Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences

The Institute, created upon BOR approval in October 1998, conducts research in the field of pharmaceutical sciences and provides mechanisms for the dissemination and utilization of research and human resources training. Since its creation the IPS has become a center for pharmaceutical research on herbal, animal, marine, and synthetic medicines, a training center for pharmaceutical human resource development, and a provider of analytical services for marketed drugs. 

With its vision to be the national and regional leader in innovative pharmaceutical science research and services, the IPS develops and provides the facilities and mechanisms for dissemination and utilization of research and development outputs, expertise, and resources to establish an environmental culture for research and development. IPS also complements the graduate program, faculty development, and research staff training of UP Manila, and serves as a repository of information and source of technical expertise on matters related to pharmaceutical sciences. 

Over the years, it has enjoyed impressive successes in interdisciplinary teaching and learning, in the scope and the peer standing of its research programs, and in the visibility and value of its programs inside and outside the NIH and the University.

EXISTING SERVICES AND PROJECTS:

Bioprospecting, currently the main research agenda of the IPS, generates multiple patents and utility models. The Institute also continues its previous thrusts on drug discovery, natural excipient development, drug interaction studies and initiated formulation studies, in collaboration with other higher learning institutions. Local and international dissemination of researches were also implemented that maximized the impact of generated findings. The drug and natural product analyses were improved and reached stakeholders across the country. 

CURRENT RESEARCHES:

  1. Isolation and characterization of antimicrobial-producing microorganisms from mangrove soils

  • Principal Investigator - Erna C. Arollado, RPh, PhD

  • Co-investigators - Richelle Ann M. Manalo, RCh, MS and Gerwin Louis T. Dela Torre, RPh

 

  1. Characterization of antimicrobial compounds produced by mangrove soil microorganisms

  • Principal Investigator - Richelle Ann M. Manalo, RCh, MS

  • Co-investigators - Erna C. Arollado, RPh, PhD and Gerwin Louis T. Dela Torre, RPh

 

  1. Assessment of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions of selected psychobiotic and antidepressant drugs in depression-like rat model

  • Principal Investigator - Erna C. Arollado, RPh, PhD

  • Co-investigators - Richelle Ann M. Manalo, RCh, MS and Gerwin Louis T. Dela Torre, RPh

 

  1. Optimization of matrix-type transdermal patch of simvastatin: effect of varying polymer ratios on the dissolution and permeation profiles

  • Principal Investigator - Richelle Ann M. Manalo, RCh, MS

  • Co-Investigator - Erna C. Arollado, RPh, PhD

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Institute/Center administration:

 

Research Faculty: Richelle Ann M. Manalo, RCh, MS

Office Address: Room 212 National Institutes of Health

 

Previous Institute Directors: 

  • Leticia Barbara B. Gutierrez, RPh, MS (2000-2003)

  • Yolanda R. Robles, RPh, PhD (2003-2006)

  • Monet M. Loquias, RPh, MHPEd, PhD (2006-2010)

  • Imelda G. Pena, RPh, DrPH (2010-2013)

  • Erna C. Arollado, RPh, PhD (2013-2022)