Department of Pharmaceutics

Drug Metabolism

Drug Metabolism research is primarily focused on studying Phase I and Phase II enzymes and drug transporters. Dr Sarkar is currently leading a wide range of drug metabolism research efforts, including several that may affect the development of drugs for the treatment of cervical, endometrial and breast cancers.

Dr Sarkar's research has shown that chemicals in cigarette smoke can cause a series of chemical reactions that lead to cervical cancer. Research efforts have also focused upon why smokers are protected from endometrial cancer. Another aspect of his research involves the study of the potential effects of phytoestrogens, substances found in soybean products, on breast cancer prevention.

Other areas of interest include preparation of biosensors by surface immobilization of oxidative drug metabolizing enzymes on quartz crystal microbalance surfaces. These biosensors are being studied to predict drug metabolism of lead candidates. His group is also evaluating methods for miniaturization of high throughput metabolic screening methods using capillary electrophoretic direct injection techniques.

Another area of active research involves investigating the reasons for altered clearance, in renal failure patients, of drugs that are primarily metabolized by the liver.