Continuing the development of partnerships between the National University of Pharmacy and external stakeholders, the Department of Biotechnology invited Pfizer specialists to conduct a series of lectures on topical issues of the educational components “Newest Technologies for the Production of Biological Products” and “Drug Design” of the educational program “Industrial Biotechnology”.
On January 27, 2023, the first meeting was held, which was opened by Oleksandr Kaiota, Head of Oncology at Pfizer. Mr. Kaiota presented the company, spoke about its history and achievements, described its areas of interest and products. In his presentation, the lecturer emphasized the importance of the development and implementation of biological products and the need for qualified biotechnology specialists.
The second part of the meeting was devoted to the technologies and development of mRNA vaccines, which was held by Larysa Shaposhnyk, Medical Advisor of Pfizer’s vaccines division. Ms. Shaposhnyk spoke in a professional and structured manner about the mechanism of action, technologies and types of viral, DNA and RNA vaccines, outlined the advantages and disadvantages of each group, shared the latest developments of potential vaccine platforms, in particular against SARS-CoV-2, and carriers for delivering mRNA vaccines into cells.
The lecture was attended by students majoring in 162 “Biotechnology and Bioengineering” of the educational program “Industrial Biotechnology” (master’s level), as well as students of the educational programs “Biotechnology”, “Pharmacy” and “Pharmaceutical Technology”.
A large number of questions from applicants and academic staff of the Departments of Biotechnology, Factory Drug Technology and Pharmaceutical Technology, lively communication between all participants of the event emphasized the importance of the chosen topic and the need to combine theoretical training with the experience of best practitioners.
