Academic Profile

Biography

Dr. Hiwa Khidhir Saaed
PhD in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
Senior Lecturer | Researcher | Clinical Pharmacist

Dr. Hiwa K. Saaed is a certified academic and registered pharmacist with over 30 years of experience in pharmacy practice, education, and administration across hospital, community, and academic settings. He obtained his BSc in Pharmacy (1988) and a Higher Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy from the College of Pharmacy, followed by an MSc and PhD in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology from the College of Medicine, University of Baghdad—graduating with distinction as the top of his class.

Throughout his career, Dr. Saaed has held numerous leadership positions at the University of Sulaimani/College of Pharmacy, including dean, vice dean, and head of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. He currently serves as a senior lecturer, teaching courses in basic, molecular, clinical, and advanced pharmacology; research methodology; and communication skills in pharmacy practice.

He broadened his academic and research expertise through a postdoctoral fellowship at Uppsala University, Sweden (January 2020–January 2021), and has directed the Joint Higher Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy Program in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, KRG–Iraq, 2010–2019.

Dr. Saaed’s research focuses on pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, including drug permeability in hydatid cysts, GABAergic receptor function, cancer pharmacotherapy and resistance, apoptotic gene expression in leukemia, and advancements in pharmacy curriculum and education. He currently supervises several postgraduate students pursuing MSc degrees in Pharmacology and Higher Diplomas in Clinical Pharmacy.

He is a member of several professional organizations, including the Federal International Pharmacists, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (UK), and the Syndicates of Iraqi and Kurdistan Pharmacists. He also serves as a faculty affiliate at the College of Pharmacy, Belmont University, Tennessee, USA.

Research Interests

• Cytokine modulation and targeted biologic therapy in autoimmune diseases, particularly IL-6 suppression by TNF inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis.

• Pharmacokinetics and therapeutic monitoring of biologics (e.g., Infliximab) in inflammatory bowel disease.

• Neurogastroenterology and visceral sensitivity, with a focus on peptide YY (PYY) in irritable bowel syndrome.

• Molecular mechanisms of inflammation in gastrointestinal disorders, including Helicobacter pylori-induced gastritis.

• Experimental pharmacology using animal models to study gastrointestinal motility and mucosal protection.

• Cancer pharmacogenomics and chemosensitivity, especially apoptotic gene expression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

• Pharmacy education and digital health, including technology acceptance among pharmacy students and faculty.

• GABAergic modulation in gastrointestinal protection, with emphasis on receptor-targeted therapy in ethanol-induced gastric damage.