CH2MIM-The Uses of Metals in Medicine

Module Provider: Chemistry
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites: CH1OR1 Shape, Structure and Reactivity in Organic Chemistry and CH1IN4 Inorganic Chemistry for Biological Sciences
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Katja Strohfeldt-Venables
Email: K.Strohfeldt@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module introduces the concepts and general principles relating to metallo-therapeutic drugs, metal-based diagnostic agents, drug discovery and development, and treatments for metal and heavy metal poisoning. Thus, the course will include bioinorganic chemistry and aspects of pharmacology and pharmacy practice related to metallotherapeutic drugs and metal-based diagnostic agents. By discussing case studies for the discovery and development of metallotherapeutic drugs, this module will consolidate the students’ knowledge of the drug discovery process, and introduce new opportunities that have arisen in the post-genomic era.

Aims:

1. To introduce concepts of bioinorganic chemistry of pharmaceutical relevance;


2. To consider risks and advantages associated with metal-based drugs;


3. To discuss concepts and principles related to the study of metallotherapeutic drugs and metal-based diagnostic agents, including their syntheses, analyses, quality assurance, biological activities, modes of action, stabilities and metabolism;


4. To further illustrate the process of drug discovery and development using selected case studies;


5. To introduce treatment regimes for metal and heavy metal poisoning.

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the Module the student will be expected to:

• Describe key concepts of bioinorganic chemistry that are relevant to pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry, for example principles of inorganic chemistry reactions and redox systems.


• Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms of action, uses, and limitations of the major groups of metallotherapeutic drugs and diagnostic agents, with reference to a range of disease states.


• Explain mechanisms of toxicity of metallotherapeutic drugs and the approaches used to minimise / circumvent toxicity


• Outline methods for the preparation and analysis of common metallotherapeutic drugs and diagnostic agents


• Discuss how selected drugs were discovered and developed, and use this to illustrate some of the principles of drug design and development, and outline new opportunities for drug discovery


• Suggest methods for treating metal and heavy metal poisoning

Additional outcomes:

Through problem-based learning and self-directed learning the student will develop communication skills and the development of self-learning skills for lifelong learning. Through directed reading the student will learn to survey, retrieve and organise published relevant material from electronic and other sources.

Outline content:

1. Synthesis, Analysis and Development of Metallotherapeutic drugs: The following concepts will be discussed with reference to specific classes of metallotherapeutic drugs, e.g. lithium, calcium, iron, aluminium, arsenic, silver, gold, platinum and titanium based drugs.
   
   
   
   1. Choice of metal for incorporation within the metallotherapeutic drug, and an overview of the bioinorganic chemistry of the metal. Discussion ofwhy metal-based drugs are important: opportunities, risks, advantages and limitations.
   
   
   2. Therapeutic properties of metallotherapeutic drugs, to include examples of recommended therapies for common diseases such as cancer, hypertension, asthma, osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease (using the BNF as a guide). Bioavailability and metabolism of metallotherapeutics. Safe handling / administration of metallotherapeutics in the pharmaceutical setting. Expected side effects.
   
   
   3. Chemical methods for the synthesis and analysis of commonly encountered metallotherapeutic drugs.
   
   
   4. Drug Discovery and Development: Case studies involving the development of metal-based drugs (for example i) the transition metal-based anti-cancer drugs cis-platin, carbo-platin, oxali-platin, and new derivatives; ii) arsenic drugs such as Salvarsan; iii) silver and gold based drugs such as Silvadene, Myocrisin, Aurofin) will be presented to exemplify traditional drug discovery strategies as well as introduce modern tools for drug development. Future prospects for metal-based drugs.
   
   
   
   


2. Introduction and Principles of Metal-based diagnostic agents: By discussing the following applications the value of metal-based diagnostic agents will be exemplified.
   
   
   
   1. Paramagnetic metal complexes as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging, e.g. technetium compounds.
   
   
   2. Radiodiagnostics and radiopharmaceutical agents: Development, mode of action, risks, clinical applications, QA, dispensing of commercial materials, routine production methods for Tc-99m kits, pharmacopoeial standards for radiopharmaceuticals.
   
   
   
   


3. Identification and treatment of metal and heavy metal poisoning: Symptoms, detection, diagnosis, treatments, prevention and prognosis of poisoning by metals and heavy metals, e.g. Mercury, Thallium, Arsenic, Iron, Lead. Principle and examples of chelating agents, e.g. EDTA, DMSA, ALA, BAL.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The course content will be provided through a mixture of formal one-hour lectures, workshops and seminars. Appropriate supplementary information and reading lists will be provided and facilities for computer-aided literature searching for additional relevant materials will enable students to improve their own learning skills.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		5
Seminars		2
Tutorials		3	2
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		35
Wider reading (directed)		12
Preparation for tutorials		9
Preparation for seminars		11	18
Completion of formative assessment tasks		3
Total hours by term	0	80	20
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	50
Set exercise	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Coursework: Students attend tutorials / workshops on the material covered in this module. Attendance is compulsory. Directed reading on aspects of metallotherapeutic drugs and metal based diagnostic agents will be set and group presentations will be made and assessed.

Coursework deadlines: as advised in the module.

Relative percentage of coursework:

Poster 50%

Tutorial 50%

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall (but see progression requirements in programme specifications). Attendance of tutorial classes is compulsory for the coursework mark to be included in the assessment.

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment is based on coursework (50 %) and tutorial work (50 %). For students who have achieved a pass in the either coursework or tutorial work at the first attempt, the mark will be carried forward to the reassessment.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  

Last updated: 22 September 2022