Department  of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnologies and Chemical Microsystems (Finland)

Dr. Artūras Žiemys, Nanomedicine Department, Houston Methodist Research Institute (USA)

Prof. Rytis Prekeris, Cell and Development Biology Department, Colorado University (USA)

Prof. Eugene Jansen, Institute of Public Health and Environment (The Netherlands)

 

Awards

2017                    Prof. V.Petrikaitė was awarded as The Best Young Scientist of 2017, the 3rd place, from Lithuanian University of Health Sciences

2016                    Assoc. Prof. V.Petrikaite got The LSMU Open Science Foundation award for research scholarschip in Colorado University

2014                    Assoc. Prof. V.Petrikaite got The Baltic-American Freedom Foundation (BAFF) award for one year research scholarschip in USA

2012                    Assoc. Prof. V.Petrikaite was awarded for a Short term scientific mission in Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona (funding from COST action TD0905)

2010                    Asist. Prof. V.Petrikaite was awarded from Lithuanian Minister of Science and Education, and from Kaunas Mayor for the excellent preparation of school pupils for the 22nd EU Contest for Young Scientists

2005                    Asist. Prof. V.Petrikaite got a scholarship from The European Fellowship for Pharmacists for the professionalism and interest in clinical pharmacy

2005                    PhD student V.Petrikaite was awarded by Memorial scholarship from Prof. Remigijus Zaliunas, Rector of Kaunas University of Medicine, for the excellent academical achievements

2004                    PhD student V.Petrikaite was awarded by Lithuanian State Science and Studies Foundation for PhD studies

2001                    Master student V.Petrikaite was awarded from L.Stašionienė foundation (Australia), for the excellent achievements

 

About us

LSMU Faculty of Pharmacy
Department of Drug Technology and Social Pharmacy

The staff of the Department consists of 32 employees (23 researchers), including 3 professors (1 habil. dr.), 11 associate professors, 3 lecturers (dr.) and 1 assistant teachers. In addition to that, there are 3 doctoral students (and 3 graduated in last 5 years) in the Department. Students pursue their studies in the following programmes: an integrated study program Pharmacy (for Lithuanian and foreign students) and an integrated study programme Pharmacy for pharmacy technicians. Upon graduation from LSMU MA Faculty of Pharmacy, students acquire the master’s degree in pharmacy (a pharmacist’s professional qualification). The Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Social Pharmacy also provides refresher courses for pharmacy specialists.

History

In 1922, the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lithuania had a Division of Pharmacy, which included the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacognosy headed by prof. P. Raudonikis. In 1944, 3 profile departments were established: 1) the Department of Pharmacy (later on renamed the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry); 2) the Department of Botany and Pharmacognosy (1944); and 3) the Department of Technology of Drug Forms and Galenical Preparations (1948). Prof. P. Raudonikis was assigned the head of the latter Department. He also taught the subject “Organisation of Pharmaceutical Work”. After prof. P. Raudonikis died in 1950, the Department was headed by the Candidate of Sciences in Pharmacy E. Kanopka. At that time, the staff of the Department – besides its head – consisted of only 2 assistant teachers. When in 1953 prof. K. Grybauskas died, the Department of Botany and Pharmacognosy and the Department of Technology of Drug Forms and Galenical Preparations were combined into one Department of Pharmacognosy and Technology of Drug Forms and Galenical Preparations. The number of the staff was not stable due to significant variations in the number of students of pharmacy (from 25 to 75). When the curricula changed, by the decision of the LSSR Board of the Ministry of Higher and Specialised Secondary Education, the Department was renamed the Department of  Pharmacognosy and Drug Technology. At that time, the staff of the Department consisted of 2 associate professors, 3 senior teachers and 3 assistant teachers. In total, 4 subjects were taught: botany, pharmacognosy, drug technology and organisation of pharmaceutical work and economics. In 1972, assoc. prof. D. Bernatonis was elected the head of the Department. In the same year, the administration of the chemical-pharmaceutical factory “Sanitas” (director H. Dūdėnas) equipped a training laboratory for the Department in the factory premises. This laboratory provided all the necessary conditions for laboratory assignments in industrial drug technology. From 1973 on, the subject of the organisation of pharmaceutical work and economics was taught in the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry. In 1977, assoc. prof. E. Kaikarienė was elected the head of this Department. In 1979, the profile departments of pharmacy were reorganised into: 1) the Department of Drug Technology, Organisation of Pharmaceutical Work and Economics and 2) the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy. Assoc. prof. E. Kaikarienė headed the Department until 1987. In 1987, assoc. prof. D. Bernatonis was the head of the Department. During 1987-1992, the Department was headed by prof. A. Gendrolis, and since 1992 by assoc. prof. A. Savickas. In 1990, the Department lost its training laboratory in “Sanitas”. In September 1992, the staff of the Department was complemented by some employees of the Department of Professional Development of Certified Pharmacists, also taking over its workload – refresher courses for pharmacy specialists. Until 1 September 1984, certified pharmacists had undergone qualification improvement in the Faculty of Pharmacy of Kaunas Medical Institute. Qualification improvement courses for certified pharmacists were headed by R. Paulauskas, A. Motiejūnas, V. Kasperavičius and V. Jasinskas. On 1 January 1985, refresher courses for physicians and certified pharmacists were introduced. Here, 2 departments were established: the Department of Electrical Stimulation and the Department for the Development of Certified Pharmacists. The latter Department had 8 teachers and 6 laboratory assistants. The employees from the Department of Drug Technology, Organisation of Pharmaceutical Work and Economics, the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy and the Department of Pharmacology were also transferred to this Department. R. Pečiūra was assigned the head of this Department. The Department for the Development of Certified Pharmacists organised subject-based qualification improvement cycles for certified pharmacists – organisers, technologists and analysts. From 1989 on, the Department organised refresher courses for pharmacy technicians. In 1992, the Department for the Development of Certified Pharmacists was closed down due to financial shortages, and qualification improvement of pharmacy specialists was taken over by the Department of Drug Technology, Organisation of Pharmaceutical Work and Economics. At that time, the refresher courses for pharmacy specialists were headed by assoc. prof. L. K. Švambaris. In 1993, the Department was renamed the Department of Drug Technology and Organisation of Pharmacy. Between 1950 and 1996, the following teachers of the Department successfully defended their dissertations of Candidate of Sciences (since 1990, doctoral theses): E. Kaikarienė (1954), D. Baranauskaitė (1965), G. Pužienė (1967), D. Bernatonis (1968), V. Janulis (1978), A. Savickas (1983), H. Petkevičius (1984), R. Railaitė (1985), R. Radžiūnas (1988), V. Briedis (1990), Ž. Martinėnas (1992) and A. Baranauskas (1996). In 1987, prof. A. Gendrolis defended his doctoral (currently, habilitated doctor’s) dissertation, and, in 1995, assoc. prof. A. Savickas successfully defended his habilitation thesis, too.

In 1964, on the initiative of assoc. prof. A. Kaikaris, the Department started collecting valuable items from State pharmaceutical enterprises, pharmacies and pharmacists. These items formed the basis of the Museum of Pharmacy established in 1975. Since 1979, the museum belongs to the Department and is used for the training of students.

On 9 March 2005, by the Rector’s decree No. V-70 and on the basis of the decision of the Senate dated 11 February 2005, the Department was renamed from the Department of Drug Technology and Organisation of  Pharmaceutical Work to the Department of  Pharmaceutical Technology and Social Pharmacy.

 

The research topic of the Department

A study on the development, development of drug technology and adaptation of pharmaceutical activity to modern qualitative changes. Coordinator of the research topic: Prof. dr. Jurga Bernatonienė.
                      Sub-topics of scientific research:

1. Influence of the technological factors on the quality of liquid and semi-liquid pharmaceutical forms. Coordinator prof. dr. J. Bernatonienė.

2. The search for pharmacologically active substances with antioxidant / prooxidant activity and the prognosis of the demand for new products. Coordinator prof. dr. D.Majienė.

3. Social Pharmacy Research and Functioning and Production of Solid forms of Medicines. Coordinator prof. habil. dr. A.Savickas.

 

Studies

Students start studying in the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Social Pharmacy from their second year of studies (pharmacy technicians from the first year).

The following subjects are taught in the Department:

Compulsory subjects
Module: The basics of health care
Pharmaceutical technologies
Development of pharmacy
Pharmaceutical marketing
Pharmaceutical industry technologies
Pharmaceutical care
Pharmaceutical Economy
Pharmaceutical care: basics of clinical consulting in pharmaceutical service
Pharmacy Practice
Final Master’s thesis

Elective subjects
Leadership in pharmacy
Medicine and Pharmacy in Art
Development of safe cosmetic products
Elective courses Pharmacy practice

Postgraduate Studies - Postgraduate Fellowships
Postgraduate Studies are designed for Lithuania based students who haven‘t the master’s degree in pharmacy (a pharmacist’s professional qualification). The Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Social Pharmacy also provides refresher courses for pharmacy specialists (in Lithuanian language) and helps collect professional skills according Lithuanian Law requirements.

 

Topics of research and development

Topics of research areas include the development of new pharmaceutical preparations and cosmetic products, the search for new formulations and technologies. Research and experimental development consists of three areas of activity: fundamental research, applied research and experimental development. Research is concentrated on developing high-quality pharmaceutical preparations and cosmetic products that are relevant to business needs and environmental benefits. The aim of the research is to determine the influence of technological properties of medicinal and botanical substances and excipients used in the production of solid, liquid and semisolid pharmaceutical forms and cosmetic products, the properties and structure of the systems formed, in support of the innovative pharmaceutical product formula and technology. Non-invasive microscopic methods are used to evaluate the innovation of developed pharmaceutical products. The introduction of advanced technologies aims to ecologize the production, promote productivity growth, which is also important for the pharmaceutical industry. One of the main ways of ecologization of production is the use of organic raw materials and the introduction of the eco-label in manufacture companies.
                      The application of pharmaceutical care elements in pharmacy practice, analysis of drug therapy problems, analysis of ethno-pharmaceutics, old recipes and its adaptation to new pratice - the main directions of research in social pharmacy. Research on pharmaceutical care provides recomendation for improving pharmacy services and given patient requires and receives which assures safe and rational  medicines usage. Ethno-pharmaceutical studies and analysis of old receptures provide insights for the creating and development of new medicines.

 

Scientific projects since 2010

• KMU Science Foundation supported project (PAR20). "Finding Optimal Combinations of Ginkgo biloba, Hawthorns and Dwarfs and Creating Capsules Based on Their Cardiovascular Effects". Project Manager prof. habil. dr. Arūnas Savickas , 2008-2011
• Scientific research project "Assessment of biological activity of lectins and their technological functionalization" sponsored by the Lithuanian Science Council, "Research projects prepared by the Scientific Council" registration No. MIP-10180.  Project manager prof. habil. dr, Arūnas Savickas, 2010-2012
• Program for cooperation between the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania and the Committee on Science and Technology of the State Committee of Science and Technology of the Republic of Belarus "Investigation of New Plant-Based Polypeptide Lectins and Investigating the Use of Potential Immunomodulators and Cytostatics (LB Lectin)" TAP LB 14/2013. Project manager prof. habil. dr. Arūnas Savickas , 2013 – 2014
• Project activities funded by the JIT "Research, Innovation and Technology Agency" (MITA) in accordance with Priority 1 of the Economic Growth Action Program "Research and Technological Development for Rural Competitiveness and Growth" (PR14-20) Project manager prof. dr. Jurga Bernatoniene , 2014-2015
• Project activities funded by the JIT "Research, Innovation and Technology Agency" (MITA) in accordance with Priority 1 of the Economic Growth Action Program "Research and Technological Development for Rural Competitiveness and Growth" (PR14-21, PR14-19) Project manager prof. dr. Jurga Bernatoniene , 2015
• M-ERA.NET Transnational Call 2016 Engineering and functionalization of delivery system with biologically active substance on periodontal inflamed surface area. Pelargodont Project coordinator prof.dr.  Nijole Savickiene          , 2017-2019
• Project "Creating Euboetical Multivariate Nutritionists (EUNUTRITECH)" No. 01.2.2-LMT-K-718-01-0062. Project manager prof. dr Valdas Jakštas , 2017-2021

 

Cooperation and business partnership

• Services provided by universities and research institutes on the basis of the VP2-1.3-ŪM-05-K instrument “Inočekiai Lt” (2014 -2015) – MITA.
• Technological functionalization of amber-containing cosmetic preparations (UAB Xsta-Amber).
• Technological functionalization of creams containing client-proposed substances (UAB The 7).
• Technological functionalization of body care products (UAB Grožio chirurgai)
• Evaluation of stability of the client’s products and adjustment of the preparation formulas (MB Driu Beauty).

OAC contracts (2015 -2016)

• Technological functionalization of amber-containing cosmetic preparations (UAB Xsta-Amber).

• Technological functionalization of tablets containing botanical extracts (UAB Vykom).

• Technological functionalization of preparations containing proteins of an antibody fragment (UAB Profarma).

• Technological functionalization of gel containing mineral water and biologically active substances (UAB Rūko karoliai).

• Evaluation of the properties of skin care products (UAB „Driu beauty“) (2015-2016)

• Evaluation of possibilities for the technological functionalization of tablets from the client’s botanical raw material (2016-2017)

• Investigation of tablet properties (Lithuanian Hypertension Society) (2016-2017)

• Interaction between the components of a new formula and the search for the technological solutions for the manufacturing of their granules when evaluating the physical-chemical characteristics of the substances and the risk factors of the technological processes (UAB „Satimed“) (2016-2017)

• Modeling of skin care products containing protein components (UAB „Peonia Lab“ (2016)

• Modeling of skin care products containing protein components (UAB „Profarma“) (2016)

• Tablet production and consulting services (UAB „Baltijus“) (2016)

 

Awards

2010 m. ,,Young Doctor 2010 m.“ II place, Živilė Petkevičiūtė

2012 m. ,, The best of the young scientist“ II place, dr. Jurga Bernatonienė

2015 m. ,,The young scientist“ 2015“ III place., prof.Jurga Bernatonienė

2016 m. ,,The young scientist“ 2016“ II place., dr.Genovaitė Liobikienė

2017 m.  ,,Young Doctor 2017“ II place., Ugnė Čižauskaitė

,,The young scientist“ 2017“ I place., prof. dr.Jurga Bernatonienė

Adress

LSMU Faculty of Pharmacy

Department of Drug Technology and Social Pharmacy

Address: 5-th floorSukilėlių ave. 13 Kaunas, LT-50166

 

Contact

Head of the department: prof. Jurga Bernatonienė
Phone: +370 37 328304
Email: jurga.bernatoniene@lsmuni.lt

Administrator of studies: Gintautas Drakšas
Phone: +370 37 327254

More contacts here

Personnel

Prof. dr. Jurga Bernatonienė - jurga.bernatoniene@lsmuni.lt

Prof. dr. Daiva Majienė - daiva.majiene@lsmuni.lt

Prof. habil. dr. Arūnas Savickas - arunas.savickas@lsmuni.lt

Ass. prof. Algirdas Baranauskas - algirdas.baranauskas@lsmuni.lt

Ass. prof. dr. Gailutė Drakšienė - gailute.draksiene@lsmuni.lt

Ass. prof. dr. Vilma Gudienė - vilma.gudiene@lsmuni.lt

Ass. prof. dr. Zenona Kalvėnienė - - zenona.kalveniene@lsmuni.lt

Ass. prof. dr. Giedrė Kasparavičienė - giedre.kasparaviciene@lsmuni.lt

Ass. prof.  dr. Loreta Kubilienė - redakcija@efarmacija.lt; loreta.kubiliene@lsmuni.lt

Ass. prof.  dr. Tauras Antanas Mekas - muziejus@lsmuni.lt;

Ass. prof.  dr. Raimondas Radžiūnas - raimondas.radziunas@lsmuni.lt

Ass. prof.  dr. Saulė Velžienė -  saule.velziene@lsmuni.lt

Lect. dr. Jurgita Daukšienė - jurgita.dauksiene@lsmuni.lt

Lect. dr. Rima Jūratė Gerbutavičienė - rima.gerbutaviciene@lsmuni.lt

Lect. dr. Živilė Pranskūnienė  – zivile.pranskuniene@lsmuni.lt

Lect. dr. Vaidas Skyrius - vaidas.skyrius@lsmuni.lt

Lect. dr. Aurima Stankūnienė - aurima.stankuniene@lsmuni.lt

Assist. lect. Rita Mikalauskienė - rita.mikalauskiene@lsmuni.lt

Other personnel:

Administrator Nijolė Savickienė (Postgraduate Studies Dept.) - nijole.savickiene@lsmuni.lt

Assist. lect. Ugnė Genienė (Postgraduate Studies Dept.) - ugne.geniene@lsmuni.lt

Senior laboratory technician Silva Baranauskienė - socpharm@lsmuni.lt

Laboratory assistant Virginija Babrauskienė  - virginija.babrauskiene@lsmuni.lt

Laboratory assistant Birutė Juodeikienė (Postgraduate Studies Dept.) - fps@lsmuni.lt, birute.juodeikiene@lsmuni.lt

Laboratory assistant Genovaitė Lukšienė - socpharm@lsmuni.lt;

Laboratory assistant Egidija Šerpenskienė (Postgraduate Studies Dept.)  - fps@lsmuni.lt, egidija.serpenskiene@lsmuni.lt