On January 24, 2024, we were delighted to host Dr. Kapanova Gulnara from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University to the Lihu Campus of Shenzhen University. Dr. Kapanova Gulnara was invited b Professor Xingzhi Xu from Shenzhen University Medical School, to deliver the 79th session of the School of Basic Medical Sciences Seminar. 

During her presentation, Dr. Kapanova Gulnara outlined the results of a clinical trial testing the efficacy of a new drug developed in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The drug, known as FS-1, is an iodine-containing nanomolecular complex with wide spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The clinical trial involved a cohort of nearly 1,000 patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). The efficacy and safety of FS-1 were proven by the increment of the cure rate of MDR TB. Specifically, patients treated with FS-1 showed increased sputum clearance and decreased time to sputum clearance from mycobacteria; improved body weight, clinical symptoms dynamics, and chest X-ray dynamics; and a decreased risk of relapse of TB. Drug susceptibility testing was performed monthly to monitor and prevent the development of extensive drug resistance. The susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was compared with that of first and second line anti-TB drugs, and the data showed that FS-1 is indeed effective for MDR-TB treatment, thus opening up new perspectives for FS-1 use.

Brief introduction to the speaker

Gulnara Kapanova (MD, PhD and Associate Professor) is Head of the Department of Health Policy and Management at the Higher School of Medicine of Al-Farabi KazNU and Deputy Director for Clinical Research at the Scientific Center for Anti-Infective Drugs. Through her career, she has held positions as a medical doctor, and assistant and associate professor, head of the department of surgery, deputy dean, director of the educational and methodological department, and vice-rector. This diverse experience has allowed Dr. Kapanova to work in different areas of the healthcare system. Dr. Kapanova is a specialist in the field of medical education, healthcare management, healthcare accreditation issues, and in the development of standards for simulation centers, education standards, and educational programs. She is also specialist in the field of GCP, ICH, and the organization and conduct of clinical trials. Under her leadership, 68 master's students have defended their thesis. Meanwhile, she has also served as a scientific consultant for eight PhD students.