https://medicine.nus.edu.sg/medphc/

Department of Pharmacology NUS Medicine, Singapore (2026)

28/07/2026

Department of Pharmacology is pleased to highlight the role of Associate Professor Kwon Seok Soga in a new collaboration between the Korea Regulatory Science Center (K-RSC) and the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, aimed at advancing regulatory science cooperation and strengthening collaboration across Asia.

Led by A/Prof Soga from the Department of Pharmacology, the partnership brings together expertise and resources to foster greater collaboration in regulatory science, with the potential to support innovation and strengthen regulatory frameworks across the region.

We congratulate A/Prof Soga on his leadership in this important initiative and celebrate his contributions to advancing regulatory science and international collaboration.

Full Story: https://medicine.nus.edu.sg/news/korea-regulatory-science-centerand-nus-medicine-sign-mou-to-advance-regulatory-science-cooperation-across-asia/

27/07/2026

The Department of Pharmacology is pleased to celebrate two recent book publications involving Associate Professor Gautam Sethi, highlighting his contributions to education, knowledge sharing and research in the biomedical sciences.

𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲: 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬

Edited by Alok Chandra Bharti, Anna Senrung, Ashok Kumar and Gautam Sethi, this book was published by Springer Singapore in April 2026. It provides an in-depth exploration of developmental biology, with a focus on laboratory techniques and experimental approaches. The book covers developmental processes and experimental studies involving a range of model organisms, including frogs, chick embryos, Drosophila, zebrafish and Caenorhabditis elegans. It serves as a valuable resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students, educators and researchers in the Life Sciences.

𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫: 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐌𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞

Edited by Gautam Sethi and Lekshmi R. Nath, this book explores the potential of phytochemicals and plant-derived products in cancer prevention and therapy. It examines the molecular mechanisms through which these natural compounds may influence key processes involved in cancer development and progression, while also highlighting the challenges of translating research findings into clinical applications.

We congratulate A/Prof Gautam Sethi on these publications and celebrate his continued contributions to education, research and knowledge advancement in the biomedical sciences.

22/07/2026

Widespread environmental exposure to tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP), a commonly used organophosphate esters, has raised significant concerns due to its structural similarity to organophosphate pesticides with known immunotoxicity. However, the immunotoxic and underlying mechanisms remain insufficiently understood. In this study, we used mRNA sequencing (mRNA-seq) to investigate the mechanisms underlying TDCPP-induced immunotoxicity following long-term low-dose exposure in THP-1 macrophages. Our findings revealed that TDCPP induces ROS generation, antioxidant depletion, iron accumulation, and lipid peroxidation lead to ferroptosis, as evidenced by lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial morphological changes observed via electron microscopy. Furthermore, TDCPP exposure led to a collapse of the cellular antioxidant defense system. The accumulation of Fe²⁺ and H₂O₂ triggered the Fenton reaction, resulting in oxidative stress and immune disorder. At the individual level, intravenous administration of TDCPP in BALB/C mice increased serum MDA levels and decreased GSH content, significantly affecting Fe²⁺ homeostasis in lymphocytes, confirming the systemic effects of TDCPP exposure. This study is the first to demonstrate TDCPP activates ferroptosis in macrophages through mitochondrial iron imbalance and oxidative stress, resulting in lipid peroxidation in mouse blood and iron imbalance in lymphocytes, providing a theoretical basis for potential health risks in humans. There is an urgent need for further regulatory action and the development of safer alternatives.

Full Article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S014765132600761X?via%3Dihub

20/07/2026

For this week’s Student Spotlight, we have Harshini Karunanidhi!

From building meaningful industry connections within Singapore’s pharmacology community to gaining the capstone project experience that opened doors to pursuing publications, Harshini Karunanidhi has truly made the most of her time in the programme.
Join us in celebrating her hard work and well-deserved success!

For further information and enquiries:
𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: https://medicine.nus.edu.sg/graduatestudies/education/msc-in-medical-pharmacology/
𝐄𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥: [email protected]

16/07/2026

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive accumulation of toxic amyloid species. The rising prevalence of AD in Asia has made it an increasing public health concern, placing a substantial burden on the economy and healthcare systems. Anti-amyloid therapies (AATs) have demonstrated statistically significant slowing of disease progression at the group level in pivotal trials in early symptomatic AD. We explore the clinical meaningfulness of AATs and considerations impacting on its meaning in East and Southeast Asia. We acknowledge that there is a lack of data on Asian populations, particularly from the perspectives of patients and caregivers, highlighting the need for such evidence to facilitate the successful adoption of AATs in the region. We also propose the conceptual Connect, Align, Reframe, Explain (CARE) communication framework and practical tools to support effective communication with patients and caregivers regarding the benefits of AATs. HIGHLIGHTS: Anti-amyloid therapies (AATs) have demonstrated statistically significant group-level effects in slowing of disease progression in early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease. Translating clinical trial outcomes into measures of benefit that are truly meaningful to patients and caregivers is critical for the adoption of AATs. Asia, with its rapidly aging societies, diverse cultural norms and heterogeneous healthcare and reimbursement systems, presents a unique perspective on the clinical meaningfulness of AATs. The proposed Connect, Align, Reframe, Explain (CARE) communication framework concept and practical support tools, such as goal-setting checklist, visual aids and motivational messages, can facilitate effective communication with patients and caregivers regarding the benefit of AATs. Optimizing the full potential of AATs in Asia requires focused efforts on understanding patients’ and caregivers’ perspectives on treatment benefits, building regional registries to collect real-world data, and aligning care frameworks.

Full Article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41724687/

14/07/2026

What do you actually want out of a postgraduate degree?

Yan Jun had her answer, and it shaped how she used every part of the programme. Her advice: "Just be clear on what you want to achieve before you start, because the programme gives you a lot of flexibility, but you have to take ownership of your own learning."

Some students come in looking for structure. Others come in looking for room to explore. Either way, the programme meets you where you are, as long as you know why you're here.

For further information and enquiries:
𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: https://medicine.nus.edu.sg/graduatestudies/education/msc-in-medical-pharmacology/
𝐄𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥: [email protected]

13/07/2026

Clarity is one of the most valuable things a postgraduate programme can give you.
For Yang Na, the MSc in Medical Pharmacology helped answer a question many students face: Is academia the right path forward?
A year in this programme builds technical depth and genuine conviction in the field. See where it could take you.

For further information and enquiries:
𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: Master of Science in Medical Pharmacology - NUS Medicine Graduate Studies | NUS Medicine Graduate St…
𝐄𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥: [email protected]

13/07/2026

The Department of Pharmacology congratulates Professor Fred Wong, Director of the Drug Discovery and Optimisation Platform, on securing S$2.13 million (US$1.66 million) in funding through 65LAB.

Serving as Co-Principal Investigator, Prof. Wong will lead efforts to accelerate the optimization and pre-clinical development of a potential first-in-class, airway-delivered biologic therapy. The treatment is designed to combat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and other immune cell-driven lung diseases. Preclinical studies have already shown highly encouraging results, demonstrating the biologic’s ability to reduce lung inflammation, improve lung function, and slow disease progression.

This funding will not only advance critical pre-clinical milestones but also pave the way for the creation of a new biotechnology company, bringing this innovative, real-world healthcare solution one step closer to patients.

Full Story: https://sbr.com.sg/healthcare/news/65lab-backs-nus-biotech-venture-213m-funding

13/07/2026

Sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction strongly contributes to high mortality in patients with sepsis by exacerbating systemic organ failure; however, the onset and molecular mechanisms driving this vicious cycle remain unclear. Here, we revealed that DRP1-mediated mitochondrial fission and excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation are central to the disruption of mitophagy flux and triggering of inflammatory cascades. Using cecal ligation and puncture mice and lipopolysaccharide-treated HL-1 cell models, combined with advanced imaging and molecular analyses, we demonstrated that elevated ROS activates the RIP1/RIP3 pathway, impairing mitophagy flux and promoting the release of microvesicles containing mitochondrial inner membrane components and mitochondrial DNA. These microvesicles amplify inflammatory responses through the cGAS–STING and RIP1/RIP3 pathways, driving the production of damage- and pathogen-associated molecular patterns. This study highlights two interlinked vicious cycles, mitophagy flux disruption and damage- and pathogen-associated molecular pattern amplification, as critical drivers of sepsis-induced myocardial injury, providing therapeutic targets for mitigating inflammatory damage and improving clinical outcomes in patients with sepsis.
Full Article: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2510914123

07/07/2026

What does a year in the MSc in Medical Pharmacology look like?

For Mo, it was a rigorous yet deeply rewarding experience that laid a stronger foundation for his future career.

Hearing feedback like this reminds us why we love building a supportive and comprehensive learning environment here at NUS Pharmacology.

Thank you, Mo, for sharing your journey and inspiring the next cohort!!

For further information and enquiries:
𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: medicine.nus.edu.sg/graduatestudies/education/msc-in-medical-pharmacology/
𝐄𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥: [email protected]

Department of Pharmacology NUS Medicine

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