COMSTECH Hosts International Hybrid Workshop on Drug Discovery and Development in the Modern Era

ISLAMABAD, APR 10 (DNA) : COMSTECH, in collaboration with the Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD), hosted an international hybrid workshop titled “Drug Discovery and Development in the Modern Era” at its Secretariat in Islamabad. The event brought together leading experts in the field of drug discovery and structural biology, including Prof. Dr. Paul Denny and Prof. Dr. Ehmke Pohl from Durham University, UK.

The workshop focused on cutting-edge strategies in drug discovery for neglected tropical diseases, particularly leishmaniasis, and examined the role of structural biology and artificial intelligence (AI) in modern therapeutic development. Prof. Denny, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology and the UK Higher Education Academy, shared insights into the global burden of leishmaniasis, now endemic in over 90 countries across four continents. He discussed the limitations of current treatments and emphasized the need for cross-border, interdisciplinary collaboration to develop effective and affordable alternatives.

Prof. Dr. Ehmke Pohl, Director of the Biophysical Sciences Institute and Co-Director of the EPSRC MoSMed CDT at Durham University, highlighted recent advancements in AI-driven protein structure prediction and their implications for drug target identification. While acknowledging the promise of AI technologies in accelerating drug discovery, he stressed the continued necessity of experimental validation and laboratory research. He also showcased joint research efforts involving novel bacterial enzymes from hydrothermal vents, currently being used in collaboration with ICCBS Karachi for leishmaniasis diagnostics.

In his opening address, H.E. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of OIC COMSTECH, emphasized the significance of international cooperation in addressing neglected diseases. He spotlighted COMSTECH’s partnership with Durham University and the Global Network for NTDs—a consortium spanning six countries—aimed at combating leishmaniasis through education, innovation, and equitable scientific exchange. The consortium’s efforts were recognized in 2024 with the UK Medical Research Council’s Outstanding Team Impact Award.

The workshop drew participation from 50 in-person attendees, including five Palestinian students, representing research institutions such as NIH, PCSIR, NUST, COMSATS, Riphah Medical College, HSA, and Rawalpindi Medical College. An additional 120 participants joined virtually from over 20 OIC member states, making the event a significant step toward fostering international dialogue and collaborative research in the fight against neglected tropical diseases.