In a new scientific achievement added to the academic record of the College of Pharmacy at the University of Ninevah, Dr. Haiman Abdul-Basit Tawfiq, a faculty member at the College, has been awarded a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences by the College of Pharmacy at Al-Mustansiriyah University on Monday, August 31, 2026, following the successful defense of his doctoral dissertation entitled:
“Potential Treatment of Leishmaniasis through Inhibition of the Poly(A)-Binding Protein (PABP) Using an Aptamer.”
The study aimed to investigate the potential application of a modern molecular approach to target the PABP protein in the parasite Leishmania donovani, with the goal of limiting its growth and proliferation.
The study results demonstrated a clear efficacy of the AP-11 aptamer in inhibiting the growth and proliferation of the parasite in a concentration- and exposure-time-dependent manner. AP-11 also showed greater efficacy compared with the AP-7 aptamer, in addition to having a limited effect on host cells. Furthermore, AP-11 contributed to a significant reduction in the levels of PABP protein and its associated mRNA.
These findings suggest that targeting the interaction between Poly(A) and PABP may represent a promising molecular approach to limiting the growth of Leishmania parasites, opening avenues for future studies aimed at developing potential treatments for visceral leishmaniasis.
On this occasion, the Deanship of the College of Pharmacy at the University of Ninevah, along with its faculty and staff, extends its warmest congratulations and best wishes to Dr. Haiman Abdul-Basit Tawfiq, wishing him continued success and excellence, as well as further achievements and contributions in support of the scientific mission of the University of Ninevah.
