On October 3, 2025, YSU Institute of Pharmacy hosted Anton Bespalov, Doctor of Medical Sciences. The internationally renowned scientist delivered a lecture titled: "Drug Discovery Today: How to Choose the Right Horse."
The event was attended by students, faculty members, and professionals interested in the field. It was organized with the aim of presenting modern strategies in drug discovery, international practices, and trends in the development of the field to students and the wider professional community.
Dr. Bespalov introduced the scientific approaches used in the process of drug selection, integrating biological, chemical, and clinical data. He emphasized that drug discovery is not only a scientific process but also a combination of strategic and ethical decision-making.
He spoke about the challenges encountered during the discovery and preclinical evaluation phases of new drugs, and shared insights from his personal experience at the American pharmaceutical company AbbVie, as well as at leading research institutions in the United States.
During the lecture, participants were also introduced to Dr. Bespalov’s scientific journey—from First Pavlov State Medical University in Saint Petersburg to research work in the United States, supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He also spoke about his professional roles at Abbott (AbbVie), where he worked as a senior researcher, department head, and director, overseeing preclinical and clinical studies, patenting processes, and international collaborations.
Dr. Bespalov also presented the biotechnology and medical device companies he has founded, aimed at developing innovative solutions in the fields of pharmacy and medicine.
The lecture was followed by an active Q&A session, where participants had the opportunity to pose questions, discuss current challenges in the field, and explore future prospects.
The event served as a significant platform for students and professionals—offering direct interaction with a scientist of international acclaim, access to leading global expertise, knowledge exchange, and the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of new approaches in pharmaceutical science.
