Held every four years since 1980, the symposium brings together leaders in academia, industry and research to share scientific discoveries, strengthen collaborations and explore emerging developments in the pharmaceutical sciences. This year, nearly 300 attendees gathered at the Pharmacy Building on UB’s South Campus for presentations, distinguished lectures and discussions spanning pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), systems pharmacology, drug delivery, biotherapeutic discovery and molecular biosciences. The symposium also offered opportunities for attendees to reconnect with colleagues, alumni and industry professionals, while participating in social events throughout Buffalo.

The symposium began July 30 with a welcome reception and dinner at The Atrium @ Rich's in Buffalo, where alumni and guests reconnected with colleagues and friends while setting the stage for three days of scientific exchange.

Programming on July 31 and Aug. 1 featured presentations from internationally recognized academic and industry researchers. Scientific sessions reflected the academic divisions within the UB Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and included presentations from UB faculty and invited speakers. Session topics included:

• Vision and Legacy of Dr. Jusko: PK/PD and Systems Pharmacology
• Drug Delivery and Pharmaceutical Bioengineering
• Drug and Biotherapeutic Discovery
• Molecular Biosciences

A highlight of the symposium was the alumni mentoring lunch on July 31, which brought UB Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences alumni and current students together for networking and professional development discussions. The day's activities concluded with a cocktail dinner at the Buffalo Museum of Science.

"The 16th Buffalo Pharmaceutics Symposium was a tremendous success, and we saw the highest alumni attendance in the event's history," said Dhavalkumar Shah, PhD, professor of pharmaceutical sciences and chair of the 16th Buffalo Pharmaceutics Symposium. "This is a testament to the respect our alumni have for the department and the gratitude they feel for the training and mentorship they received at UB.”

The symposium culminated Aug. 1 with a special event honoring Jusko at Jazzboline Restaurant and Bar in Buffalo. This complimentary celebration welcomed all speakers and attendees including, faculty, staff, students, alumni and guests. The event marked the establishment of a new endowment in Jusko’s honor and recognized his extraordinary contributions as a researcher, mentor and educator.

Over a career spanning five decades, Jusko has helped shape generations of scientists and advanced the fields of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and systems pharmacology through his pioneering research, mentorship and dedication to education.

A UB faculty member since 1972, Jusko studies the disposition and pharmacological effects of drugs and the optimization of dosing for immunosuppressive, anti-diabetic and cancer treatments. His work has led to significant advances in mathematical and computer modeling of the time-course of responses following drug dosing.

"Honoring Dr. Jusko's remarkable legacy was a highlight of the symposium, along with the mentoring session and scientific presentations by our distinguished alumni,” said Shah. “We look forward to welcoming everyone back in four years."