Research center for experimental pharmacology and drug design (X-Pharm Design)

The advanced research center, Research Center for Experimental Pharmacology and Drug Design (X-Pharm Design), established within the “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Timișoara, aims to be an excellence hub in the development and evaluation of new pharmaceutical entities, using innovative technologies and interdisciplinary approaches. The X-Pharm Design Center aims to create an environment conducive to innovation in experimental pharmacology and medicinal chemistry, with the objective of developing effective and safe therapies through a transdisciplinary approach, national and international collaborations, and the integration of the latest technologies in the field of biomedical research.

Main Research Directions:

1. Design of New Biologically Active Compounds Using Computational Methods
   Development of new bioactive molecules through advanced techniques such as molecular modeling, docking, molecular dynamics, and virtual screening to identify compounds with high therapeutic potential.
2. Synthesis and characterization of novel synthetic or semi-synthetic compounds
   De novo synthesis of chemical structures starting from scaffolds with known or computer- based predicted pharmacological/biological activity. Based on the obtained structures, various formulations can be developed, if necessary, such as metal-based nanoparticle bioconjugates, liposomes, and cyclodextrin complexes to enhance bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. The synthesized compounds/formulations are characterized as needed using established techniques: NMR, FTIR, UV-Vis, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DSC), and zeta potential measurements.
3. In vitro biological evaluation of synthesized compounds
   Investigation of biological activity through specific assays such as cell viability, cytotoxicity, scratch assay, Western blot, high-resolution respirometry, ELISA, and other molecular biology methods used to validate therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms of action.
4. In vivo biological evaluation of synthesized compounds
   Animal model-based investigations regarding the mechanisms of action, distribution, metabolism and excretion of new compounds. Determination of the safety profile of novel molecules through pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies. Biological and histopathological parameters monitoring to assess toxicological potential.

Research Activity and Coordinated Grants

In the past four years, several members of our center have coordinated and participated in nationally relevant research projects in experimental pharmacology and drug design, including:

• Internal UMFT Grant, 1EXP/1233/30.01.2020, LUPSKINPATH: Lupeol as a bioactive natural compound in the local treatment of wounds and inflammation from mild to severe pathologies: experimental evaluations and market pre-proposal; Project Director: Prof. Dr. Codruța Șoica
• National Grant, PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-3067: Innovative nanobiostructures with ferimagnetic nanoparticles conjugated with cyclodextrins to increase efficacy and reduce toxicity in cancer therapy through SP-magnetic hyperthermia; Project Director: Prof. Dr. Costică Caizer, Partner Responsible: Prof. Dr. Codruța Șoica
• National Grant, PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2019-1078: Synthesis and assessment of novel triazole-triterpene-gold nanoparticle bioconjugates, used as active agents in malignant melanoma; Project Director: Prof. Dr. Marius Mioc
• National Grant, PN-IV-P2-2.1-TE-2023-1790 (Ongoing): Comprehensive investigations on the impact of gold nanoparticles and betulinic acid on ganglioside-type biomarkers specific to malignant melanoma; Project Director: Prof. Dr. Roxana Negrea-Ghiulai