“The right path does not lead to abstract theorizing, but deep into experience,” quoted Dr. Béla Merkely, Rector of Semmelweis University the saying attributed to Paracelsus at the ceremonial opening of the Gedeon Richter Industrial Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory of the Faculty of Pharmacy, to underline that “theory and practice can never be completely separated, but the importance of practical experience is of paramount importance.” He stressed that this is also the case for the laboratory, which will bear the name of the Hungarian pharmaceutical industry’s founder, following the unveiling of the bronze Gedeon Richter plaque at the entrance.
Among the long-term plans, he also mentioned the establishment of a Gedeon Richter faculty, which would primarily deal with current issues of pharmaceutical research and development.
He also recalled that the scientific prize named after Gedeon Richter, established by the university, was awarded for the first time to Dr. Romána Zelkó, Director of the Institute for Pharmaceutical Organization at the University Pharmacy.
Dr. Béla Merkely emphasized that the university and the pharmaceutical company share similar values: serving people’s health, strategic thinking, striving for excellence and the priority of research and innovation. „Our common goal is to be globally competitive in our own field, but at the same time, to serve Hungary with our results,” said the rector. He stressed that the work carried out at the Faculty of Pharmacy and in this laboratory is producing tangible results. „Training excellent professionals and further improving the quality of research are in the interest of all of us. This will bring the institution closer to its goal of becoming one of the top 100 universities in the world and one of the top five medical universities in Europe”, he added.
It is in our common interest to train highly qualified professionals in Hungary, and to employ them here in the future.”
– said Gábor Orbán. He added that this goal can be achieved in cooperation with Hungarian higher education, which is why it is an honour that the Industrial Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory of Semmelweis University, which is among the 250 best universities in the world, is named after the company’s founder.
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The laboratory’s facilities provide a background in pharmaceutical technology research and drug development that enables to explore a wide variety of drug delivery routes, with several prototype developments receiving marketing authorizations. Miniaturized equipment for industrial pharmaceutical production at laboratory level (e.g. tableting machines, film coaters, spray dryers, micronising and nano mills, microencapsulators, mixers, etc.) range from traditional drug delivery forms, to state-of-the-art devices for studying drug-carrying nanoparticles, to 3D-printed, personalized, patient-centred medicines, and the lyophilisation devices that are now gaining ground in biomedicine.
Gedeon Richter is a role model who has demonstrated his expertise by putting it into practice, along with his determination to improve and perfect through outstanding innovation and his commitment to the quality of medicine that marks the pharmacist’s approach. We can draw strength from his vocation, creativity and legacy in 2022, at the Gedeon Richter Industrial Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory of the Institute of Pharmacy,” added Dr. István Antal, noting that the long-standing and fruitful relationship with the pharmaceutical company – already marked by previous joint patents – will hopefully be reinvigorated in the future.
Melinda Katalin Kiss
Translation: Viktória Kiss
Photo: Máté Lefler – Semmelweis University
