The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Ongoing Seminar Series
Lakshmi Putcha, Ph.D., FCP
Chief Pharmacologist/Technical Manager
SK/NASA Johnson Space Center
will present a seminar entitled
“Pharmacotherapeutic Consequences of Space Flight”
Monday, April 28, 2014 @ 4:00PM
College of Pharmacy Bldg., Room 102
Abstract
The goal of pharmacotherapeutics research at the Johnson Space Center is to provide safe and effective diagnostic and pharmacological intervention products, procedures and strategies in support of successful space medical operations. To achieve this overall goal, research and technology development(R & D) objectives conceived are to: 1) Identify physiologic, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes in space; 2) Develop safe and effective non-invasive sustained-release dosage forms and regimens for pharmacological interventions in space, and; 3) Create and maintain a comprehensive space pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and therapeutic database. An integral part of research focuses on the development of therapeutic drug monitoring and chronic drug delivery technologies that can meet the challenges of remote treatment needs for the Space Station and exploration-class missions, e.g., International Space Station, asteroids and Mars. Concurrent with noninvasive pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic methods development and assessment, design and development of alternatives to enteral dosage forms are also pursued. Data currently available suggest that space flight affects absorption of orally administered medications and stability of drug formulations. These findings support the need for the development of novel drug delivery systems for acute and chronic treatment in space. In conclusion, optimization of therapeutics for space exploration requires R & D of enabling technologies and methods for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic ailments encountered by astronauts while in space and upon return to Earth.
Bio
Dr. Lakshmi Putcha is the Chief Pharmacologist and Technical Manager of Pharmacotherapeutics Laboratories at NASA Johnson Space Center. She holds two Master of Science degrees and a Ph.D. in Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacokinetics from the University of Houston. Dr. Putcha started her career at JSC as a Research Associate of the National Research Council and is currently the only clinical pharmacologist at NASA that directs and conducts R & D for optimizing pharmacotherapeutics in space. She is a recipient of numerous honors and awards at NASA including the Special Space Flight Achievement Award, Certificate of Commendation and Space Act Award. Dr. Putcha is a Fellow of the American College of Clinical Pharmacology and plays an active role in local professional organizations like Biohouston, Rice Alliance and Houston Technology Center. She holds adjunct faculty positions at the University of Houston, University of Texas Medical Branch, Texas Southern University, and University of Florida. With an extensive publication record to her credit, Dr. Putcha is considered a pioneer and expert