What do you like about Drug Discovery and Safety at VU Amsterdam?
“There are two aspects that I find attractive: the choice between five different specializations that cover all possible aspects involved in drug discovery, and the possibility to tailor the Master to one’s own career plans and interests. In my opinion, this personalized education helps students to stay motivated during the whole programme. What I particularly like is the new specialization Bioanalytics offered to students starting in September 2021. This track combines two of my favorite topics: drug discovery and bioanalysis. I am an educated Pharmacist and I think that this specialization is a great way to go for students who are interested in continuing their career in the field of drug discovery, or bioanalytical, clinical or forensic chemistry.”
At which courses can prospective DDS students meet you?
“I am coordinating the course Advanced Bioanalytical Approaches, a new course in the academic year 2021-2022. In this course, we walk through the bioanalytical workflow that is implemented in drug discovery when analyzing pharmaceutical compounds and their metabolites in pre-clinical models, or in body fluids collected during clinical studies, such as blood and urine. We not only discuss the state-of-the-art approaches, but also modern strategies. I like this course a lot because we discuss all kind of biological matrices that can be collected and analyzed. It is fascinating to think that we can detect drugs or pharmaceutical compounds virtually everywhere in the body – did you know that saliva, hair, sweat or even cerumen can be used for this purpose?”
Can you tell something about your research into designer drugs?
“My research focuses on the so-called new psychoactive substances (NPS). NPS are designer drugs, which have a slight chemical modification of their molecule compared with the conventional drugs, such as cocaine or morphine. This strategy is used to circumvent the law, as these drugs are not considered illegal. There have been more than 900 different NPS already reported on the market. The major issue is that these drugs may be significantly more potent and toxic than their illegal counterparts. A relevant example is the NPS 4-fluoroamphetamine (4-FA), which has been called “light ecstasy” due to its presumed lower effects compared with MDMA and amphetamine, but led to multiple overdoses worldwide, including in the Netherlands. Therefore it has been put on the list of prohibited substances in the Netherlands in 2017. With my research, I implement approaches to better understand the biotransformation of these drugs, as well as their toxicity, using state-of-the-art bioanalytical methods and metabolomics.”
What fascinates you about this field of research?
“One aspect that I find fascinating is the differences in effects that we can see between individuals. For instance, the potential differences in effects, biotransformation and toxicity of these drugs between men and women is largely unknown. Women have long been excluded from clinical studies during drug development; this is also reflected in the NPS research where little (if any) is known about the possible differences (and associated risks) between men and women when they take drugs. This information is highly needed for a better risk assessment.”
What is your tip for prospective students?
“Remember that in all cases (such as doubts, issues, questions, ideas, planning, career advice, great news to share), you can always contact the track coordinators. We have also been students! We are available not only to transfer our knowledge on a specific topic, but also to mentor you and be actively present along this step of your career. Never hesitate to drop us an email!”