Laboratories

Laboratory of Pharmacology and Tissue Therapy

Employees

The main scientific direction of the Laboratory of Pharmacology and Tissue Therapy –

еxperimental study, development, and implementation of ophthalmic medicinal products, determination of their pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, bioavailability, and ocular safety.

Research focuses on the development and practical implementation of methods for quantitative and qualitative analysis of active ingredients, safety indicators, technological and therapeutic properties of new medicinal products relevant for ophthalmology in various dosage forms (drops, solutions, ointments, creams, gels, injections, etc.). Priority is traditionally given to preparations of natural origin, particularly those based on unique regional raw materials such as peloid (therapeutic mud), plant-based, and organ-derived sources.

Pharmaceutical, chemical, and biological tests on animals are conducted to assess the safety, efficacy, and quality of these medicinal products. A major area of the laboratory’s activity is the development of analytical methodologies and technological procedures, as well as research into the chemical composition and structure of active ingredients of natural (plant) origin intended for the production of biogenic stimulators.

Currently, the primary scientific focus of the laboratory is the development of a modern ophthalmic product based on an isolated polysaccharide fraction from the medicinal plant Aloe arborescens Mill., containing as its active substance acemannan—an acetylated polymannan. This adjuvant compound significantly enhances reparative regeneration, tissue immunity, and anti-inflammatory activity, promoting wound healing and restoration of ocular tissue function.

1. Research and production activities.

The laboratory is engaged in the development and improvement of laboratory-scale technological protocols, identification methods, and biological standardization of medicinal products derived from natural raw materials.

An optimal procedure has been developed, and the main parameters of the technological process for obtaining the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) acemannan (a sum of polysaccharides from Aloe arborescens) have been established.

Research efforts are aimed at introducing modern quality indicators for the product and improving the dosing of the natural-origin compound.

2. Evaluation of specific pharmacological activity (biotesting).

This includes studying and improving the properties of dosage forms, methods of active substance administration, and preclinical investigation of pharmacokinetic parameters—such as intra-corneal penetration and other delivery pathways.

Studies focus on the properties and development of ophthalmic “orphan drugs” (medications for rare or unmet medical needs) containing natural and synthetic substances—for example, for the treatment of bacterial and fungal eye infections, accelerating wound healing, reducing tissue swelling, managing “dry eye” syndrome, treating corneal ulcers, and other conditions related to oxidative stress.

3. Evaluation of therapeutic efficacy in modeled ophthalmic pathologies

These include traumatic and bacterial keratitis, eye burns (thermal and chemical), globe contusion, and others.

The laboratory has developed combined eye drops of 20% sulfacyl-humate, which possess pronounced antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and reparative properties. From estuarine mud distillates, new ophthalmic dosage forms (drops and ointments based on biopeloids) have been obtained and patented, including combinations with B vitamins: Pelonat-R (with riboflavin) and Pelonat-P (with pyridoxine).

The safety of various methods of periocular administration of a standardized liposomal form of quercetin has been established, along with its pharmacotherapeutic efficacy in corneal burn models.

In collaboration with the clinical departments of the Institute, combined ophthalmic ointments have been developed and patented. These are based on aloe concentrate and dry extract, marepolymiel (a natural polymer), and peloid distillate. Clinical observations showed they have marked anti-edematous, anti-inflammatory, and reparative properties and are effective in treating inflammatory corneal diseases, retinal and optic nerve dystrophies, “dry eye” syndrome, and more.

The biological activity of aqueous extract from Melilotus officinalis (sweet clover) was studied in vitro and on disease models.

Experimental studies have demonstrated that the aloe polysaccharide preparation has significant desensitizing effects on adhesion and auto-aggression markers, exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous activity, stimulates regenerative processes, and promotes rapid and uniform restoration of corneal epithelial cell ultrastructure through the activation of protein synthesis processes.

Scientific collaboration is ongoing with the State Institution “Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology of the NAMS of Ukraine,” O.V. Bogatsky Physico-Chemical Institute of the NAS of Ukraine, and I.I. Mechnikov Odessa National University.

The scientific community is carried out with the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology of NAMS of Ukraine, E.O. Paton Electric Welding Institute, O.V. Bogatskyy Physico-Chemical Institute NAS of Ukraine, Odesa National Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, I.I. Mechnikov Odesa National University.