Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds (IPAC), Chernogolovka

Director - academician Nikolai S. Zefirov
142432 Chernogolovka, Russia, Tel/Fax: 7-095-785-7024; E-mail: bachurin@ipac.ac.ru
1st Annual Chemical Science and Commercialization Conference
Presentations Posters

Founded in 1978, Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds (IPAC) represents now quite unique scientific research complex organization in the frame of Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS). It unites more than 200 high-qualified specialists from different branches of chemistry, biology, pharmacology and computer-modeling.

Goal

The main scientific goal of the Institute is the development of scientifically-validated approaches for focused search, synthesis and detection of physiologically active compounds (PAC), developed for solution of current chemical-technological, ecological and medicinal problems.

Structure of IPAC RAS

Ipac consists of about 20 scientific laboratories and groups divided into 3 Departments: the Department of Basic Organic Chemistry, the Department of Computer-Aided Molecular Design, and the Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry

The principal subjects of scientific investigations and activities

Synthetic Chemistry: Synthesis of novel classes of organic and organoelement compounds, in particular, novel fluorine and orhganophosphorus compounds. Development of new synthetic methods for specific functionalizing of wide rage of chemical templates. For the period of last 10 years more than 2000 new original chemical compounds have been synthesized.

Computer Molecular Design: novel algorithms, programs and complexes for prediction, search and selection of PAC have been provided. In particular, the computer modeling of all glutamate-receptors subtypes have been performed and 3D-docking of different ligands with glutamate receptors subsites have been made for selection and estimation the mechanism of action of new neuroactive compounds.

Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology: A wide range of potential neuroprotectors and cognition-enhancers have been synthesized on the basis of polycyclic non-competitive antagonists of glutamate receptors and blockers of glutamate-dependent calcium ions uptake. The body of original in-vivo and in-vitro methods of modeling a wide range of neurological disorders, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, using natural and synthetic neurotoxins have been developed in the IPAC RAS.

Isolation and synthetic modification of natural compounds are provided in the IPAC RAS with the goal of selection of new gerontoprotectors as well as original oncolytics. In particular, new group of highly effective anti-tumor preparations called immuno-correcting anti-neoplasts on the basis of components of insect venoms.

On the ground of the results obtained about 10 patent applications have been. The IP rights for 3 patent applications are transferred to the American pharmaceutical companies.

Development of biosensor methods for exposure to organophosphates assessment: A considerable complementary expertise in biochemistry and toxicology of organophosphates and their interaction with esterases (IPAC), and biosensors development (Chemical Department of MSU), resulted in successful solving the problem of detection of organism exposure to neuropathic OPs (OPs that induced delayed neuropathy, OPIDN). As a result of these research a highly sensitive biosensor analyzer was firstly developed for determination of activity of the OPIDN target enzyme - Neuropathy Target Esterase (NTE).

Some Scientific Achievements:

Development of novel methods and algorithms in Quantitative Structural Activity Relationship and Neuronal Network.

Synthesis about 5000 of new organic compounds.

Development of original in-vivo and in-vitro methods of modeling a wide range of neurological disorders, including Parkinson and Alzheimer's diseases, using natural and synthetic neurotoxins. The institute has also found a new group of highly effective anti-tumor preparations called immuno-correcting anti-neoplasms on the basis of components of insect toxins.

About 30 patents for new biologically active compounds, new compounds with catalytic activities, new immunodiagnostics, and about 10 certificates for new computer software were obtained by IPAC.

During the past five years, the scientific staff has been active in publishing their findings. About 150 studies have been published in journals (approx. 70% in Russian), a number have been included in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, QSAR, Tetrahedron Letters, and the Annals of the New York Academy of Medicine, among others.

Equipment

The institute is equipped with full range instrumentation for synthetic and biochemical studies, including UV infrared and NMR spectrophotometers, among other required equipment. The institute also has a vivarium to supply studies with experimental animals.

Location

The institute is located on the area of 75 acres (30 hectares) and utilizes 2 experimental and 1 administrative buildings of total square about 15 000 sq.m.

Educational Programs.

Jointly with Moscow State University IPAC founded an educational center to support research in accordance with federal programs in the field of medical chemistry and molecular design.

PhD degree programs in the area of drug design, organic synthesis and biochemistry are also offered.

International collaboration

The ISTC has supported 10 projects, where IPAC is a leading institution. US collaborators have participated in each of these projects, including the University of Minnesota, Presbytarian University Hospital of Pittsburg, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, St. Elizabeth's Medical Center Boston and the US Environmental Protection Agency. The Institute of Animal Health in Berkshire, UK, and Unviversities of Munchen and Wurzburg, among other well-known European organizations, have also collaborated with IPAC.

Staff

Director of the institute: Nikolai S. Zefirov, academician of RAS
230 employees, including, 56 PhDs and 12 DrSci.

The 15 members of the Scientific Council undertake all of IPAC's research initiatives. Within this group of scientists, three have the designation of members of Russian Academy of Sciences, and 12 the title of professor.