Chair of Drug Exploration and Development

The Chair of Drug Exploration and Development is one of the medical research chairs at King Saud University (KSU) in Riyadh City, the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established in 2009, it focuses on conducting scientific research in various fields of pharmaceutical chemistry, keeping pace with scientific advancements, economic innovations, and local market needs related to drugs. The chair works to advance scientific research levels in the field, develop drug synthesis and analysis, and contribute to the advancement of pharmaceutical sciences in Saudi Arabia. It also aims to provide practical solutions for pharmaceutical industry challenges and support the regulatory drug authority in verifying the arrival of raw pharmaceutical materials vitally and purely meeting international standards.

The Chair of Drug Exploration and Development aims to enrich scientific research through advanced pharmaceutical chemistry technologies, develop research in the field, and foster a culture of development and innovation to support collaboration with the public and private sectors. It seeks to strengthen partnerships between KSU and local entities involved in pharmaceutical research, and community institutions such as pharmaceutical manufacturers. Additionally, it focuses on qualifying local talents in pharmaceutical sciences, contributing to the local drug industry advancement, and positioning Saudi Arabia at the forefront of global research, development, creativity, and innovation.

The chair has published numerous research papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals, including studies on organic and peptide compound synthesis that underwent biological screening such as anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial, and enzyme-inhibiting properties, showing positive efficacy. Additionally, transitional metal complexes were synthesized for biological testing to evaluate the impact of metal ions in their nanometric form on catalytic agents such as antioxidants. Several of these research efforts have resulted in patents, with the chair securing more than fifteen international patents in its areas of specialization.