ICCBS's Coronavirus Initiatives
ICCBS's Ongoing Projects on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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| Pertaining to the current situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a team from the National Institute of Virology, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, ICCBS, University of Karachi is actively involved in the molecular diagnostic of the COVID-19. The team comprising of Dr. Saba Farooq, Dr. Muhammad Ammar Athar, Dr. Muhammad Rashid, Dr. Hana’a Iqbal, Mr. Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Ms. Sabeeta Kanwal are deputed at the Indus Hospital, Karachi for diagnosis and analysis of samples from suspected COVID-19 patients by using real time PCR assay. Moreover, Dr. Muhammad Ammar Athar is working on establishment and optimization of a modifiable diagnostic kit for COVID-19. Dr. Muhammad Rashid has optimized a viral transport medium (VTM) for COVID-19 samples which is under validation procedure. |
| In my group, we develop polymer based drug delivery systems. Recently, we have reported enhanced delivery of several antibacterial drugs by using polymer based drug delivery systems. In one of our on-going study we are applying polymer based drug delivery systems for improved delivery of anti-viral drugs to the targeted site (in collaboration with Dr Rashid). Dr. Muhammad Imran Malik Assistant Professor, H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan |
| We at the Jamil-ur-Rahman Center for Genome Research are working on the genomic analysis of COVID-19 from Pakistan by using next generation sequencing. It will help to understand the genetic variations and their correlation with the disease severity, progression and clinical outcomes. Viruses keep on mutating and in pandemic it becomes more important to monitor the way, rate and nature of mutations which may have impact on effectiveness of future therapies and vaccinations. It is important to note that more than 55 COVID-19 genomes have been reported from China and this number is further increasing. A total of 288 whole genomes from different parts of world have been reported in Genbank. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genbank/sars-cov-2-seqs/ University of Cambridge, UK is spearheading effort to massively map coronavirus genomes from UK population. £20 million have been allocated for the said project. https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/cambridge-to-spearhead-ps20million-alliance-to-map-spread-of-covid-19-coronavirus Given the unique environmental conditions in this part of world genomic data of COVID-19 from Pakistan will be instrumental in devising strategies for surveillance and control of this infection. |
| Computational Medicinal Chemistry at the PCMD is involved in the evaluation of protein-protein contact profiles between CoV2 spike protein and ACE2 to understand the dynamics of the event. |
| Studies to search for 2019-nCov main protease inhibitors as possible treatment of COVID-19 M. Iqbal Choudhary, Atta-ur-Rahman, Atia-tul-Wahab, Muniza Shaikh Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan · We have identified new inhibitors of 2019-nCov main protease using in silico based virtual screening. · We have also cloned the enzyme in our structural biology lab at the PCMD. We are now working to validate the identified inhibitors of 2019-nCov main protease using NMR spectroscopy. |
Coronavirus News Highlights
Dr. Panjwani Center to Perform 800 Corona Tests Daily
KARACHI – "Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD), University of Karachi will perform 800 coronavirus test daily, as Sindh Government approved RS.58.28 millions for completion of Biosafety Level - III (BSL-III) laboratory at the PCMD's National Institute of Virology (PCMD).
The BSL-III facility, which is currently at the final stages of construction, would be ready in the end of this April to test coronavirus in massive numbers. After the opening of this facility, the diagnostic capacity of Covid-19 infection has immensely been widened in the province."
Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Director of International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi expressed these views on Saturday while speaking at the meeting of virology experts held at the National Institute of Virology.
Prof. Iqbal Choudhary thanked to CM Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah and Sindh Provincial Minister for Health and Population Welfare Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho for their kind support and trust shown to Dr. Panjwani Center that comes under the ICCBS, saying that the laboratory was designed as per international standards set by and WHO (Guidelines on Establishment of Virology Laboratory in Developing Countries). This laboratory enables us to conduct experiments involving live viruses, anti-viral screening activities of several compounds and testing vaccine candidates for their immune reactivity, he added.
He also praised the efforts of Karachi University's Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khalid Mehmood Iraqi that he made for the success of this project.
He mentioned that the major challenge in Pakistan was very limited diagnostic capabilities, adding that the WHO has declared the timely diagnosis of the disease as the major step in stopping the spread of COVID-19, as undetected infected individuals are the biggest source of infecting others.
He pointed out that it was important to mention that the BSL-III facility could only start its working subject to the availability of kits. Sindh Government will provide Dr. Panjwani Center the validated kits from NDMA so that the virology center could start receiving and processing of samples from April 23, 2020.
Following current health challenges, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research and Sindh Government have decided to mutually work on this front, he said. The National Institute of Virology owns various state of the art RT-PCR machines and trained personnel, he said, adding that PCRs (Polymerase Chain Reactions) are the sophisticated machines on which actual tests of COVID -19 are carried out.
Prof. Choudhary said, "We think it is an excellent example of a university based research center helping the national health care system at the time of national health emergency."
He said that precaution was the only weapon to fight against the emerging threat of coronavirus. He said the National Institute of Virology, which works under the Dr. Panjwani Center, was working to produce quality researches and researchers who could play their due role in the areas of research and development in the country.
PCMD Completes Genome Sequencing of Coronavirus From a Local Patient
KARACHI - "Jamil-ur-Rahman Center for Genome Research, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, University of Karachi, has carried out whole genome sequence of Coranavirus (SARS-CoV-2).
This is the first indigenously sequenced whole genome of coranavirus from Pakistan. Analysis of the sequence revealed 9 mutations in the different regions of genome, as compared to the sequence reported from Wuhan, China. This will be helpful in decision making at national level for the use of future therapeutic options and vaccinations. "
Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Director of International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, stated this in a statement issued on Tuesday.
He said that the sequencing was carried out to understand the genetics of this pathogen in Pakistan. The entire genome sequence of SARS-CoV-2 was mapped by a team of young scientists under the supervision of Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed. The work was carried out using next generation DNA sequencing systems at the Jamil-ur-Rahman Center for Genome Research, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi), he said, adding that the sample for genomic analysis was collected from a patient having a travel history.
Mutation is change which appears in the DNA of all organisms and viruses, he said, adding that comparison with genomes from other parts of the world revealed that this virus is more closely related to the virus from China, the point from where the pandemic was started.
He said that coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has become a grave health challenge globally with more than 800,049 confirmed cases and 38, 714 recorded deaths to date. Currently no drug or vaccine is available for the treatment and prevention of this disease, respectively.
COVID-19 cases are exponentially on rise and new territories and regions are constantly reporting new cases, he said, adding that understanding the genetic repository of any infectious agent is vital for its prevention and clinical management, and viruses are no exceptions.
The sequencing report reveals that this viral genome is slowly mutating and it is premature to say what will be the impact on virulence (severity of disease) due to these mutations, Prof. Choudhary said.
He said, "In pandemic it becomes more important to monitor the way, rate and nature of mutations which may have impact on effectiveness of future therapies and vaccinations."
It is worth mentioning here that in past a single mutation in Chikungunya virus affected vector specificity and epidemic potential and lead to more efficient viral dissemination, he said, adding this has important implications with respect to how viruses may establish a transmission cycle when introduced into a new area.
Hundreds of SARS-CoV-2 genomes are being reported from different parts of world. University of Cambridge, UK is spearheading effort to massively map coronavirus genomes from UK population, he said. He said, "A total of £20 million have been allocated for the said project in UK alone, which reflects the importance of such studies".
Given the specific environmental conditions in our part of the world, it is strongly recommended that more genomes from Pakistani patents are sequenced to understand the full spectrum of genetic variations, and the way the virus is evolving here, he said. This will be helpful in decision making at national level for the use of future therapeutic options and vaccinations, he mentioned, and added that this study was carried out in collaboration with the DOW University of Health Sciences, Karachi.
This is the first indigenously sequenced whole genome of coranavirus from Pakistan. Analysis of the sequence revealed 9 mutations in the different regions of genome, as compared to the sequence reported from Wuhan, China. This will be helpful in decision making at national level for the use of future therapeutic options and vaccinations. "
Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Director of International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, stated this in a statement issued on Tuesday.
He said that the sequencing was carried out to understand the genetics of this pathogen in Pakistan. The entire genome sequence of SARS-CoV-2 was mapped by a team of young scientists under the supervision of Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed. The work was carried out using next generation DNA sequencing systems at the Jamil-ur-Rahman Center for Genome Research, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi), he said, adding that the sample for genomic analysis was collected from a patient having a travel history.
Mutation is change which appears in the DNA of all organisms and viruses, he said, adding that comparison with genomes from other parts of the world revealed that this virus is more closely related to the virus from China, the point from where the pandemic was started.
He said that coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has become a grave health challenge globally with more than 800,049 confirmed cases and 38, 714 recorded deaths to date. Currently no drug or vaccine is available for the treatment and prevention of this disease, respectively.
COVID-19 cases are exponentially on rise and new territories and regions are constantly reporting new cases, he said, adding that understanding the genetic repository of any infectious agent is vital for its prevention and clinical management, and viruses are no exceptions.
The sequencing report reveals that this viral genome is slowly mutating and it is premature to say what will be the impact on virulence (severity of disease) due to these mutations, Prof. Choudhary said.
He said, "In pandemic it becomes more important to monitor the way, rate and nature of mutations which may have impact on effectiveness of future therapies and vaccinations."
It is worth mentioning here that in past a single mutation in Chikungunya virus affected vector specificity and epidemic potential and lead to more efficient viral dissemination, he said, adding this has important implications with respect to how viruses may establish a transmission cycle when introduced into a new area.
Hundreds of SARS-CoV-2 genomes are being reported from different parts of world. University of Cambridge, UK is spearheading effort to massively map coronavirus genomes from UK population, he said. He said, "A total of £20 million have been allocated for the said project in UK alone, which reflects the importance of such studies".
Given the specific environmental conditions in our part of the world, it is strongly recommended that more genomes from Pakistani patents are sequenced to understand the full spectrum of genetic variations, and the way the virus is evolving here, he said. This will be helpful in decision making at national level for the use of future therapeutic options and vaccinations, he mentioned, and added that this study was carried out in collaboration with the DOW University of Health Sciences, Karachi.
PCMD Join Hands with Indus Hospital to Boost COVID 19 Diagnostic Capacity
KARACHI – The working capacity of The Indus Hospital (TIH) to make diagnosis of coronavirus (Covid-19) infection has been tripled as the National Institute of Virology, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD), University of Karachi joined hands with the hospital. The National Institute of Virology has provided four Real-Time PCR machines and qualified virology experts to the hospital so that working burden of diagnosis could be handled easily. Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Director of International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi stated this on Saturday while speaking at the meeting of virology experts held at the National Institute of Virology. The meeting was also attended by Dr. Muhammad Rashid, senior research officer of the institute of virology, Dr. Ammar Ather and other scientists.
Prof. Choudhary said, "The hospital, which is working in collaboration with the Government of Sindh, was facing immense working-load in the process of diagnosis due to increasing number of coronavirus cases in Sindh."
Currently, the major challenge in Pakistan is very limited diagnostic capabilities, he said, adding that the WHO has declared the timely diagnosis of the disease as the major step in stopping the spread of COVID-19, as undetected infected individuals are the biggest source of infecting others.
Following current health challenges, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research have decided to run a major joint operation with the Indus hospital, the largest Charity health establishment of Pakistan, and have placed four state of the art RT-PCR machines, and trained personnel at the Indus Hospital Karachi, he said. PCRs (Polymerase Chain Reactions) are the sophisticated machines on which actual tests of COVID -19 are carried out, he maintained.
He said, "Indus Hospital is currently the "epicenter" of all COVID-19 related activities in Sindh, which is the worst hit province of Pakistan with 65 percent confirmed cases."
Through the help of the ICCBS, the current testing capacity of the Indus lab has increased from 800 to 2,400 daily, he said.
"We think it is an excellent example of a university based research center helping the national health care system at the time of national health emergency."
Prof. Choudhary said that precaution was the only weapon to fight against the emerging threat of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). He said the National Institute of Virology, which works under the Dr. Panjwani Center, was working to produce quality researches and researchers who could play their due role in the areas of research and development in the country. In the meeting, virology exerts, Dr. Muhammad Rashid said people must avoid public gatherings. He said that large grocery stores and shopping malls should not be used for shopping, open-street shops, where people are not gathered in large numbers are better options for buying groceries. He added that children should not be allowed to go outside as these holidays were announced in case of an emergency, not for a picnic. Dr. Ammar Ather said that citizens must take preventive measures that could keep them safe against the deadly coronavirus. He said that citizens were advised to practice the best hygiene, and wash their hands frequently and thoroughly, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Prof. Choudhary said, "The hospital, which is working in collaboration with the Government of Sindh, was facing immense working-load in the process of diagnosis due to increasing number of coronavirus cases in Sindh."
Currently, the major challenge in Pakistan is very limited diagnostic capabilities, he said, adding that the WHO has declared the timely diagnosis of the disease as the major step in stopping the spread of COVID-19, as undetected infected individuals are the biggest source of infecting others.
Following current health challenges, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research have decided to run a major joint operation with the Indus hospital, the largest Charity health establishment of Pakistan, and have placed four state of the art RT-PCR machines, and trained personnel at the Indus Hospital Karachi, he said. PCRs (Polymerase Chain Reactions) are the sophisticated machines on which actual tests of COVID -19 are carried out, he maintained.
He said, "Indus Hospital is currently the "epicenter" of all COVID-19 related activities in Sindh, which is the worst hit province of Pakistan with 65 percent confirmed cases."
Through the help of the ICCBS, the current testing capacity of the Indus lab has increased from 800 to 2,400 daily, he said.
"We think it is an excellent example of a university based research center helping the national health care system at the time of national health emergency."
Prof. Choudhary said that precaution was the only weapon to fight against the emerging threat of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). He said the National Institute of Virology, which works under the Dr. Panjwani Center, was working to produce quality researches and researchers who could play their due role in the areas of research and development in the country. In the meeting, virology exerts, Dr. Muhammad Rashid said people must avoid public gatherings. He said that large grocery stores and shopping malls should not be used for shopping, open-street shops, where people are not gathered in large numbers are better options for buying groceries. He added that children should not be allowed to go outside as these holidays were announced in case of an emergency, not for a picnic. Dr. Ammar Ather said that citizens must take preventive measures that could keep them safe against the deadly coronavirus. He said that citizens were advised to practice the best hygiene, and wash their hands frequently and thoroughly, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.