Annual Department Report
Academic Year 2013-2014
Department of Pharmacy
Faculty of Medicine and Surgery
Year Overview
Courses
The department accepted applications for courses leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Science
(Hons) in Pharmaceutical Technology, Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science, Master
of Pharmacy, Master of Pharmacy (part-time) and Master of Science in Pharmacy.
In October 2013, 29 students completed the course leading to a Master of Pharmacy degree. The
external examiner was Professor Alan Lau from the College of Pharmacy of the University of Illinois
at Chicago, USA. In November 2013, 6 students graduated with a Master of Science in Pharmacy
degree, 54 students with a Master of Pharmacy Degree, and 34 students with a Bachelor of Science
(Hons) Pharmaceutical Sciences degree.
International activities
Dr Mike Maddux, Executive Director of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy visited the
Department of Pharmacy to discuss research projects in clinical pharmacy and pharmacy practice
and learn about experiences in pharmacy practice teaching at the Department. The Department
participated in the Discover University activities in November 2013 by presenting aspects of
pharmacy related to pharmaceutical analysis, compounding of medicines and history of pharmacy.
Twenty-five pharmacy students (fourth year BSc (Hons) Pharm Sci) participated in exchange
programmes at different European schools of pharmacy. The Department hosted 15students from a
number of pharmacy schools in Europe on the Erasmus mobility programme and one student on the
International programme from the University of Florida. During their stay, these students either
followed modules offered within the pharmacy curriculum, or participated in research projects or
undertook an internship.
World Pharmacist Day 2013
The Department of Pharmacy of the University of Malta (UOM), in collaboration with the Malta
Pharmaceutical Students Association (MPSA) and the Malta Pharmaceutical Association (MPhA),
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celebrated World Pharmacists Day, with the support of Actavis. World Pharmacists Day is coordinated by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) and the theme selected for this year
is ‘Pharmacists - simplifying your medicines use, no matter how complex’.
Activities were organised during the week 23 to 27 September, in various localities, including
Birkirkara, Birgu, Sliema, Valletta and Zejtun, to reach out to the general public on the importance of
pharmacists as accessible, trusted and valued healthcare professionals, who help in achieving better
health outcomes, improving patient safety and overall quality of life.
Pharmacists are providing professional services in different sectors of pharmacy from the
development and manufacture of medicines, to ensuring patient safety during distribution and use
of medicines. By commemorating World Pharmacists Day, pharmacists are highlighting the focus of
their activities for patients and consumers. An information leaflet, outlining the various roles of the
pharmacist was disseminated amongst the general public by pharmacy students.
Through this activity, pharmacy students, pharmacists and the Department of Pharmacy of the
University, reached out to the public to emphasise the professional services of pharmacists in
ensuring safe use of medicines. A self-administered questionnaire was
distributed to obtain
feedback from the public with regard to services which they wish pharmacists to provide. Having
pharmacy students actively participating in this event is very encouraging since these future
pharmacists are already being exposed to essential contact with patients and consumers.
A press conference to launch the activities was held on 23 September at the University of Malta
Valletta Campus. Speakers who addressed the conference were: The Hon. Dr Godfrey Farrugia,
Minister for Health; Professor Juanito Camilleri, Rector of the University of Malta; Professor Lilian M.
Azzopardi, Head of the Department of Pharmacy at the University of Malta; Ms Althea Xuereb,
MPSA, and Ms Janis Vella, MPhA.
Development of new Post-graduate Professional Doctorate
In March 2014, the new post-graduate programme leading to a professional doctorate in pharmacy
(PharmD) was launched. The programme is offered by the Department of Pharmacy of the
University of Malta, Malta which enjoys a strong international excellence in pharmacy education in
collaboration with the College of Pharmacy at the University of Illinois in Chicago which ranks among
the top colleges of pharmacy in the US. The course is starting in October 2014 and is intended to
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attract European and International pharmacists who would like to develop advanced skills in
pharmacy activities and take up research skills to a doctorate level.
This PharmD course which is being launched is unique in that it combines the development and
application of advanced clinical pharmacy skills from a wide perspective with contextual research. All
study-units are delivered jointly by the University of Malta and the UIC College of Pharmacy. The
taught programme covers aspects of pharmacotherapeutics, drug information and statistics,
pharmacoeconomics and drug use policies and technology assessments, health systems in Europe
and the USA, pharmacovigilance and clinical trials. The course is targeted at pharmacists who would
like to advance their careers by enhancing professional practice with a research perspective. It offers
a professional doctorate and is suitable for pharmacists working in hospitals, primary-care or
community pharmacy and pharmacy administration and regulatory settings. The course will
empower pharmacists to assume leadership roles that will drive policies and developments in
pharmacy processes that draw on scientific, evidence-based and innovative research.
The Pharm D course is spread over three years of study and spanning a total of 6 semesters. The
first year of study is mainly composed of taught units with the second and third years being based
primarily on research and clinical experience. The programme is delivered using a blended learning
model that includes lectures, distance learning and practice-based learning. Candidates who
complete successfully 90 ECTS are awarded a Master in Advanced Clinical Pharmacy if they do not
wish to proceed further.
The PharmD course presents a unique opportunity for pharmacists in all areas to acquire a doctorate
degree reflecting present and future international developments in pharmacy education, practice
and research.
List of recent publications
a) Books
Camilleri A, Serracino-Inglott A, Azzopardi LM. Pressure Sores - Epidemiology and Cost of Treatment
in a Geriatric Setting. Germany: LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing. 2014.
b) Department’s Journal
The 2014 issue of the Department’s Journal, Journal of Euromed Pharmacy (JEMP) was
published in March 2014. The journal carries research papers from post-graduate students.
(link http://www.um.edu.mt/ms/pharmacy/research/jemp).
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c) Publications in refereed journals
Agius Decelis D, Zarb Adami M, Galea J, Attard Pizzuto M, Serracino-Inglott A, Azzopardi LM.
Pharmacist Intervention in Pain Management following Heart Surgery. European Journal of Hospital
Pharmacy. 2014 accepted for publication.
Brincat A, Azzopardi LM, Zarb Adami M, Serracino-Inglott A. Development and evaluation of a Drug
Information Bulletin. JPHSR 2014; 5(2): 81–88.
Captur C, Azzopardi LM, Serracino-Inglott A. Health-related quality of life and hormone replacement
therapy. Hospital Pharmacy Europe 2013; 70.
Galea S, Zarb Adami M, Serracino-Inglott A, Azzopardi LM. Pharmacist interventions in nonprescription medicine use. Journal of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research 2013; 5: 55-59.
Grech L, Coleiro B, Borg A, Serracino-Inglott A, Azzopardi LM. Evaluation of the Impact of A
Pharmaceutical Care Service Offered to Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Within an Ambulatory Setting.
American Journal of Pharmacy and Health Research 2013; 1(7): 2321–3647.
Magro L, Shoemake C, Serracino-Inglott A, Azzopardi LM. Chemical enhancement of fingerprints on
various porous and non-porous surfaces. Indican Jouranl of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 2014
accepted for publication.
Mamo M, Wirth F, Azzopardi LM, Serracino-Inglott A. Standardising pharmacist patient-profiling
activities in a rehabilitation hospital in Malta. Eur J Hosp Pharm 2014; 21:49-53.
Mifsud E, Azzopardi LM, Serracino-Inglott A. Proposing a framework for INR testing and
anticoagulation management in community pharmacies. Point of Care: The Journal of Near-Patient
Testing and Technology 2014 accepted for publication.
Mifsud M, Vella J, Ferrito V, Serracino-Inglott A, Azzopardi LM, Sammut Bartolo N, LaFerla G,
Sammut C. A simple HPLC-UV method for the determination of clindamycin in human plasma.
Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research, 2014, 6(1): 696-704.
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Pace Bardon C, Shoemake C, Azzopardi LM, Serracino-Inglott A. Investigating the Anti-Oestrogenic
Effect of p-Synephrine and de novo design of Oestrogen Receptor Modulating Molecules. BioMirror
2013; Volume 4(8): 5-12.
Portelli S, Shoemake C, Azzopardi LM. In Silico Identification Of A Potentially Novel Binding Modality
For 1,3-Dicarbonyl Compounds Having 2(3H)-Benzazolonic Heterocycles Within The PPARγ Ligand
Binding Pocket: A De Novo Design Study. BioMirror 2014; 5(1): 1-7.
Said C, Coleiro B, Zarb-Adami M, Azzopardi LM, Serracino-Inglott A. Cost Effectiveness of TNF-α
Inhibitors in Rheumatoid Arthritis. International Journal of Inflammation 2013.
Zammit M, Shoemake C, Attard E, Azzopardi LM. The Effects of Anabasine and the Alkaloid Extract of
Nicotiana glauca on Lepidopterous Larvae. International Journal of Biology 2014; 6(3): 47-53.
d) Publications in refereed conference proceedings
Agius Decelis D, Zarb Adami M, Galea J, Serracino-Inglott A, Azzopardi LM. Pharmacist intervention
in pain management following heart surgery. Abstract Book. European Society of Clinical Pharmacy
Annual Conference, Prague, October 2013.
Attard Pizzuto M, Serracino-Inglott A, Azzopardi LM. Risks in pharmacist prescribing guidelines.
Abstract Book. Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe, Malta, March 2014.
Azzopardi LM, Lau A, Serracino-Inglott A. Development of a professional doctorate in pharmacy.
Abstract Book. European Association of Faculties of Pharmacy Annual Meeting, Ljubljana, May 2014.
Cuschieri K, Grech L, Aquilina D, Coleiro B, Borg A, Serracino Inglott A, Azzopardi LM. Assessing the
awareness of rheumatoid arthritis patients on the occurrence of adverse drug reactions caused by
methotrexate. Abstract Book. British Society of Rheumatology Conference, Liverpool April 2014.
Farrugia N, Serracino-Inglott A, Azzopardi LM. Feasibility of a laboratory setup for bioavailability and
bioequivalence studies. Abstract Book. World Meeting on Pharmaceutics, Biopharmaceutics and
Pharmaceutical Technology, Lisbon, March 2014.
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Grech L, Coleiro B, Borg A.A, Serracino Inglott A, Azzopardi LM, Ferrito V. Development and
validation of medication assessment tools specific for rheumatoid arthritis. Abstract Book. American
College of Rheumatology, San Diego, October 2013.
Grech L, Coleiro B, Borg AA, Serracino-Inglott A, Azzopardi LM. Identification of pharmaceutical care
needs for rheumatoid arthritis patients on methotrexate. Abstract Book. Pharmaceutical Care
Network Europe, Malta, March 2014.
Grech L, Coleiro B, Borg AA, Serracino-Inglott A, Ferrito V, Azzopardi LM. Development and
validation of medication assessment tools specific for rheumatoid arthritis. Abstract Book.
Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe, Malta, March 2014.
Grixti D, Vella J, Fearne J, Grech L, Attard-Pizzuto M, Serracino-Inglott A. Development of shared
care guidelines in rheumatology. Abstract Book. Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe, Malta,
March 2014.
Gypens J, Wirth F, Azzopardi LM, Fava S, Steurbaut S. Compliance to antihypertensive and
antidiabetic medications. Abstract Book. European Society of Clinical Pharmacy Annual Conference,
Prague, October 2013.
Gypens J, Wirth F, Azzopardi LM, Fava S, Steurbaut S. Pharmacological management of hypertension
in diabetic patients. Abstract Book. European Society of Clinical Pharmacy Annual Conference,
Prague, October 2013.
Mifsud M, Azzopardi LM, Serracino-Inglott A. Proposing a framework for INR testing and
anticoagulation management in community pharmacies. Abstract Book. European Society of
Clinical Pharmacy Annual Conference, Prague, October 2013.
Sammut Bartolo N, Vella J, Serracino-Inglott A, Azzopardi LM. Evaluation of new pharmaceutical
compounding practicals. Abstract Book. European Association of Faculties of Pharmacy Annual
Meeting, Ljubljana, May 2014.
Sammut Bartolo N, Vella J, Serracino-Inglott A, Ferrito V, Azzopardi LM. A qualitative and
quantitative method for difluprednate using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Abstract
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Book. World Meeting on Pharmaceutics, Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Lisbon,
March 2014.
Sammut Bartolo N, Serracino-Inglott A, Azzopardi LM. Coating of sugar spheres for the production
of slow release oral dosage forms. Abstract Book. World Meeting on Pharmaceutics,
Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Lisbon, March 2014.
Vella J, Sammut Bartolo N, Serracino-Inglott A, Azzopardi LM. Evaluation of practical sessions for the
pharmaceutical technology course. Abstract Book. European Association of Faculties of Pharmacy
Annual Meeting, Ljubljana, May 2014.
Vella J, Busuttil F, Sammut Bartolo N, Ferrito V, Serracino-Inglott A, Azzopardi LM, LaFerla G.
Method development for the quantification of ciprofloxacin in human plasma. Abstract Book.
World Meeting on Pharmaceutics, Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Lisbon, March
2014.
Vella J, Busuttil F, Sammut Bartolo N, Ferrito V, Serracino-Inglott A, Azzopardi LM, , LaFerla G.
Method development for the quantification of clindamycin in human plasma. Abstract Book. World
Meeting on Pharmaceutics, Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Lisbon, March 2014.
Vella J, Busuttil F, Sammut Bartolo N, Ferrito V, Serracino-Inglott A, Azzopardi LM, LaFerla G.
Improving sample preparation for the analysis of Ciprofloxacin in human plasma, accepted for
publication Abstract Book, APS PharmSci 2014, UK, September 2014.
Vella J, Wodka M, Sammut Bartolo N, Ferrito V, Serracino-Inglott A, Azzopardi LM, LaFerla G. Sample
preparation for the analysis of clindamycin in tissue, accepted for publication Abstract Book, APS
PharmSci 2014, UK, September 2014
Vella J, Grech L, Coleiro B, Serracino Inglott A. Azzopardi LM. Compiling and evaluating evidence
based algorithms for the monitoring of rheumatoid arthritis patients on disease modifying
antirheumatic drugs and biologic agents. EULAR, Paris June 2014.
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e) Presentations
Agius Decelis D, Zarb Adami M, Galea J, Serracino-Inglott A, Azzopardi LM. Pharmacist intervention
in pain management following heart surgery. Oral presentation. European Society of Clinical
Pharmacy Annual Conference, Prague, October 2013.
Anastasi A, Grech L. The pharmacist at the centre of multidisciplinary team: improving the quality of
life of patients. Workshop, European Pharmaceutical Students Association Annual Congress,
Budapest, May 2014.
Attard Pizzuto M, Serracino-Inglott A, Azzopardi LM. Risk in pharmacist prescribing. American
College of Clinical Pharmacy, virtual poster presentation, May 2014.
Azzopardi LM. Pharmacy education supporting pharmaceutical healthcare delivery settings. Plenary
presentation, European Association of Faculties of Pharmacy Annual Conference, Ljubljana, May
2014.
Grech L. The clinical pharmacist within an interdisciplinary team. Plenary presentation, European
Pharmaceutical Students Association Annual Congress, Budapest, May 2014.
Grech L.
Focus on rheumatoid arthritis – educational seminar for continuing professional
development, Department of Pharmacy, University of Malta, November 2013
Grech L. Pharmaceutical care issues within a multidisciplinary team. The Multidisciplinary approach
to health care conference, Malta, November, 2013
Grech L. Rheumatology educational seminar, Gozo General Hospital, January 2014
Grech L. What patients need to know? Malta Osteoporosis Society. February 2014
Grech L. Rheumatology Drugs Primary Healthcare Seminar, Malta, March 2014
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Gypens J, Wirth F, Azzopardi LM, Fava S, Steurbaut S. Compliance to antihypertensive and
antidiabetic medications. Oral presentation. European Society of Clinical Pharmacy Annual
Conference, Prague, October 2013.
Mason G, Wirth F, Azzopardi LM, Xuereb R, Cignarella A. Antiplatelet and anticoagulation treatment
for Non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes. Oral presentation. Maltese Cardiac Society
Conference, October 2013.
Mifsud M, Azzopardi LM, Serracino-Inglott A. Proposing a framework for INR testing and
anticoagulation management in community pharmacies. Oral presentation. European Society of
Clinical Pharmacy Annual Conference, Prague, October 2013.
2. Conferences/seminars/meetings
a) The Annual Pharmacy Symposium was organized by the Department of Pharmacy this year
between the 4 and 8 March at the Aula Magna, Valletta Campus. During the symposium students
in their final year of the course leading to a degree in Master of Science in Pharmacy and the
Master of Pharmacy presented their dissertations The first group of students completing their
studies in the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Technology presented their projects.
Second, third and fourth year students presented their work-in-progress project. The symposium
was an opportunity for students at the department of pharmacy, staff and collaborators of the
department of pharmacy to meet, network and discuss research programmes.
b) Conferences where members of staff participated:
 European Society of Clinical Pharmacy Annual Conference, Prague, October 2013
 The Multidisciplinary approach to health care conference., Malta, November 2013
 Heads of Medicines Agency Meeting, Athens, February 2014
 Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe Conference, Malta, March 2014
 European Association of Hospital Pharmacists Annual Conference, Barcelona, March 2014
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 World Meeting on Pharmaceutics, Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology,
Lisbon, March 2014.
 Introduction to Surfactants seminar, Institute of Chemical Engineers, London, March 2014
 37th Annual Epsa Congress, Budapest, April 2014
 British Society for Rheumatology annual Conference, Liverpool, April 2014
 2014 European Association of Faculties of Pharmacy Annual Conference, Ljubljana, May
2014
 Institute of Food Science and Technology Jubilee Conference, London, May 2014
 EULAR, European League against rheumatism Annual Conference, Paris, June 2014
 Heads of Medicines Agency Meeting, Rome, July 2014
c) Other international activities
Professor Lilian M. Azzopardi was elected President of the European Association of Faculties of
Pharmacy during the 2014 Annual Meeting of the Association in Ljubljana in May.
d) Seminar on Clinical Pharmacy organised for University of Florida off-site experiential programme
The Department of Pharmacy at the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery of the University of Malta,
on the occasion of an educational visit from students of the College of Pharmacy at the
University of Florida organised an International Seminar in Clinical Pharmacy. Ten students
reading for a PharmD degree, led by Professor Jennifer Williams started their visit to European
schools of pharmacy by visiting Malta.
The event took place between the 8 and 9 of May where a number of different topics were
presented and discussed in a transcultural exchange of professional ideas. During the opening
session, Professor Lilian M. Azzopardi, Head of Department of Pharmacy at the University of
Malta and President for the European Association of Faculties of Pharmacy presented an
introduction into developments in pharmacy education in Europe.
The seminar consisted of a number of workshops which included sessions at Karin Grech
Rehabilitation Hospital and patient interviews and discussions on aspects of clinical pharmacy
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education and clinical pharmacy service provision in Malta, in the USA and internationally.
Research studies in the area of clinical pharmacy which are currently being undertaken within
the Department of Pharmacy were presented by pharmacy students and postgraduate
students. Some of the topics presented were: Patient Management and Treatment in
Rheumatology, Risk Management in Pharmacy, Patient Management in Cardiovascular diseases.
The variety of topics presented the students from both Universities with an opportunity to
discuss the latest and most upcoming aspects of clinical pharmacy. Professor Serracino Inglott
presented developments in pharmacy education and research in Malta including an insight into
historical aspects related to local pharmacy practice. An international pharmacy students
evening was organised by the Malta Pharmaceutical Students Association and this provided the
opportunity for the students from Florida, pharmacy students from European Universities who
are currently in Malta on an Erasmus mobility and pharmacy students and faculty from the
University of Malta to interact in an informal setting.
The Seminar provided an opportunity for the students from Florida to experience clinical
pharmacy developments in Malta and to understand our cultural and historical roots. It was an
opportunity for students from the University of Malta to share their experiences and discuss
aspects related to the progress of clinical pharmacy, such as the development of an
international curriculum for clinical pharmacy, within an international perspective.
e) Maltese Pharmacy Graduate Awarded EAHP-EPSA Best Research Paper award
During the 19th Congress of the European Association of Hospital Pharmacists (EAHP) held in
March 2014 in Barcelona, Danika Agius Decelis an MPharm 2013 graduate, was presented with
the EAHP-EPSA Best Research paper award for the research paper submitted on the
intervention of the pharmacist together with the other members of the healthcare team in the
management of pain following heart surgery. The paper draws on the research study
undertaken by Ms Agius Decelis as part of her Master of Pharmacy degree. In this study it was
shown that the pharmacist’s intervention to advise the patients on the use of analgesics and the
preparation of medication charts to help patients to follow the intake of the analgesics as
prescribed, resulted in a better pain management for the patients. The study was carried out
under the supervision of Dr Maurice Zarb Adami from the Department of Pharmacy in
collaboration with Mr Joseph Galea from the Department of Surgery at the University of Malta.
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4. Collaboration with third parties
a) Establishment of collaboration for student placements and/or joint research programmes.
Clinical and Hospital Pharmacy:
Mater Dei Hospital clinical departments and
department of pharmacy.
Karin Grech Rehabilitation Hospital, Pharmacy
department
Sir Paul Boffa Oncology Hospital
Gozo General Hospital
Mount Carmel Hospital
Government authorities:
Government Pharmaceutical Services
POYC
Community pharmacy:
Private community pharmacies
Pharmaceutical Industry:
Starpharma, Actavis, Aurobindo, Poligas, Arrow
Pharm Ltd.
Regulatory Affairs:
Associated Drugs, Freedor, JV Pharma
Others:
Malta
Pharmaceutical
Association,
Malta
Chamber of Commerce
Erasmus collaborations:
Student-staff mobility with several schools of
pharmacy in Italy, France, Spain, Germany,
Brussels, Poland, United Kingdom
International collaboration
School of Pharmacy, University of Illinois,
Chicago, USA
School of Pharmacy, University of Bari, Bari,
Italy
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b) Actavis Collaborative Agreement
On the 29 September 2011, a collaborative agreement was signed by the Rector of the the
University of Malta, Professor Juanito Camilleri between the Department and Actavis Ltd. The
three year Agreement covers support towards the teaching and research programmes of the
Department of Pharmacy. Through this agreement, Actavis Ltd. is co-ordinating the design and
printing of the Department’s journal, the Journal of Euromed Pharmacy (JEMP) that carries
research papers from post-graduate students. The Journal of Euromed Pharmacy is published
jointly with the Malta Pharmaceutical Association. The 2014 Actavis Award for the student with
the best presentation was presented to Rodianne Conti during the Annual Pharmacy
Symposium.
c) Sterling, Malta Research Lab
Sterling Malta have signed a collaborative agreement with the Department of Pharmacy and are
supporting a pharmaceutical chemistry research lab. This has led to the installation of state-ofthe art equipment used in pharmaceutical research. Sterling Malta and the Department of
Pharmacy are collaborating on research projects in the development of processes for innovative
processes in the manufacture of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients.
5. PhD students at the department
Alison Anastasi
Maresca Attard-Pizzuto
Pharmaceutical care models in heart failure
Innovative tools to investigate risk in pharmaceutical processes
Marise Gauci
Quality assurance of prescribing in the elderly population
Louise Grech
Pharmaceutical care models in patients with rheumatological
conditions
Claire Ellul
Individualisation of standard static model based de novo rational
drug design techniques
Nicolette Sammut-Bartolo
Synthesis of steroids
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Janis Vella
Dissemination of antibacterial agents in the peripheries
Francesca Wirth
Pharmacogenetic implications in clopidogrel therapy: A pharmacistled management approach
Professor Lilian M. Azzopardi
Head, Department of Pharmacy
30 September 2014
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