Pharmaceutical Students' Association

As we commemorate the sacred occasion of Vesak, we honor the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Lord Buddha. This blessed day reminds us of the enduring values of compassion, wisdom, kindness, and peace, inspiring us to live with mindfulness and understanding in our daily lives.

May the light of Vesak guide us to extend kindness to others, strengthen harmony within our communities, and work together for a more peaceful and compassionate society. 🏮

Wishing everyone a blessed and meaningful Vesak!!🪔✨

Pharmaceutical Students' Association
University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Hajj Mubarak 🕋

Wishing you a sacred journey filled with peace, blessings, and acceptance. May your Hajj be spiritually rewarding and your prayers be answered.

Pharmaceutical Students’ Association
University of Sri Jayewardenepura

𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀 : 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 :

Biologics and biosimilars represent a major advancement in modern pharmacy, offering new treatment options for complex and chronic diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and diabetes. Unlike conventional small-molecule drugs, these medicines are derived from living systems and are designed to act on specific biological targets.

As disease complexity increases, there is a growing need for highly specific, effective, and safer therapies—making biologics and biosimilars essential in today’s healthcare system.

🔬 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐬 (𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬)

Biologics are complex medicines produced using living organisms such as bacteria, yeast, or mammalian cells.

🧪 They include:

Monoclonal antibodies

Vaccines

Hormones (e.g., insulin)

Growth factors

🧬 These drugs act by targeting specific pathways in the body, improving treatment precision.
🦠 Widely used in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease.

📌 Example: Monoclonal antibodies used in cancer therapy to target tumor cells.

🔁 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬 (𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐒𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐀𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬)

Biosimilars are highly similar versions of already approved biologics (reference products).

🧪 They are developed after the patent expiry of the original biologic.
🧬 Must demonstrate comparable safety, efficacy, and quality through strict regulatory evaluation.
💊 Offer a more affordable treatment option.

📌 Important Note: Biosimilars are not identical to biologics due to the complexity of biological production.

⚖️ 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬 :

🔹 Biologics:
• Original, innovative products
• Developed through extensive research
• High cost

🔹 Biosimilars:
• Highly similar to reference biologics
• Lower development cost
• More affordable and accessible

📌 Unlike generic drugs, biosimilars cannot be exact copies because biologics are large, complex molecules.

💊 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 :

Biologics and biosimilars play a crucial role in improving patient care.

👩‍⚕️ Pharmacists are responsible for:
• Ensuring proper storage (cold chain maintenance)
• Educating patients on administration (injections/infusions)
• Monitoring therapeutic outcomes and adverse effects

💡 Biosimilars improve accessibility by reducing treatment costs, supporting better healthcare coverage.

🔮 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 :

The future of biologics and biosimilars is highly promising:

• Increased availability of cost-effective biosimilars
• Advances in biotechnology and manufacturing
• Improved regulatory pathways
• Greater role in precision and personalized medicine

📍𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 :

Biologics and biosimilars are transforming modern therapeutics by providing targeted and effective treatments for complex diseases. While biologics offer innovative solutions, biosimilars ensure affordability and accessibility. Together, they play a vital role in the future of pharmacy and global healthcare.

📚 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 :

• World Health Organization (WHO) – Biosimilars: expanding access to essential biologic therapies ( https://www.who.int/news/item/13-02-2025-biosimilars--expanding-access-to-essential-biologic-therapies)
• Biologics and Biosimilars: Advancements, Challenges, and Therapeutic Applications (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380928870_Biologics_and_Biosimilars_Advancements_Challenges_and_Therapeutic_Applications)

Content and Design by : Hirushi Chamodya

World Malaria Day (WMD)

✨What is World Malaria Day?

World Malaria Day is observed on 25th of April every year. It is an initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about malaria and strengthen global efforts to eliminate this disease.

✨Why is World Malaria Day Observed?

To highlight the global burden of malaria and to encourage collective action.

It aims to :
📍Promote awareness about malaria prevention and treatment
📍Encourage early diagnosis and proper healthcare
📍Support international efforts to reduce and eliminate malaria

✨What is Malaria?

It is a life threatening infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.🦟 According to the WHO, it is both preventable and curable, yet it remains a major global health concern.

✨Symptoms of Malaria

Malaria often begins with flu like symptoms, which can become severe if untreated. Early diagnosis is critical, as severe malaria can become life threatening within a short time.

Common symptoms :
▶️Fever 🤒

▶️Chills

▶️Headache

In more serious cases :
▶️Difficulty in breathing

▶️Confusion

▶️Seizures

▶️Severe Weakness


✨How can Malaria be prevented?

By following these steps, the risk of infection can be significantly reduced.

🔸Using insecticide treated mosquito nets
🔸Applying mosquito repellents
🔸Wearing protective clothing, especially in night
🔸Eliminating stagnant water where mosquitoes breed
🔸Seeking early medical care when symptoms appear.

✨️How to treat Malaria?

The most used treatment today is artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). This involves a combination of medicines that work together to kill the malaria parasites in the blood. In addition to ACT, the choice of treatment may vary depending on:

🔻The type of Plasmodium parasite involved
🔻The severity of disease
🔻The patient’s age and overall health

✨️Malaria in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka was declared malaria free in 2016. But it does not mean zero risk. This is because imported cases and the presence of mosquito vectors can still lead to occasional transmission, particularly in rural areas and among individuals with high outdoor exposure.

Malaria is preventable and treatable, yet it continues to impact millions of lives. World Malaria Day reminds us that with knowledge, responsibility, and collective effort, a malaria free world is possible.

References;

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Malaria_Day

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria

https://runwayhealth.com/malaria-in-sri-lanka-risk-areas-pills-and-prevention/

Graphic and Written by :
K. Kathampary

ලබන්නා වූ සිංහල දමිළ අලුත් අවුරුද්ද
ඔබ සැමට සතුට, සෞභාග්‍යය සපිරෙන
සුබ අලුත් අවුරුද්දක් වේවා!

இனிய சிங்கள - தமிழ் புத்தாண்டு நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள்!

Happy Sinhala and Tamil New Year !
May this New Year bring joy, prosperity, good health, and success

Pharmaceutical Students’ Association
University of Sri Jayewardenepura

#2026

Good Friday ✨

On this Good Friday, we pause to remember the depth of love shown on the cross — a sacrifice that calls us to renewal, grace, and righteousness.

‘He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness.’ — 1 Peter 2:24

May this day inspire us to walk in faith, reflect with humility, and live a life shaped by His sacrifice.

Pharmaceutical Students’ Association
University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Eid Mubarak! ☪️✨

May this sacred occasion be a source of peace, reflection, and renewed hope for our society. Let the values of empathy, generosity, and unity guide us in building stronger and more compassionate communities. Wishing everyone a blessed Eid filled with harmony and joy. 🤍

Pharmaceutical Students' Association
University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Hearts united in service, spreading kindness and humanity throughout our nation.

With immense gratitude, we are pleased to announce that the donation phase of the HANDS OF HOPE project is now officially closed.

We sincerely thank everyone who generously contributed, shared, and supported this humanitarian initiative.
Your kindness and compassion will help us provide essential medical equipment to those in need and bring hope to many lives.

Further updates on the project will be shared with you soon.

For further information:
Dushan - 077 859 5608
Pubudu - 078 193 3779

Pharmaceutical Students' Association
University of Sri Jayewardenepura

HANDS OF HOPE – 1 Day More to Support! 🤝

The Pharmaceutical Students’ Association of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura has launched “Hands of Hope”, a humanitarian initiative to support affected hospitals and patients in need.

Your donation can help provide vital medical equipment and bring hope to those who need it most.

⏳ Only 1 day remaining to donate (until 16.03.2026).

After donating, please upload your payment receipt using the form below for verification:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1rVq1Uj8zQffKmURs2iRa3Dmq8aGyc527MHZVuOSw2cy72Q/viewform?usp=publish-editor

For more information:
Dushan – 077 859 5608
Pubudu – 078 193 3779

Pharmaceutical Students' Association
University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Emerging Drug Delivery Technologies: Smart and Targeted Delivery Systems

Emerging drug delivery technologies represent a transformative approach in modern therapeutics, aiming to overcome the limitations of conventional drug administration methods. Traditional drug delivery systems, such as oral tablets and injections, often fail to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes due to poor bioavailability, non-specific systemic distribution, frequent dosing requirements and adverse side effects. As diseases become increasingly complex such as cancer, neurological disorders, and chronic inflammatory conditions, there is a growing demand for smarter, more precise and patient-friendly drug delivery approaches.

💡 Therefore, innovative drug delivery systems are being developed to improve drug targeting, enhance therapeutic efficacy and minimize toxicity. Global health authorities like the World Health Organization emphasize innovation in drug delivery as a key strategy to improve treatment outcomes and overall public health.

Key Emerging Drug Delivery Technologies (2025)

🔬 1. Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery

Nanotechnology-based systems utilize nanoscale carriers such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and dendrimers to deliver drugs directly to target sites.
🧪 These carriers enhance drug stability, solubility, and bioavailability while reducing toxicity.
🦠 Widely applied in cancer therapy to minimize damage to healthy cells.
📌 Example: Liposomal formulations such as liposomal doxorubicin reduce cardiotoxicity.

🎯 2. Targeted Drug Delivery Systems

Targeted drug delivery systems are designed to deliver drugs specifically to diseased cells using ligands, antibodies, or receptor-based mechanisms.
🧬 This approach improves therapeutic precision and reduces off-target effects.
🦠 Particularly important in oncology and personalized medicine.
📌 Example: Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) that selectively bind to cancer cells.

🧠 3. Stimuli-Responsive (Smart) Systems

Stimuli-responsive systems release drugs in response to specific internal or external triggers, allowing controlled and site-specific drug release.

🔹 Internal Stimuli:
• pH-sensitive systems (e.g., tumor microenvironment)
• Enzyme-responsive systems
• Temperature-sensitive systems
🔹 External Stimuli:
• Magnetic fields
• Ultrasound
• Light
• Electrical signals
📌 Example: Magnetic nanoparticles that release drugs at tumor sites under an external magnetic field.

💉 4. Implantable and Microchip-Based Systems

Implantable drug delivery systems are designed to release drugs at controlled or programmed intervals.

🔌 These systems improve patient compliance and ensure sustained drug release.
🦠 Particularly useful in chronic conditions such as diabetes and hormonal disorders.

🤖 5. AI-Integrated Drug Delivery Systems

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being integrated into drug delivery design and optimization.
🤖 AI helps in:
• Predicting drug release patterns
• Optimizing carrier design

🦠 This supports precision medicine and accelerates pharmaceutical innovation.

📌 Recent Achievements and Innovations

• Development of stimuli-responsive nanoparticles for cancer therapy
• Advancements in nanogel-based systems for controlled drug release
• Growth of mRNA delivery platforms using lipid nanoparticles
• Adoption of nanotechnology-driven delivery systems by pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer, Novartis and AstraZeneca

🔮 Future Perspectives

The future of drug delivery is highly promising, with continuous advancements expected in the following areas:

• Integration of AI for intelligent drug delivery design
• Development of biodegradable and biocompatible nanocarriers
• Expansion of gene and RNA-based targeted therapies
• Progress in nanorobotics and precision medicine technologies

📚 References
• World Health Organization, 2023. Global Report on Antimicrobial Resistance and Innovation in Drug Development. Geneva: WHO
• Key trends and technologies in drug delivery for 2025 and beyond: European Pharmaceutical Review
• Nano based drug delivery systems: recent developments and future prospects: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Written by: Hasandi Jayawardhana
Graphic by: Lalanthi Madhurika