Drug discovery and safety

The field of Drug Discovery and Safety is at the forefront of medical innovation, focusing on the development of new pharmaceuticals and ensuring their safety for public use. Our 3-year Drug Discovery and Safety program at Viast is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the drug development process, from initial discovery through clinical trials and post-market safety monitoring. The curriculum covers medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and regulatory affairs. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, internships, and collaborative research projects with industry partners.

Duration: 3 years

Eligibility: 10+2 with Science stream

Career Prospects: Drug Safety Specialist, Pharmaceutical Scientist, Toxicologist, Regulatory Affairs Officer, Clinical Research Associate.

Course Structure:

Introduction to Drug Discovery:

•    Overview of the drug discovery process
•    History and evolution of pharmaceuticals
•    Key stages in drug development

Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology:

•    Principles of medicinal chemistry
•    Drug-receptor interactions
•    Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics

Toxicology and Safety Assessment:

•    Fundamentals of toxicology
•    Preclinical safety testing
•    Risk assessment and management

Clinical Trials and Regulatory Affairs:

•    Phases of clinical trials
•    Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines
•    Regulatory requirements and compliance (FDA, EMA, ICH)

Biostatistics and Data Analysis:

•    Statistical methods for clinical research
•    Data interpretation and presentation
•    Use of software tools for data analysis

Pharmacovigilance and Post-Market Surveillance:

•   Monitoring and reporting adverse drug reactions
•   Post-market safety studies
•   Risk management plans and strategies

Practical Training and Industry Exposure:

•    Internships with pharmaceutical companies and research organizations
•    Hands-on laboratory work and experimentation
•    Case studies and real-world projects

Capstone Project:

•    Independent research project in drug discovery or safety
•    Collaboration with industry mentors and academic advisors
•    Presentation and defense of research findings