The Faculty of Pharmacy at MU - Pleven celebrates 10 years since its establishment with an anniversary conference that will bring together leading scientists and practitioners. Among the highlights are the development of new biologically active substances, the first Bulgarian platform for clinical solutions and the introduction of a virtual patient in the training of future pharmacists. This was commented by Prof. Dr. Hristina Lebanova, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at MU - Pleven, in the program “Business Start“ by "Bloomberg".
The scientific and practical conference will be held between March 27 and 29 and will present all the main achievements of the faculty for the last 10 years and the latest developments, some of which are already in the process of patenting.
„Some of them have patent applications filed, including new biologically active substances, the first Bulgarian platform for supporting clinical decision-making, our first virtual patient, which we will introduce into our training in the fall.“
Innovations with potential for new drugs
Prof. Lebanova stated that the faculty's chemistry team is working on the synthesis of new substances with potential antidiabetic activity, some of which show therapeutic potential and therefore have filed patent applications.
„We are currently at the preclinical testing stage and the results are encouraging, but the development from here on will show the real potential.“
Virtual patient to help students
The guest described the patient as a platform through which students will be able to learn in a realistic environment.
„Students will communicate with him, with the goal of learning to ask the right questions, recognize drug-related problems and improve their communication skills. The ultimate goal is to increase the rational use of medicines.“
The Clinical Solutions Platform
It was developed under a project funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan and is aimed at medical professionals and supports the rational prescription of medicines. “The most innovative element is that it can suggest dose adjustments according to the patient's kidney function. This is extremely important, since such changes often remain undiagnosed“, said the interviewee.
Changes in pharmacy curricula
“The biggest challenge at the moment is the upcoming change in the uniform state requirements, which will come into force in September 2026“, said Hristina Lebanova. Nine new compulsory subjects will be introduced, which are more clinically oriented as a result of the transposition of a European directive.
“They reflect the changing role of the master pharmacist at the European and global level. There is increasing talk of expanding pharmaceutical services, especially in pharmacies. When students acquire this knowledge during their studies, this will allow this role to develop in Bulgaria as well.“