The semester-long course "Understanding New Health Technology Development" successfully concluded on December 9 with final presentations by students. The event provided an opportunity for participants to demonstrate their comprehensive understanding of the drug development process and gain practical experience with its complexities.

During the presentations, students analyzed and presented the development journey of globally recognized drugs, including Leqembi, Wegovy, and Zolgensma. Each team focused on the New Drug Application (NDA) process, addressing preclinical and clinical phases, regulatory hurdles, and market entry strategies. Their presentations showcased a well-rounded understanding of the scientific, regulatory, and market challenges involved in drug development.

The course was designed to emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in creating new health technologies. Students explored critical decision-making principles at each stage of the development process, equipping themselves with practical knowledge essential for careers in the health tech sector. Key topics in the presentations included — The mechanism of action and scientific foundations of the drugs, Preclinical and clinical testing phases, Regulatory approval procedures, and Market strategies and societal impact.

One student shared, "This course gave us the unique opportunity to design and analyze the entire drug development process, offering invaluable insights that extend beyond theoretical knowledge." The "Understanding New Health Technology Development" course concluded successfully, marking a significant milestone in fostering future professionals equipped to advance the health technology field.

This summer, CCADD welcomes three interns-Kim Chanmin, Choi Yunjin, and Yoo Kyungwan -for the 2024 Summer Internship Program.

Kyungwan Yoo, a student at Kyung Hee University, earned his Bachelor’s degree in genetic engineering. He worked as an undergraduate researcher at the Kyung Hee University Regenerative Medicine Institute, focusing on creating cell-targeting treatments. Currently, he is interested in integrating biological science with artificial intelligence (AI) technology and applying it to drug development. Kyungwan applied for the 2024 CCADD Summer Internship Program to expand his knowledge of drug development in general, be it clinical trials, and/or utilizing medical big data. He also intends to gain practical experiences in applying programming languages to these domains.

Yunjin Choi has graduated from Stony Brook University with a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics. After graduating, Yunjin worked as a statistical analyst at the Biomedical Research Institute, Korea University Guro Hospital. She has mainly conducted retrospective studies on nephrology and neurology. For example, she published a paper entitled "Fasting glucose variability and risk of dementia in Parkinson's disease: a 9-year longitudinal follow-up study of a nationwide cohort", which examined the impact of fasting glucose variability on the risk of developing dementia in Parkinson's disease patients over a nine-year period. The study found that greater variability in fasting glucose levels was associated with a higher risk of dementia, further suggesting that stabilizing glucose levels might be beneficial for cognitive health in these patients. Besides being the first author of the study, she was also responsible for data analysis and interpretation, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the study results. She also has the opportunity to learn how to draft and revise the manu and enhance its scientific merit. During this time, Yunjin developed an interest in Real-World Data (RWD), such as electronic medical records (EMR). She intends to pursue her interest while at CCADD.

Chanmin Kim is a Biological Engineering major at Kangwon National University. She became interested in developing new drugs while learning drug delivery systems. She also completed GMP training. After receiving the Excellence Award for designing smart healthcare products at Gachon University's DNA (Data, Network, AI) School Camp , she became interested in improving the efficiency of developing new drugs by applying data science and AI. Her goal is to become a researcher in the development of new drugs using AI. Through her 2024 CCADD summer internship program, she will pursue this goal.

We hope that during their summer internship, they will gain confidence in their field of study, learn how to study independently and explore new knowledge, and devote all their passion to gaining a deep understanding of drug development and regulatory science over the course of these two months.

On May 13th, under a brilliant and clear sky, CCADD in Gwanggyo held a special event to celebrate Teacher's Day. This heartfelt gathering brought together Prof. Howard, CCADD members, and student researchers, all united in gratitude and admiration.

A board adorned with photos chronicling the history of CCADD and heartfelt messages of thanks captured the cherished moments. A cake featuring Prof. Howard, accompanied by flowers, was presented as a token of appreciation for his unwavering dedication and support. Sincere letters expressed deep gratitude for the professor's commitment and encouragement. Laughter filled the room during dinner as members recounted stories from their time together, fostering trust and camaraderie. The professor praised the students' efforts and passion, encouraging everyone to continue striving towards greater goals.

This Teacher's Day event provided an opportunity for the professor and lab members to grow closer, promising a positive impact on future research activities. It was a testament to the warm and harmonious atmosphere of CCADD, offering a meaningful moment to express deep respect and gratitude to Prof. Howard. Beyond a simple celebration, it was a significant occasion to strengthen the unity of the entire lab and pledge future achievements.

Prof. Howard’s heartfelt words perfectly captured the essence of this 2024 Teacher's Day: "There are many professors out there, but I am made to be more than those simply because of you. Truly, each and every one of you is my hero and heroine, and I feel indebted that you have guided me to become who I am."