Tag: Asfendiyarov National Medical University

Students from the School of Pharmacy at S.D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University (KazNMU) continue to make headlines on the international stage, showcasing their knowledge and innovation at the prestigious GxP-Fest. Organized by the Eurasian Academy of Good Practices with support from the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation and the Eurasian Economic Commission, this annual competition serves as a key platform for future pharmacists across the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and neighboring countries.

KazNMU’s ongoing success at GxP-Fest is a testament to the university’s commitment to academic excellence and professional training in pharmaceutical sciences. Over the past three years, KazNMU has consistently ranked among the top-performing institutions, with its students and faculty excelling in areas such as Good Pharmaceutical Practices (GxP), regulatory frameworks, and digital pharmacy innovation.

In 2023, KazNMU’s team “XPLOSION” stood out among 92 student teams from seven countries, including Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Russia, earning a well-deserved 3rd place. Their achievement was mirrored by the university’s faculty team, which placed 2nd among 41 teams representing 61 universities. This group, led by Professor Z. Sakipova and Associate Professors L. Ibragimova, K. Kozhanova, and T. Bekezhanova, demonstrated the strength of KazNMU’s academic staff and their mentorship in guiding student success.

The university’s accomplishments grew even stronger in 2024, with a more advanced competition format that introduced two key tracks: “GxP – Good Pharmaceutical Practices” and a forward-looking hackathon titled “Digital Pharmacy of the Future.” KazNMU fielded two student teams—“Pantone 682 pc” and “MET Pharm”—both of which advanced to the finals.

The team “Pantone 682 pc” captured 1st place in the GxP quest, showcasing superior knowledge in pharmaceutical standards and regulatory compliance. In the hackathon segment, the project “Digital Prototyping and Component Reproduction for Pharmaceutical Equipment,” developed by Sergey Shvets and Musa Sultanbekov, won 1st place, outshining international competition with a forward-thinking approach to pharmaceutical manufacturing. Additionally, the AI-powered “Risk Management System” by Satour Abdul-Aziz and Mukhammadali Khodjametov earned 3rd place, underlining KazNMU’s emphasis on technological innovation in pharmacy.

In another impressive victory, the team of first-year master’s students, Sergey Shvets and Stanislav Ledenev, secured 1st place in the “Digital Pharma of the Future” nomination, surpassing peers from both regional and global universities.

Looking ahead to GxP-Fest 2025 in Moscow, KazNMU is already preparing a new cohort of top-performing pharmacy students. According to preliminary reports, these students are undergoing intensive training in pharmaceutical quality systems and digital technologies, reinforcing the university’s goal to maintain and exceed its past achievements.

KazNMU’s consistent performance at GxP-Fest is more than a series of accolades—it is a reflection of Kazakhstan’s growing presence in international pharmaceutical education. Participation in the competition contributes significantly to the development of students’ professional competencies, fosters international collaboration, and builds valuable networks in research and innovation. With each year, KazNMU not only raises the standard for pharmaceutical education in the region but also inspires a new generation of leaders in pharmacy.

Modern pharmaceutical education faces the task of not only transferring theoretical knowledge but also equipping students with practical tools relevant to the demands of the professional environment. At the core of this transformation is the increasing importance of risk management — a principle essential for ensuring pharmaceutical product quality and compliance with international GxP standards. Recognizing this, the School of Pharmacy at the Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University (KazNMU) has introduced a risk-oriented approach into the educational process of its “Technology of Pharmaceutical Production” program.

The adoption of a risk-based approach in pharmaceutical training represents a strategic shift toward proactive problem-solving and quality assurance. This educational model emphasizes the systematic identification, assessment, and mitigation of potential risks at each stage of pharmaceutical production and management. By training students in this way, the program aims to develop future professionals who are capable of making informed decisions even in uncertain and complex situations. The integration of risk thinking helps foster a quality culture among students and builds a strong foundation for long-term professional success.

One of the central innovations introduced in the program is the transformation of key disciplines to reflect a risk-oriented philosophy. In the course titled “Concept of Quality Assurance of Medicinal Products in the Framework of GxP,” students work with real-life case studies involving deviations identified during GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and GDP (Good Distribution Practice) inspections. By investigating the root causes of these deviations, evaluating the impact on product quality, and designing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), students not only learn regulatory requirements but also gain practical skills in risk evaluation. This process is guided by the principles outlined in the ICH Q9 guideline on Quality Risk Management.

In another core subject, “Process Validation,” students are introduced to the practical aspects of validating manufacturing processes, with risk assessment at the forefront. For example, they may be assigned the task of developing a validation plan for capsule production. This involves identifying critical process parameters (CPP), defining critical quality attributes (CQA), and assessing the risks associated with potential deviations. During these assignments, students use industry-standard tools such as Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and the Ishikawa diagram to explore cause-effect relationships and improve process understanding. These exercises prepare students to manage real-world validation tasks with a systematic and analytical mindset.

The risk-oriented training is further enriched by the involvement of industry partners who provide real production data for analysis. In one such task, students validate equipment cleaning procedures and assess risks of cross-contamination — a crucial aspect in pharmaceutical manufacturing. These practical tasks offer insight into the technical and safety implications of pharmaceutical operations, and emphasize the importance of protecting patient health through meticulous risk control.

A cornerstone of the program is the dedicated course “Risk Management in the Pharmaceutical Industry,” which provides students with a thorough understanding of how risks are managed throughout the lifecycle of a pharmaceutical product. Here, theoretical instruction is complemented by hands-on exercises. In one such assignment, students simulate the launch of a new production line, identify potential critical deviations, estimate their probability and impact, and develop a risk matrix with defined intervention priorities. These scenarios help students build competencies in strategic planning and decision-making under time and resource constraints.

The effectiveness of the risk-oriented model is amplified through simulation training and project-based learning. During these simulations, students are exposed to hypothetical production incidents that demand immediate analysis and resolution. This immersive format helps develop students’ ability to respond rapidly, assess situations critically, and implement effective solutions under pressure — skills that are essential in high-stakes pharmaceutical environments.

The integration of a risk-oriented approach at KazNMU demonstrates how educational institutions can align academic content with real-world industry expectations. This method not only equips students with technical knowledge but also develops the soft skills necessary for leadership and accountability in the workplace. It fosters a generation of professionals who are not only competent in pharmaceutical science but also deeply committed to quality and safety.

Looking ahead, KazNMU plans to further enhance this educational model through the use of digital platforms for interactive risk assessment and expanded collaboration with pharmaceutical companies. Joint case studies, guest lectures, and structured internships will allow students to deepen their understanding of risk management in actual industrial contexts. By continuously evolving and modernizing its approach, the university aims to remain at the forefront of pharmaceutical education in the region.

In conclusion, the implementation of a risk-oriented approach in the educational process at KazNMU is a forward-looking initiative that prepares students to meet the complex challenges of the pharmaceutical industry. It empowers them to think critically, act responsibly, and uphold the highest standards of quality and patient safety — ensuring their readiness for professional success in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

From 18.06.24 to 29.06.24, the training program of visiting professor Melahat Atasever from Turkey was held. Professor Melahat Atasever stands out with a unique combination of extensive medical experience, deep scientific knowledge, and an active role in the international community of obstetrics and gynecology specialists. Her professional path began with medical education at the prestigious Ankara University, after which she continued through various scientific and practical sites both in Turkey and abroad. During her professional career, she demonstrated unique skills in various aspects of the specialty, including surgical treatment methods and innovative approaches to infertility and ART. She is a developer of innovative methods for the treatment of infertility and ART, including the use of stem cells and exosomes. Professor Atasever has more than 29 scientific publications in journals included in the Scopus and Web of Science databases, Hirsch Index – 7. Number of citations in Google Akademik 206; Scopus 88; Web of Science 90.

The professor’s visit took place in the form of lectures, seminars, scientific and methodological work for residents (specialty obstetrics and gynecology), teachers, as well as for practicing doctors and mentors of the department’s clinical bases. The training session included the following current topics in obstetrics and gynecology.

“The project of the visiting professor’s effectiveness includes the introduction and development of innovative methods of treating infertility in women with repeated failures of the ART program in Kazakhstan, which will increase the effectiveness of ART. It is planned to conduct scientific research in this area and publish scientific articles.”

On the eve of Science Day, the grand opening of the Albina Leonovna Kotova Hall and the KazNMU Science and Technology Park took place.

The idea of launching the Technopark was implemented in accordance with the instructions of the Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, regarding the importance of systematic development of university science, integration of innovative technologies into the economy, and the establishment of business incubators, commercialization centers, technoparks, and design bureaus in the country\’s universities. The KazNMU Technopark will serve as a catalyst for innovation in the medical field and the enhancement of education in healthcare. This strategic initiative aims not only to support and promote the development of advanced technologies and research in medicine but also to improve the quality of education in this area, strengthening Kazakhstan\’s position in the field of medical science, practice, and education.

On the eve of Science Day took place the grand opening of the Albina Leonovna Kotova Hall and the KazNMU Science and Technology Park.

The idea of launching the Technopark was implemented in accordance with the instructions of the Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, regarding the importance of systematic development of university science, integration of innovative technologies into the economy, and the establishment of business incubators, commercialization centers, technoparks, and design bureaus in the country’s universities. The KazNMU Technopark will serve as a catalyst for innovation in the medical field and the enhancement of education in healthcare. This strategic initiative aims not only to support and promote the development of advanced technologies and research in medicine but also to improve the quality of education in this area, strengthening Kazakhstan’s position in the field of medical science, practice, and education.

The Technopark at the Kazakh National Medical University represents an innovative hub that will bring together academic and scientific resources with industrial and commercial opportunities. This facility will foster collaboration among academic and research groups, startups, pharmaceutical companies, and other participants in the innovation ecosystem. The opening of the KazNMU Technopark marks an important step in the development of medical education and science in Kazakhstan, strengthening the country’s role in the global community of scientific and medical innovations and reaffirming our commitment to excellence in education and innovation.