D r. Sheikh Arshad Saeed, the Abdulaziz Hussainali Shariff Professor of Pharmacology, Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, has not only been a faculty member at AKU for almost two decades, but also a researcher and innovator in his field. Dr. Saeed has been involved in breakthrough discoveries for nearly three decades, contributing to a better understanding of inflammation and anti-inflammatory drugs, reproductive biology and molecular mechanisms of human platelet aggregation. He has published 220 research papers and has the unusual distinction of being awarded nine patents from Europe and North America. In 1980, he was the first Pakistani to be elected Fellow of the Royal Institute of Biology. In 2001 he was awarded one of the nation's highest civil honours, the Hilal-i-Imtiaz for biological sciences – a first in Pakistan.

Why did you decide to pursue a career in medicine and specialise in anti-inflammatory drugs?

Although there are no doctors in my family, I always had a keen interest in the science of drugs. My scientific career started in biochemistry and pharmacology, and I found myself working in research and development for a German pharmaceutical company by the late 1960s. There I designed a large scale preparative electrophoresis apparatus for carrying out the separation of human blood proteins and enzymes. This motivated me to get involved in my main area of interest, anti-inflammatory drugs. It was also the first of the nine patents I hold for medical procedures, techniques and instruments granted in the US and Europe.

What is the relevance and impact of your breakthrough discoveries in the area of biological sciences for both Pakistan and abroad?

My main contribution to the biological sciences was the discovery that human blood contains a natural mechanism for controlling inflammation. The process started when I discovered that certain components in human blood, called Endogenous Inhibitors of Prostaglandin Synthesis (EIPS), could slow down the formation of "prostaglandin". This is one of a group of hormone-like substances present in a wide variety of tissues and body fluids, such as the uterus, brain and kidney. Increased levels of prostaglandin cause inflammation as well as other undesirable responses, such as diarrhoea, vomiting, coughing and pain. EIPS is assumed to be the natural regulator and inhibitor of prostaglandin activity.

This work furthered my research in the area of control of human pregnancy and childbirth. While working at the University of Texas Health Science Centre in Dallas, I found that prostaglandins which in fact initiate labour were inhibited throughout pregnancy. However, EIPS had high activity rates throughout pregnancy but disappeared completely at the start of labour. During labour, the reduction of EIPS in amniotic fluid results in an increase of prostaglandins and is associated with the start of uterine contractions. This provided a major breakthrough in understanding the mechanisms of human labour and had important implications in the better understanding and treatment of preterm labour, pregnancy induced hypertension and spontaneous abortion.

This single discovery of an endogenous control mechanism for inflammation was a major advancement in the biological sciences and has led to the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs and the control of prostaglandins, the most important mediators of inflammation. After joining AKU, I started work on human platelet aggregation and discovered the presence of another endogenous inhibitor of platelet aggregation in human blood, different from EIPS. This substance was found to control thrombosis leading to heart attacks.

My research work has therefore had a significant impact in the understanding and pathophysiology in prostaglandin and leukotriene mediated disorders like asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and peptic ulcers.

What is the state of research and innovation in the health sciences in the developing world today?

Scientific productivity in the developing world has been on the low side, but this is not necessarily due to a dearth of scientists. I would, however, say that a lack of an enabling environment for research and innovation is the key factor rather than the lack of trained talent. Pakistani scientists working abroad are doing good research with their host colleagues. Clearly, we have the potential to excel provided we are furnished with an enabling environment based on merit.

I also think that even if we do use knowledge and techniques from other parts of the world, they still need to be adapted to fit our local context. Unless there are those equipped to understand and apply new knowledge, its transfer is no good. For that reason, AKU is also committed to excellence in instruction to produce quality graduates able to contribute towards improving the health services in Pakistan and who understand technological advances in science.

How far has AKU fostered an enabling environment for research generally and for you in particular?

One of the missions of the University has been the promotion of research to the highest standards. We are laying strong foundations for research at AKU and are already part of the international research network, as the numerous awards to our faculty attest. If recruitment and development could be matched with the progress in research, we could further strengthen this position amongst both national and international peers. I was fortunate to be able to join AKU in 1984, the only university at the time which provided a solid infrastructure for research in Pakistan. As I look back, the past 19 years have been very productive for me and I hope to continue this rewarding association with AKU.

What makes you an effective educator at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels?

Ideally, a teacher should be focused as well as versatile in order to understand the concept of integration in basic sciences and the objectives of a lecture. Of course one has to be patient and interesting so that students remain attentive. A teacher has to be committed and encouraging, and strive to be both a mentor and a role model. I have personally had a supervisory role in the award of six PhDs and three MPhils from both national and international universities.

What are your future challenges?

Future challenges include making AKU a centre of reference and excellence at par with national and international institutions. Merit and equality should continue to be the objectives in our instruction, research and service towards building healthy societies.

Learning and taking up exciting new challenges in life is an ongoing process for me. Soon, I hope to apply for a patent for a new anti-inflammatory drug from AKU. It is a difficult but not an impossible process. I am also involved in publishing new material on drugs, particularly in the inflammatory and cardiovascular areas. I have learnt to seize the opportunities that have come my way and remain motivated to make my modest contributions.