Moderation: Petra Schultheiß-Reimann
The abuse of drugs (morphine, heroin, cocaine, crack, mescaline, cath, etc.) and stimulants (alcohol, nicotine, caffeine) is addressed against the backdrop of the planned legalisation of cannabis, which is presented in detail. The development of addiction and habituation as well as dependence on drugs (amphetamines, fentanyl derivatives, propofol, benzodiazepines, etc.) are discussed. The influence of drugs on the international music scene is shown using the example of well-known artists. Ways of therapy and prevention will be presented.
Moderation: Wolfgang Gerhartz
Cells with their synthesis apparatus are important tools for the industrial production of new substances, especially biopharmaceuticals. Through the production of primary and secondary metabolites, the metabolism of a cell is an important source of active pharmaceutical ingredients or lead substances, the semi-synthetic modification of which provides new, therapeutically valuable drugs.
An important aspect of using cells as a chemical factory is the production of even complex molecules in enantiomerically pure form under mild conditions, as demonstrated by the large-scale production of vitamin B12. Both prokaryotic [cells of bacteria] and eukaryotic cells [cells of animals, plants and fungi (yeasts)] are used to produce active pharmaceutical ingredients.
The importance of plant substances such as morphine, cocaine or quinine for the development of highly effective analgesics, local anaesthetics or antimalarial drugs is presented. The development of taxanes and the discovery of the antimalarial drug artemisinin are outlined as the most recent examples of therapeutically important natural substances.
The metabolic products of numerous bacteria and fungi are now used therapeutically as antibiotics and are an indispensable tool in modern medicine for treating the most serious infections. One example of the extraction of drugs from animal cells is insulin.
Biotechnological processes and thus the use of cells as producers of active substances make a significant contribution today to the production of effective drugs, an important tool of modern medicine for the treatment of life-threatening diseases.
Moderation: still open
Diabetes is a widespread disease. Around 10% of German citizens and around 6% of the world's population suffer from it. The basics of the disease, consequential damage, treatment options and therapy goals are discussed.
The peptide hormone insulin plays the central role in this disease. The discovery of the hormone, its structural elucidation and other milestones in 100 years of insulin research will be presented. Based on an estimate of the demand for insulin, various possibilities for its industrial production are discussed, particularly biotechnological production, and the terms 'genetic engineering' and 'biotechnology' are defined.
The genetic engineering of human insulin is a success story. Large-scale production is explained using the example of the production of human insulin in E. coli strains; the basic features of biotechnological processes and protein biosynthesis are explained.
The genetic engineering of insulin analogues has led to new drug molecules with an improved efficacy profile being made available to diabetics. In addition, newer therapeutic approaches to diabetes treatment will be presented. Some aspects of the topic "How does pharmaceutical research work?" will be discussed.
Moderation: Klaus-Peter Jäckel
At the turn of the century, it was almost impossible for women to enter the domains of men. A-levels and university studies were largely a male privilege. However, with acquired knowledge, a great deal of tenacity, a high degree of moral courage and immense diligence, some women achieved the highest educational qualifications. They often came from wealthy families and frequently had male colleagues as patrons. Some women worked as teachers, but only a few found their way into the natural sciences. Today we will be talking about such strong women who left their mark in the natural sciences - but also about women who failed and whose life's work was not recognised and appreciated.
Did you enjoy the lecture? Or are you unable to attend the lecture? Then write to Mr Prof. Ehlers by email; he will be happy to provide you with the slides of his lecture.