Randy Diaz-Tapia, P1, recently worked with a team of scientists from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai to help create a new antibody approach to tackle fast-changing viruses like COVID-19. The tool, dubbed AMETA Nanobody, attacks viruses in multiple ways to stop them from mutating.

The group’s research was  published in the peer-reviewed journal CELL and in SciTech Daily in October. Next steps are more testing to explore its use in treating a range of infectious diseases.

Adina Kagan, P4, was one of two pharmacy students on a six-person team recently reviewing immunotherapy clinical trials for renal cell carcinoma patients. The patients all had surgery for kidney cancer and were all at high risk of recurrence.

The review resulted in mixed results; however one particular treatment – KeytrudaÔ (pembrolizumab) was identified as the best option for now. Their work was reported in Pharmacy Times in October.    

“It is exciting to see the scientific and clinical advancements of our students in press! The studies by Randy and Adina are significant research contributions,” said Dr. Zvi Loewy, associate dean, research and professor, Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences.

Dr. Loewy recently co-authored with TCOP alumna Irene Berger, PharmD, an article that appeared on the cover of the peer-reviewed journal Bacteria. The article addressed the escalating issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

“Working on biomedical research projects together with our distinguished alumni is most gratifying,” added Dr. Loewy. “We are very privileged to team together with outstanding young investigators trained in our very own institution.”

Research Import to Pharmacy Students  

Both Diaz-Tapia and Kagan agree on the importance of pharmacy students doing research, regardless of the career paths taken.

Kagan, who soon will be graduating with her PharmD, said throughout her time at TCOP she has always been looking for unique opportunities to expand her skillset and discover potential career pathways. Her review of immunotherapy clinical trials for renal cell carcinoma patients was one of several articles she has worked on in oncology.

“I learned to independently research and study complex topics so that I could properly write about them, an important skill for any pharmacist to have in any practice setting. The process honed my critical thinking skills,” she said.

Diaz-Tapia said being part of preclinical research on antivirals has given him a deeper appreciation of the time and research needed to get antivirals on the market.

“Research has offered me a different perspective, especially when it comes to patient care, he said. “I am interested in learning more about the kind of work clinical pharmacists do.”