Intranasal Z-Acid

Dr. Arif Iftikhar Khan is a researcher in natural product and medicinal chemistry with a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, ICCBS, University of Karachi, completed under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Farzana Shaheen. His doctoral research focused on bioactive peptides, peptide dendrimers, and peptide-based nanoparticles. Under the scientific leadership and supervision of Prof. Dr. Farzana Shaheen, he has contributed to the development of nanoemulsions and mucoadhesive formulation of IP protected antiepileptic compound Z-Acid for intranasal delivery in epilepsy and stroke.

Dr. Zehra Batool is Assistant Professor at PCMD, ICCBS, UoK. Since 2019, she has been leading independent research projects integrating neurochemistry, behavioral neuroscience, and electrophysiology to investigate the molecular basis of cognitive and emotional disorders.The brain depends on finely tuned neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity to support learning, memory, and emotional regulation. Disruptions in oxidative balance, receptor signaling, and neuronal excitability contribute to anxiety, depression, and neurodegenerative disorders. Dr. Batool’s research focuses on understanding how biochemical and molecular alterations translate into functional changes in neuronal circuits. Her laboratory combines: o Behavioral paradigms in validated animal models o EEG recording and cortical wave analysis o Assessment of synaptic plasticity mechanisms including long-term potentiation (LTP) o Neurotransmitter profiling and oxidative stress biomarkers o Analysis of molecular markers A major research direction in her laboratory is the evaluation of plant-derived bioactive compounds and monoterpenoids as potential neuroprotective and anxiolytic agents. By integrating behavioral outcomes with electrophysiological and molecular readouts, her work aims to identify mechanism-based therapeutic strategies for stress-related and neurodegenerative disorders. Her long-term objective is to bridge molecular neuroscience with translational applications, contributing to the development of innovative treatments that restore synaptic function and improve brain health.

BRIEF CV OF PROF. ATTA-UR-RAHMAN, FRS Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman obtained his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from King’s College, University of Cambridge (1968). He has over 1,616 international publications, including 875 research papers, 92 international patents, 70 book chapters and 399 books (11 authored, 388 edited), with an h-index of 84 and 44,983 citations. He was elected Fellow of the Royal Society (London) (2006), received the UNESCO Science Prize (1999), TWAS Prize for Institution Building (2009), China’s International Science & Technology Cooperation Award (2020), and is Foreign Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Fellow of KAST. He is also an Honorary Life Fellow of King’s College Cambridge and recipient of four major Pakistani civil awards, including Nishan-i-Imtiaz.

Shabana Usman Simjee is a Professor of Pharmacology and an established neuroscientist at the H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi. She has been associated with ICCBS since 2004 and holds a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Manchester, UK, following postgraduate training in biochemistry and health sciences. Her research focuses on neuropharmacology, neuroregeneration, neurogenesis, and neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, stroke, and CNS tumors. She has extensive experience in multidisciplinary research, international collaborations, postgraduate supervision, scientific publications, patents, and academic leadership.

Dr. Maha Shahid is a neuropharmacologist currently working as an Assistant Professor (IPFP Fellow) at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi. With over nine years of experience in neuroscience research and teaching, she is passionate about understanding the brain and its ability to adapt, recover, and repair following disease or injury. Her research interests span ischemic stroke, epilepsy, neuro-regeneration, and neurodegenerative disorders, using experimental models to explore new therapeutic possibilities. Her work has contributed to peer-reviewed publications and a filed patent, reflecting her commitment to translating neuroscience discoveries into innovative solutions with real-world potential.

Muhammad Nadeem ul Haque is a Ph.D. chemist with over two years of experience as a Research Officer at IAC, ICCBS. His work primarily focuses on pharmaceutical formulation development, particularly nanoemulsion-based drug formulations, hydrogel development, and chemical analysis. He has hands-on experience with HPLC, FTIR/ATR-FTIR, NMR, and mass spectrometry, along with research project development, spectral interpretation, unknown compound identification, and scientific writing. He applies his practical chemistry expertise to address research and product development challenges.

My research focuses on discovering and developing novel bioactive compounds, antimicrobial peptides, and peptide-based therapeutics for infectious and non-infectious diseases. Our research evaluates natural products, synthetic compounds, and nanoformulations for their antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. Particular emphasis is placed on antimicrobial resistance, biofilm-associated infections, and the molecular mechanisms underlying therapeutic activity. We employ a combination of in vitro and in vivo models to investigate efficacy, toxicity, pharmacological activity, and mechanisms of action. Our research also explores drug repurposing and combination therapy to develop novel therapeutic strategies against challenging diseases.