Mysuru: A two-day international symposium on precision antibiotic therapy in the era of antimicrobial resistance began at the JSS College of Pharmacy on Friday, bringing together experts, researchers and healthcare professionals to discuss emerging strategies in combating antimicrobial resistance.
The symposium, titled ‘JSS TDM 1.0: Precision Antibiotic Therapy in the Era of Antimicrobial Resistance’, is being held at the Dr Rajendra Auditorium of the institution and is sponsored by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation.
The event also marked the virtual inauguration of the Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) Centre at JSS Hospital.
Focus on antimicrobial resistance and precision therapy
The symposium aims to address the growing global concern surrounding antimicrobial resistance and the need for precision-based antibiotic therapy in modern healthcare systems.
Experts at the event highlighted how inappropriate and excessive use of antibiotics has contributed to the emergence of drug-resistant infections worldwide, creating serious challenges for hospitals and healthcare providers.
The newly inaugurated Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Centre is expected to support precision medicine approaches by helping clinicians optimise antibiotic dosage based on individual patient requirements.
Organisers said therapeutic drug monitoring can improve treatment outcomes, reduce adverse effects and help prevent the development of antibiotic resistance by ensuring accurate and effective drug administration.
The symposium is also intended to promote collaboration between clinicians, pharmacists, researchers and academic institutions working in the field of infectious diseases and pharmacotherapy.
International experts and academicians participate
Jian Lynn, a clinical pharmacist from the Ministry of Health, Malaysia, attended the inaugural session as the chief guest.
Dean of Research at JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Prashant Vishwanath, and principal of JSS Medical College, Narayanappa D, attended the programme as guests of honour.
The event was also attended by R S Savitha, organising chairman T M Pramod Kumar, convener B M Gurupadayya and professor of biochemistry Akila Prashanth.
Speakers during the inaugural session emphasised the importance of integrating advanced technologies and personalised treatment approaches into antibiotic therapy to address future healthcare challenges.
Expert sessions to continue till Saturday
The symposium will continue till Saturday and feature a series of expert sessions and technical discussions focusing on recent innovations and scientific advancements in the field.
According to organisers, the programme includes sessions on LC-MS innovations, genomic profiling and real-time dose optimisation techniques used in precision antibiotic therapy.
Experts are expected to discuss how advanced diagnostic technologies and data-driven treatment strategies can help improve patient outcomes while reducing antimicrobial resistance.
The event has attracted participation from healthcare professionals, pharmacists, medical students, researchers and academicians from various institutions.
Organisers said the symposium would provide an important platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration in the rapidly evolving field of precision medicine and antimicrobial stewardship.
The initiative is also expected to strengthen awareness regarding the responsible use of antibiotics and the growing need for personalised therapeutic approaches in healthcare systems.