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CBD shows promise for reducing cigarette smoking

By Sara Zaske, WSU News & Media Relations

SPOKANE, Wash. – Cannabidiol or CBD, a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, inhibits the metabolism of nicotine, new research has found, meaning it could help tobacco users curb the urge for that next cigarette.

A team led by Washington State University researchers tested the effects of CBD and its major metabolite on human liver tissue and cell samples, showing that it inhibited a key enzyme for nicotine metabolism. For the … » More …

WSU program aims to address shortage of rural pharmacists, ‘the most accessible health care providers in America’

James Hanlon’s reporting for The Spokesman-Review is funded in part by Report for America and by members of the Spokane community. This story, which was first published on January 31, 2023 in the Spokesman Review, can be republished by other organizations for free under a Creative Commons license.

By James Hanlon, reporter for The Spokesman-Review

A shortage of pharmacies in rural areas has made it harder for people to fill prescriptions and to access other critical services.

Roughly 450,000 adults in Washington live in what are called pharmacy deserts, according to the University of Washington. An interactive map by the telepharmacy software company TelePharm … » More …

WSU doctor of pharmacy program accredited through 2031

The Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences has received confirmation from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) that effective February 6, 2023, the college has been successfully reaccredited for its doctor of pharmacy program through June 2031. The standard length of accreditation is 8 years (some programs may be accredited for fewer years, but never beyond 8 years).

“I’m so pleased with the overwhelmingly positive responses we received from our accreditation site visitors,” said Mark Leid, dean of the college. “I have been privileged to be a part of a total of five accreditation site visits over my 30 years in … » More …

Preserving WSU Pharmacy’s Black history

The first recorded Black student who graduated from Washington State University (or Washington State College as it was known at the time) was a Black woman named Jessie Senora Sims. She received a pharmacy degree in 1913 and was the only woman and Black student in her graduating class of six students. According to a 1914 Chinook publication, she was known to her classmates as “Sister Sims” and described herself as a “Pharmacister.”

Not much is known about Sims after she graduated from Washington State College (WSC). There were no smart phones to snap a quick photo, or social media platforms to stay in touch. … » More …

Understanding the future of pharmacogenomics testing in patient care

Pharmacogenomics, often referred to as PGx, is a budding field of personalized medicine, and studies how genes influence an individual’s response to treatment with medications. To learn more and register for Washington State University’s new course on pharmacogenomics,  visit our continuing education platform in collaboration with the WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. The course begins Monday, February 27 and runs through Friday, May 12, 2023. Pharmacotherapy Associate Professor (Yakima) Rustin Crutchley shares how patients and care providers can use pharmacogenomics as an added tool in their arsenal of treatment options. » More ...

Ensuring drug safety in underrepresented populations

By Judith Van Dongen

Washington State University scientists are helping to develop safer drug dosing standards for children and other populations that are underrepresented in clinical drug trials, such as pregnant women, older adults taking multiple medications, and people from certain ethnic groups.

Bhagwat Prasad, an associate professor in the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, is leading the research, which could help pharmaceutical companies and medical professionals determine the right dosing for many drugs prescribed to children that have only ever been tested in adults.

Since a child’s body handles drugs differently than an adult’s, it can be challenging to determine the optimal dose—enough … » More …

PharmD students’ top 10 things to do in Spokane —winter edition

By Elina Schmauch, class of 2025

When I first moved to Spokane, I had no idea how to spend my free time. In my opinion, Spokane is best tackled in seasons since winter and summer are two varying degrees of intensity. For this winter I narrowed down a long list of fun winter activities from WSU student pharmacists to these 10:

1. Skiing at Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area

Did you know that Lookout has a discounted student pass for $159 dollars for the ENTIRE season? Whether you ski, snowboard, or are just starting out on the bunny hills, Lookout Pass has become … » More …

Student Perspective: Introducing Elina Schmauch

Hello CougRx Family! My name is Elina Schmauch and I am in my second year of the WSU doctor of pharmacy program (fondly referred to as a PY2) at WSU Spokane. This spring semester of 2023 I challenged myself to take on a project that not only peaks my interests as a pharmacy student, but also involves content creation and community outreach. I am hoping to not only entertain our community with silly videos and fun blog posts, but also highlight what it means to be a pharmacy student in Spokane and what being a student pharmacist means to us as students. To start, I thought it would be insightful to share a few things about myself and what it means to me to be in the pharmacy program at WSU. I was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington and I loved it so much that I stayed to get my undergraduate degree just 15 minutes from where I grew up at the University of Puget Sound. There, I received my bachelor’s degree in molecular and cellular biology, with a minor in Spanish. I also adopted my dog, Goose, who is my biggest supporter through pharmacy school! My family moved to Washington from Puerto Rico in the 80s, and I was a first-generation college student. Receiving my bachelor’s degree was an accomplishment all on its own, and I never thought I would actually continue in higher education. » More ...

WSU toxicologist receives award for groundbreaking research

The Society of Toxicology (SOT) is a professional and scholarly organization dedicated to the understanding of the adverse effects of chemicals and other agents on living organisms. The SOT Achievement Award is a prestigious honor given to a toxicologist who has made significant contributions to the field through their research, education, and service. It is one of the highest awards given by the SOT, and it is a testament to the recipient’s dedication and impact on the field of toxicology.

The Society of Toxicology announced that this year’s recipient of the SOT Achievement Award is Washington State University Pharmaceutical Sciences Associate Professor John Clarke. … » More …

Understanding the pharmacist’s role in treating HIV/AIDS

December is HIV/AIDS Awareness Month and the college wants to remind you of the important role pharmacists play in treating people living with HIV/AIDS. Pharmacotherapy Associate Professor Rustin Crutchley teaches many topics at the Yakima extension, including Therapeutics of Special Populations and Integrated Pharmacology. However, his passion is illuminating the various breakthrough therapies for people living with HIV/AIDS. Crutchley will resume a six-week rotation to Cape Town, South Africa in May 2023 where he educates student pharmacists about the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS.

Can you tell us more about your background with treating patients living with HIV and how you became interested in … » More …