Pharmacology
Head of Department: Prof. Anita Kotwani
1.
Dr Anita Kotwani, Direactor Professor
Appointments and job profile
Anita Kotwani is Professor and Head of Pharmacology Department at V. P. Chest Institute, University of Delhi, India. She is actively engaged in research including basic, applied and population medicine. Her teaching responsibilities involve supervision of PhD and MD students engaged in basic and clinical research.
Prior to this appointment, she taught M.B.B.S. M.D. and B.D.S. students at Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi till 2005.
Recently Dr. Kotwani was on short term assignment for one year at World Health Organization, South –East-Asian Region Office at New Delhi (till July 2016) as Technical Officer – Essential Drugs and Medicines. AT WHO, Dr. Kotwani provided Technical support to Member States for Essential Drugs, Medicine Management and was Focal Point from the Department of Health Systems and Development for Task Force on Anti-Microbial Resistance of South-East Asian Regional Office (SEARO). During her tenure at WHO, she conducted situation analysis of medicine management in healthcare system in three countries – Bhutan, Thailand and Timor-Leste. She has conducted situation analysis in Maldives, Timor-Leste and Sri Lanka for aligning National Action Plan with the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial resistance.
Area of research
She is a pharmacologist with primary interests in how clinical and basic sciences are translated into clinical practice and health policy. Her research also involves multisectoral partners to promote population health beyond the goals of care of the individual treated. Her areas of expertise are National Medicine Policy, Surveillance of antimicrobial medicines and consumption in the community and containment of antimicrobial resistance, Qualitative studies for behavior of antibiotic use, Access to essential medicines, Rational use of medicines, Drug utilization studies, Medicine management in healthcare system and Chronic diseases.
Her research focuses on antibiotic use and consumption in humans in the community. In collaboration with WHO, Dr. Kotwani has developed a practical methodology that monitors antimicrobial use in the community, which is especially useful in resource-poor settings. She has also conducted qualitative studies of various stakeholders (doctors, pharmacists, high school teachers & students and community) to ascertain antibiotic-use-related behaviour; such studies are needed for development of effective intervention strategies including policy development for appropriate use of antibiotics. Dr. Kotwani has expertise in measuring medicine prices, availability, affordability and price components in public and private sector. Additionally, Dr. Kotwani also conducts research on quality of care for asthma patients. She studied baseline asthma management in New Delhi and conducted an intervention study as well as adherence and self-management patterns among patients. She has studied effect of Indian almond and Sweet almond on diabetes and diabetes-induced retinopathy and nephropathy in diabetic rat model.
Few recent professional achievements
She has been invited as an expert nationally and internationally for antibiotic use and consumption, methodology to measure antibiotic consumption, optimum use of antibiotics, awareness for antibiotic use, containment of AMR and promoting access to medicines.
Ongoing funded project
Last 10 years completed project
· Effect of Indian almond and sweet almond in diabetes induced nephropathy and cataract in rats. (Funded by CCRAS, AYUSH). 2017
· To Assess the Price and Availability of Essential Medicines in Delhi after the Implementation of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Policy 2012 - Phase II Study . (Funded by WHO, Country Office, India). 2015
· Awareness of antibiotic resistance and antibiotic prescription for treatment of acute upper respiratory tract infection and diarrhoea in children: a qualitative study among primary care doctors and community pharmacists in NCT, Delhi (Funded by WHO, SEARO). 2014
· Prices and availability of common essential medicines under National essential medicines list 2011before implementation of NPPP 2012 and dissemination workshop for stakeholders. (Funded by WHO, Country Office, India). 2013
· Trends of antibiotic use among inpatients of community acquired pneumonia in tertiary care hospital. 2013
· Study of patterns of antibiotic dispensing in pharmacies in Tumkur, Karnataka, India. (Center for Disease Dynamics and Economic & Policy, Washington DC, funded project). 2012
· Medicine prices, availability, affordability and price components in NCT, Delhi – using WHO/HAI methodology. (Funded by WHO, SEARO). 2011
· Effect of tadalafil (a phosphodiesterase- inhibitor) in hypoxia induced pulmonary hypertension in rats. (LSRB, DRDO funded project). 2010
· Factors associated with poor asthma control and poor adherence to asthma treatment: self report by patients in emergency room. 2010
· Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance and use in the community and in-depth qualitative investigation of various stakeholders for behaviour of antimicrobial drugs use for suitable interventions for rational use of antibiotics. (Funded by WHO). 2009
· Surveillance of use of antibiotics in diarrhoea and acute respiratory infection in the community. (Funded by WHO). 2009
· Medicine price components study in Delhi, India using WHO/HAI methodology. (Funded by DFID, London). 2007
· Impact of standard treatment guidelines and patient education on quality of asthma management. (Funded by HAI-AP). 2007
Recent publications
1. Holloway KA, Kotwani A, Batmanabane G, Santoso B, Ratanawijitrasin S, Henry D. Promoting quality use of medicines in South East Asia: reports from country situational analyses. BMC Health Services Research 2018; 18:526. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-018-3333-1
2. Kumar R, Kotwani A. Rising threat of antimicrobial resistance: judicious use of antibiotics is the way forward (Editorial). Indian Journal of Chest Diseases & allied Sciences 2017; 59:165-166.
3. Holloway KA, Kotwani A, Batmanabane G, Puri M, Tisocki K. Antibiotic use in South East Asia and policies to promote appropriate use: reports from country situational analyses. BMJ 2017; 358:j2291 doi: 10.1136/bmj.j2291
4. Behl T, Kotwani A. Omega-3 fatty acids in prevention of diabetic retinopathy. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2017; 69: 946-54.
5. Kotwani A, Joshi PC, Jhamb U, Holloway K. Prescriber and dispenser perceptions about antibiotic use in acute uncomplicated childhood diarrhea and upper respiratortory tract infection in New Delhi: Qualitative study. Indian Journal of Pharmacology 2017; 49:419-431.
6. Behl T, Velpandian T, Kotwani A. Role of altered coagulation-fibrinolytic system in the pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy. Vascular Pharmacology 2017; 92:1-5.
7. Behl T, Kotwani A. Potential of angiotensin II receptor blockers in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Life Sciences 2017, 176: 1-9.
8. Behl T, Kotwani A. Anti-hyperglycemic effect of Terminalia catappa fruit extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 2017; 9(4): 212-217.
9. Behl T, Kotwani A. Chinese herbal drugs for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2017; 69(3): 223-235.
10. Behl T, Kotwani A. Proposed mechanisms of Terminalia catappa in hyperglycaemia and associated diabetic complications. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
11. Behl T, Kotwani A. Downregulated Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor-Induced Oxidative Stress in the Pathophysiology of Diabetic Retinopathy. Canadian Journal of Diabetes 2016; 41: 241-246.
12. Kotwani A, Wattal C, Joshi PC, Holloway K. Knowledge and perceptions on antibiotic use and resistance among high school students and teachers in New Delhi, India – A Qualitative study. Indian Journal of Pharmacology 2016; 48: 365-371.
13. Behl T, Kaur I, Goel H, Kotwani A. Implications of endogenous PPAR-gamma ligand, 15-Deoxy-Delta-12, 14-prostaglandin J2, in diabetic retinopathy. Life Sciences 2016, 153: 93-99.
14. Behl T, Kaur I, Kotwani A. Role of leukotrienes in diabetic retinopathy. Prostaglandins and Other Lipid Mediators 2016; 122: 1-9.
15. Kotwani A, Kumar S, Swain PK, Suri JC, Gaur SN. Antimicrobial drug prescribing patterns for community-acquired pneumonia in hospitalized patients: A retrospective pilot study from New Delhi, India. Indian Journal of Pharmacology 2015; 47:375-382.
16. Behl T, Kotwani A. Possible role of endostatin in the antiangiogenic therapy of diabetic retinopathy. Life Sciences 2015; 135: 131-137.
17. Behl T, Kotwani A. Exploring the various aspects of pathological role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in diabetic retinopathy. Pharmacological Research 2015; 99:137-48.
18. Behl T, Kotwani A, Kaur I, Goel H. Mechanisms of prolonged lithium therapy-induced nephogenic diabetes insipidus. European Journal of Pharmacology 2015; 755: 27-33.
19. Kotwani A. Access to inhaled therapy in India: availability, price and affordability of asthma medicines. In Respiratory Drug Delivery 2014. Edited by Dalby RN, Byron PR, Peart J, Young PM, Traini D. DHI Publishing; River Grove, IL: 2014; 55-65.
20. Kotwani A, Holloway K. Antibiotic prescribing practice for acute, uncomplicated respiratory tract infections in primary care settings in New Delhi, India. Tropical medicine & International Health 2014; 19: 761-768.
21. Behl T, Kotwani A. Terminalia catappa in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Asian Journal of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Research 2014; 3;1-10.
22. Kotwani A. Tracking medicine prices in the supply chain. Who benefits from the free market in India? Economic & Political Weekly 2013; XLVIII No 52, 104-112.
23. Kotwani A, Holloway K. Access to antibiotics in New Delhi, India: implications for antibiotic policy. Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice.2013, 6:6. http://www.joppp.org/content/6/1/6
24. Kotwani A. Where are we now: assessing the price, availability and affordability of essential medicines in Delhi as India plans free medicine for all. BMC Health Services Research 2013, 13:285 (25 July 2013)
25. Rashid M, Fahim M, Kotwani A. Efficacy of tadalafil in chronic hypobaric hypoxia induced pulmonary hypertension:possible mechanisms. Fundamental and Clinical Pharmacology 2013; 27: 271-278.
26. Kotwani A, Shendge S. Asthma self-management: A study in an emergency room of a chest hospital in Delhi, India. Southern Med Review 2012; 2: 20-25.
27. Shendge S, Deka B, Kotwani A. A cross-sectional evaluation of illness perception about asthma among asthma patients at a referral tertiary care public chest hospital in Delhi, India. International Journal of User-Driven Healthcare 2012; 2: 32-43.
28. Kotwani A. Psychiatric medicines in India: why public healthcare facilities and a thriving generics industry cannot assure access and affordability. International Psychiatry 2012;9: 34-36.
29. Kotwani A, Chhabra SK, Tayal V, Vijayan VK. Quality of asthma management in an urban community in Delhi, India. Indian Journal of Medical Research 2012; 135: 184-192. http://www.ijmr.org.in/temp/IndianJMedRes1352184-1108122_030441.pdf
30. Kotwani A, Chhabra SK. Impact of standard treatment guidelines and patient education on asthma control and knowledge in asthmatic patients: a controlled trial in Delhi, India. WHO South-East Asia Journal of Public Health 2012; 1: 42-51.
31. Kotwani A, Roy Chaudhury R, Holloway K. Antibiotic prescribing practices of primary care prescribers for acute diarrhoea in New Delhi, India. Value in Health, 2012; 15: S116-S119.
32. Kotwani A, Wattal C, Katewa S, Joshi P C, Holloway K. Irrational use of antibiotics and role of pharmacists: an insight from a qualitative study in New Delhi, India. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy Therapeutics June 2012, 37: 308–312.
33. Rashid M, Kotwani A, Fahim M. Long-acting phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, tadalafil, and superoxide dismutase mimetic, tempol, protect against acute hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats. Human and Experimental Toxicology 2011 online published December 5, 2011 doi: 10.1177/0960327111429138
34. Kotwani A. Transparency and accountability in public procurement of essential medicines in developing countries. International Journal of User-Driven Healthcare 2011; 1: 15-30. http://www.igi-global.com/article/transparency-accountability-public-procurement-essential/61319
35. Ganguly NK, Arora NK, Chandy SJ, Fairoze MN, Gill JS, Gupta U, Hossain S, Joglekar S, Joshi PC, Kakkar M, Kotwani A, Rattan A, Sudarshan H, Thomas K, Wattal C, Easton A, Laxminarayan R. Rationalizing antibiotic use to limit antibiotic resistance in India . Indian Journal of Medical Research 2011; 134:281-94.
36. Situational Analysis: Antibiotic Use and Resistance in India. Global Antibiotic Resistance Partnership. Global Antibiotic Resistance Partnership-India National Working Group, Ganguly NK Chairman; Co-author. The Centre for Disease Dynamics, Economics and Policy, Washington DC, New Delhi. 2011.
37. Parveen A, Babbar R, Agarwal S, Kotwani A, Fahim M. Terminalia arjuna enhances baroreflex sensitivity and myocardial function in isoproterenol-induced chronic heart failure rats. Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology Therapeutics 2011 (August 9 2011 online publication) 1074248411416816
38. Kotwani A, Holloway K. Trends in antibiotic use among outpatients in New Delhi, India. BMC Infectious Diseases 2011;11:99 http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2334/11/99
39. Singal G, Nanda A, Kotwani A. A comparative evaluation of price and quality of some branded versus branded-generic medicines of the same manufacturer in India. Indian Journal of Pharmacology 2011; 43: 131-136.
40. Holloway K, Mathai E, Gray A, on behalf of Community-based surveillance of antimicrobial use and resistance in resource-constrained settings Project Group (Kotwani A, et al). Surveillance of community antimicrobial resistance in resource-constrained settings – experience from five pilot projects. Tropical Medicine and International Health 2011; 16: 368-374.
41. Holloway K, Mathai E, Gray A, on behalf of Community-based surveillance of antimicrobial use and resistance in resource-constrained settings Project Group (Kotwani A, et al). Surveillance of community antimicrobial use in resource-constrained settings – experience from five pilot projects. Tropical Medicine and International Health 2011; 16: 152-161.
42. Singhal G.L., Kotwani A, Nanda A. Jan Aushadhi stores in India and quality of medicines therein. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 2011; 3:204-207.
43. Parveen A, Babbar R, Agarwal S, Kotwani A, Fahim M. Mechanistic clues in the cardioprotective effect of Terminilia arjuna bark extract in isoproterenol-induced chronic heart failure in rats. Cardiovascular Toxicology 2011; 11; 48-57.
44. Kotwani A, Wattal C, Katewa S, Joshi P C, Holloway K. Antibiotic use in the community: what factors influence primary care physicians to prescribe antibiotics in Delhi, India? Family Practice 2010; 27: 684-690. http://fampra.oxfordjournals.org/content/27/6/684.full
45. Kotwani A. Editorial. Access to essential medicines and standard treatment for chronic diseases. Indian Journal of Pharmacology 2010; 42: 127-128.
46. Kotwani A. Will generic drug stores improve access to essential medicines for the poor in India? Journal of Public Health Policy 2010; 31: 178-184.
47. Kotwani A, Holloway K, Roy Chaudhury R. Methodology for surveillance of antimicrobials use among out-patient in Delhi. Indian Journal of Medical Research 2009; 129: 555-60.
48. Wattal C, Raveendran R, Kotwani A, Sharma A, Bhandari SK, Sorensen TL, Holloway K. Establishing a new methodology for monitoring of antimicrobial resistance and use in the community in a resource poor-setting. Journal of Applied Therapeutic Research 2009; 7: 37-45.
49. WHO Research Series on Medicine (2009). Community-based surveillance of antimicrobial use and resistance in resource-constrained settings. Report on five pilot projects. Kotwani A (Antimicrobial drug use surveillance, Delhi site).World Health Organization, 2009 WHO/EMP/MAR/2009.2
50. Kotwani A. Availability, price, and affordability of asthma medicines in five Indian states. International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases 2009; 13: 574-579.
51. Kotwani A, Gurbani N, Sharma S, Chaudhury R. Insights for policymakers from a medicine price survey in Rajasthan. Indian Journal of Medical Research 2009; 129: 451-454.
2. Kavita Gulati, Director Professor
Chapters in books
1) Pharmacovigilance : An Update (Eds: Arunabha Ray and Kavita Gulati), Image Graphics, Delhi, 2004
2) Current Trends in Pharmacology (Eds: Arunabha Ray and Kavita Gulati), IK International, Delhi, 2007
3) Recent advances in herbal drug research and therapy (Eds. Arunabha Ray and Kavita Gulati, IK International, New Delhi, 2009