On July 11, 2023, Professor Dr. Habibah Wahab delivered a lecture titled “Precision Medicine at the Molecular Level: Exploring the Potential of Structure-Based Drug Design” at DK 10, FF4 Building, Faculty of Pharmacy, UiTM Puncak Alam. This lecture was a part of the collaborative teaching effort for the PHC 664-Structure-based Drug Design elective subject under the Bachelor of Pharmacy (PH240) programme, which was supported by the Centre for Innovative Delivery and Teaching Development, UiTM. The primary objective of this effort is to enhance students’ learning experiences by providing them with industry insights and cutting-edge knowledge.
Professor Dr. Habibah Wahab is widely recognised for her significant contributions in the field of computer-aided drug design in Malaysia. Her expertise is evident in her use of advanced computational techniques, including molecular dynamics simulations and virtual screening, to analyse the interaction between potential compounds and their target receptors. The insights gleaned from these computational findings are crucial in the decision-making processes pertaining to chemical compound synthesis and bioassay experiments. The application of such techniques has facilitated pharmaceutical companies in economising costs and reducing the duration required to bring drugs to market.
In this lecture, Professor Dr. Habibah Wahab seamlessly navigates the intricate web of molecular interactions, revealing how advanced computational methods such as molecular dynamics simulations and virtual screening serve as powerful tools in unravelling the mysteries of drug-receptor binding. By distilling complex scientific concepts into comprehensible insights, she bridges the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application. She explained the transformative potential of structure-based drug design and the pivotal role that informed research and innovation play in shaping the landscape of modern medicine.
The event was a resounding success, with attendance from Bachelor of Pharmacy (PH240) students, postgraduate students, and researchers with a keen interest in the domains of drug design, biotechnology, and medicinal chemistry.