Ateneo - UPO

The integrated course in Molecular Therapy examines the entire pathway of development, mechanism of action, and clinical application of advanced molecular and biotechnological therapies. In the Pharmacology module, students will explore the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics as applied to complex molecules, as well as target identification and pharmacogenomics. In the Biotechnological Applications module, the focus will shift to the study of cutting-edge applications of biotechnology in the medical field, with particular emphasis on drug development.

Goodman & Gilman's: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics (latest edition), McGraw-Hill.

Selected primary scientific literature (peer-reviewed articles and reviews) provided during the course.

Lecture slides, presentation decks, and learning materials made available by instructors on the University learning platform.

This course aims to provide students with a solid theoretical and methodological foundation in molecular pharmacology and medical biotechnology applied to drug development.
This course encompasses basic biomedical sciences and translational medical research, incorporating clinical aspects to translate laboratory findings directly to the patient's bedside. Specific goals are to enable students to critically analyze molecular therapeutic strategies, evaluate mechanisms of action, safety and efficacy profiles, and the design of well-controlled clinical trials.

Basic knowledge of molecular biology, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, pathology, and immunology is required but not necessary.

The course adopts an integrated and interactive teaching approach aimed at fostering students’ active participation and critical thinking:
- Lectures (DE): Presentation of the fundamental theoretical concepts of molecular pharmacology and biotechnological applications.
- Practical sessions and Team-Based Learning activities (DI).
- Use of the University’s e-learning platform for the sharing of teaching materials and multimedia resources.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities
Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

The Molecular Therapy examination consists of a written test comprising 40 multiple-choice questions, of which 20 cover the Pharmacology module and 20 the Biotechnological Applications module. Students will have 60 minutes to complete the examination. Student achievement will be assessed using the Italian grading scale, ranging from 18 (minimum passing grade) to 30 cum laude (highest distinction). More specifically, a grade between 18 and 23 indicates that the student has achieved a sufficient, although limited, level of knowledge. A grade between 24 and 26 reflects satisfactory knowledge of the course content. Grades between 27 and 28 indicate that the student has acquired a good level of knowledge and a satisfactory ability to place the acquired information within the broader scientific context. Grades between 29 and 30 demonstrate an excellent level of knowledge and a good ability to contextualize the acquired information within the scientific framework. Finally, students awarded 30 cum laude will have demonstrated outstanding knowledge of the subject.

PHARMACOLOGY

The course aims to provide students with the fundamental principles of pharmacology, including: - the process of drug discovery, development, and regulatory approval of new medicinal products; - clinical trials and the generation of evidence on the benefits and risks of medicinal products; - the general principles of drug action (pharmacodynamics); - pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion); - pharmacogenetic biomarkers; - the general principles of pharmacovigilance and ecopharmacovigilance; - the pharmacological profile of biotechnological medicinal products that have revolutionized the treatment of a wide range of diseases, including oncological, neurological, metabolic, and cardiovascular disorders.

BIOTHECNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS

Biological macromolecules as drugs for cancer, inflammatory disorders, infectious disease, and other diseases. Biological macromolecules studied include monoclonal antibodies, engineered T cells, and immunomodulatory therapies.

The integrated course provides advanced training in modern biotechnological techniques and pharmacological principles underlying the development of molecular drugs.

Knowledge
By the end of the course, students will acquire knowledge regarding:
- Core principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and factors driving variability in drug response.
- Structure and mechanism of action of the main biological macromolecules used as therapeutics.

Skills
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Identify and evaluate the discovery of novel biotechnology applications applied to human diseases.
- Compare and contrast the therapeutic profiles, benefits, and limitations of biological drugs and traditional/classical therapies, whether currently available or under development.
- Integrate pharmacological information to critically contextualize novel biotechnological drugs within the contemporary scientific landscape.