Lecture to explain science behind modern pharmaceutical products

The science behind the creation of medicines is the subject of a lecture at the University of Greenwich's Medway Campus on Wednesday, April 13.

Modern Pharmaceutical Science: Turning Molecules into Medicines is the title of the Inaugural Professorial Lecture by Stephen Wicks, from the university's School of Science. It takes place at the Pilkington Lecture Theatre, Medway Campus, at 6pm, and is free and open to all.

Professor Wicks says: "The main role of the pharmaceutical scientist is the translation of biologically active molecules into the medicinal products that we purchase from the pharmacy, or which are prescribed by our physicians in communities or hospitals.

This lecture will explain the science behind the design or selection of molecules that become the heart of high quality, innovative new medicines that are safe, effective and affordable. "Some molecules discovered in universities and the pharmaceutical industry, however, cannot be turned into medicines, and so we will also examine why these don't make it."

Professor Wicks is Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Director of Research, within the university's School of Science. He spent 25 years with Pfizer, rising to become a Vice-President of Worldwide Pharmaceutical Sciences in the Pfizer Global Research and Development division, and a member of the Pfizer UK Group board of directors.

He is an honorary Fellow of the University of London's School of Pharmacy and a Fellow of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. Professor Wicks has also held academic positions at the University of Bath and Liverpool John Moores University, and industrial positions with GlaxoSmithKline and Abbott.