Prof. Janet Mifsud

Prof. Janet Mifsud

Prof. Janet Mifsud

 B.Pharm.(Hons)(Melit.),B.A.(Hons)(Theol.)(Melit.),Ph.D.(Q.U.B.),FBPhS

Professor

Faculty of Medicine & Surgery
Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics
University of Malta
Msida
  +356 2340 2582
Prof Janet Mifsud obtained her PhD in UK in 1995 on the pharmacology of chiral antiepileptic drugs. Her research activities in epilepsy are undertaken with colleagues in Mater Dei Hospital, University College London and numerous other international epilepsy centres. She has published extensively and has been appointed on the organising and scientific committees of several international epilepsy conferences. Prof Mifsud was Secretary General for the European Epilepsy Academy and also Vice-President for the International Bureau for Epilepsy; and she is presently member, Joint Task Force, European Epilepsy Research and Advocacy. She is an advisor, Caritas Malta Epilepsy Association. She was officially awarded the title of Epilepsy Ambassador by the International League Against epilepsy and International Bureau of Epilepsy in 2019.

Prof Mifsud co-ordinates pharmacology study units offered at the University of Malta for Faculties of Medicine and Surgery; Health Sciences; Science; Education; and Dental Surgery. She also co-ordinates a Pharmacotoxicology Course and the preparation of final year MD students for the UK Prescribing Skills Assessment. She was elected Fellow of the British Pharmacological Society in 2017 and in 2019 was invited as a Review Science Editor for the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.

She is involved in several EU and internationally funded projects in FP7. H2020, Ersamus+ and IMI. She has also been invited to act as external expert evaluator for scientific projects for several international and European wide panels. Prof Mifsud is national expert on the Pharmacokinetics Working Group (PKWP) in European Medicines Agency.

On a national level, she was the first Commissioner, National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) and was for several years a member of the Public Service Commission. She is also Board Member, New Hope Services for Drug Rehabilitation, Caritas Malta; Centre for Freedom from Addiction, President's Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society; and Fund for Voluntary Organisations, Malta Community Chest Fund.
  • Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacometrics and Pharmacogenetics
  • Pharmacology of drugs used in chronic neurological disorders specifically anti-epileptic drugs
  • Pharmacotoxicology
  • Abuse and misuse of over the counter drugs and Drug Doping in sports
  • Stigma and inclusion in epilepsy
  • Ethical issues in health care and pharmacology
  • Gender and science

MIFSUD, J. and BRODIE, M., 2018. Lay epilepsy organizations: The key for research funding? Epilepsy and Behaviour, 81, pp. 123-124.

BRINKMAN, D.J., TICHELAAR, J., MOKKINK, L.B., CHRISTIAENS, T., LIKIC, R., MACIULAITIS, R., COSTA, J., SANZ, E.J., MAXWELL, S.R., RICHIR, M.C., MIFSUD, J. and ET, A., 2017. Key learning outcomes for clinical pharmacology and therapeutics education in Europe: A modified Delphi study. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, December.

CHNEIWEISS, H., HIRSCH, F., MONTOLIU, L., MALLER, M., FENET, S., ABECASSIS, M., MERCHANT, J., BAERTSCHI, B., BOTBOL-BAUM, M., MIFSUD, J. and HOUGHTON, J., 2017. Fostering responsible research with genome editing technologies: a European perspective. Transgenic research, 26(5), pp. 709-713.

MAGRI, D. and MIFSUD, J., 2017. COST special issue. Malta Chamber of Scientists.

MIFSUD, J., 2017. Medicine Adherence in the aging population - the role of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. In: E. COSTA, A. GIARDINI and A. MONACO, eds, Adherence to Medical plans for Active and healthy Aging. 1sr edn. New York149-164: Nova Science Publishers, .

MIFSUD, M., JICKELLS, S., MIFSUD J and WOLFF, K., 2017. EcstasyTablets: Batch Matching for Forensic Drug Intelligence Purposes in Malta. Detection of Drug Misuse: Biomarkers, Analytical Advances and Interpretation, , pp. 288.

O'SULLIVAN, J., BLAKE, K., BERNTGEN, M.L., SALMONSON, T., MIFSUD, J. and WELINK, J., 2017. Overview of the European Medicines Agency's Development of Product Specific Bioequivalence Guidelines. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, .

SHABBI, H., SCERRI, A., SOLER, D. and MIFSUD, J., 2017. Using antiepileptic drugs in children: recent developments and recommendations.

SHABBI, H., SOLER, D., GRECH, G., SALIBA, C., DUCA, D., GABNAR, I. and MIFSUD, J., 2017. Modelling covariates which infleunce lamotrigine pharmacokinetics in paediatric patients, 2017, WILEY 111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA, pp. S52-S52.

BAULAC, M., BOER, H., ELGER, C., GLYNN, M., KALVINNINEN, R., LITTLE, A., MIFSUD, J., PERUCCA, E., PITKANEN, A. and RYVLIN, P., 2015. Epilepsy priorities in Europe: A report of the ILAE/IBE Epilepsy Advocacy Europe Task Force. Epilepsia, 56(11), pp. 1687-1695.

SCIBERRAS, J.N., GALLOWAY, S.D.R., FENECH, A., GRECH, G., FARRUGIA, C., DUCA, D. and MIFSUD, J., 2015. The effect of turmeric (Curcumin) supplementation on cytokine and inflammatory marker responses following 2 hours of endurance cycling. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12(1), pp. 5.

ARZIMANOGLOU, A., LAGAE, L., CROSS, J.H., BEGHI, E., MIFSUD, J., BENNETT, C., SCHMIDT, D., WAIT, S. and HARVEY, G., 2014. The administration of rescue medication to children with prolonged acute convulsive seizures in a non-hospital setting: an exploratory survey of healthcare professionals’ perspectives. European journal of pediatrics, 173(6), pp. 773-779.

BELLIZZI, M., CASSAR, K. and MIFSUD, J., 2014. Pain Management In Lower Limb Major Amputation. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, 115, pp. 78-79.

CARDONA, P. and MIFSUD, J., 2014. Doping in sport: assessing knowledge among health care professionals. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, 115, pp. 354.

MIFSUD, J., 2014. Gender differences in epilepsy: perceived or real? Journal of the Malta College of Pharmacy Practice, , pp. 28.

VELLA, T. and MIFSUD, J., 2014. Interactions Between Valproate And Olanzapine/quetiapine In Bipolar Disorder. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, 115, pp. 72.

CROSS, J.H., WAIT, S., ARZIMANOGLOU, A., BEGHI, E., BENNETT, C., LAGAE, L., MIFSUD, J., SCHMIDT, D. and HARVEY, G., 2013. Are we failing to provide adequate rescue medication to children at risk of prolonged convulsive seizures in schools? Archives of Disease in Childhood, , pp. archdischild-2013.

JETTE, N., ALI, A., AUSTIN, J.K., BIRBECK, G.L., DE BOER, H., BRAGA, P., CROSS, J.H., DUA, T., FERNANDES, P.T. and LORENZETTI, D.L., 2013. Stigma In Epilepsy-An International Perspective. Epilepsia, 54, pp. 12-13.

LAPIRA, A., SAMMUT, N., SCERRI, C., CORDINA, G., MIFSUD, J., HARPER, J.C., SCERRI, R.S. and CASTILLO, N., 2013. National strategy for health research and innovation. Xjenza-Online, 2013, pp. 82.

MIFSUD, J. and BELLIA, C., 2013. COST: Matchmaking for Researchers. Xjenza-Online, 2013, pp. 75.

MIFSUD, J., VELLA, T. and ELLUL-MICALLEF, R., 2013. Antipsychotics And Aeds: Therapeutic Drug Monitoring In A Mental Health Care Setting. Epilepsia, 54, pp. 62-63.

WAIT, S., LAGAE, L., ARZIMANOGLOU, A., BEGHI, E., BENNETT, C., CROSS, J.H., MIFSUD, J., SCHMIDT, D. and HARVEY, G., 2013. The administration of rescue medication to children with prolonged acute convulsive seizures in the community: what happens in practice? European Journal of Paediatric Neurology, 17(1), pp. 14-23.

MIFSUD, J., 2012. The effects of antiepileptic drugs in relation to dentistry. The Dental Probe - The Maltese Dental Journal, March(41), pp. 33-36.

MIFSUD, J. and SGHENDO, L.J., 2012. A novel chiral GC/MS method for the analysis of fluoxetine and norfluoxetine enantiomers in biological fluids. Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences, 4(3), pp. 236.

SGHENDO, L. and MIFSUD, J., 2012. Understanding the molecular pharmacology of the serotonergic system: using fluoxetine as a model. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 64(3), pp. 317-325.

MIFSUD, J., 2011. Facing the Challenges: Malta. In: D. CHAPMAN, D. PANELLI, J. HANNA and T. JEFFS, eds, Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy: continuing the global conversation. Australia: Epilepsy Australia Ltd, pp. 123-124.

MIFSUD, J., ATTARD, D. and ATTARD, L., 2011. Drug doping in sports: an overview and recommendations for the Maltese context. Malta Medical Journal, 23(1),.

PETR, P., MIFSUD, J., 2011. Clinical Pharmacology in Malta. Klinická farmakologie a farmacie, 25(3),.

MIFSUD, J., 2010. Phenobarbital and Other Barbiturates. Atlas of Epilepsies. Springer, pp. 1807-1812.

MIFSUD, J., 2010. Primidone. Atlas of Epilepsies. Springer, pp. 1825-1827.

MIFSUD, J., SOLER, D. and SHABBI, H., 2010. Focused Conference Group: P10-Drugs For Half The World: Paediatric Clinical Pharmacology Using Adapt® In Paediatric Patients: Pharmacokinetic Modelling For Lamotrigine. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, 107, pp. 455-456.

BAULAC, M. and PITKANEN, A., 2009. Research priorities in epilepsy for the next decade: a representative view of the European scientific community: summary of the ILAE Epilepsy Research Workshop, Brussels, 17-18 January 2008. Epilepsia, 50(3), pp. 571-578.

ELLUL, R.D., CORDINA, M., BUHAGIAR, A., FENECH, A. and MIFSUD, J., 2009. An analysis of gender differences in self-reported health, use of medicines and access to information sources about medicines among adolescents. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, 21(4), pp. 591-600.

MIFSUD, J., CAMILLERI, T. and GALEA, R., 2009. Pregnancy And Birth Outcomes In Females Of Child Bearing Age In Malta. Epilepsia, 50, pp. 72.

MIFSUD, J., CAMILLERI, T. and GALEA, R., 2009. Pregnancy And Birth Outcomes In Females Of Child Bearing Age In Malta. Epilepsia, 50, pp. 72.

MIFSUD, J., DARMANIN, E.R., CORDINA, M., FENECH, A. and BUHAGIAR, A., 2009. Health Complaints And Use Of Medicines Among Adolescents In Malta. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, 105, pp. 134.

MIFSUD, J. and CASSAR, M., 2009. A Novel Allele In A Familial Case Of Idiopathic Epilepsy In A Small Island State. Epilepsia, 50, pp. 298-299.

DARMANIN ELLUL, R., CORDINA, M., BUHAGIAR, A., FENECH, A. and MIFSUD, J., 2008. Knowledge and sources of information about medicines among adolescents in Malta. Pharmacy Practice (Granada), 6(4), pp. 178-186.

MIFSUD, J., SOLER, D., CAUCHI, N. and BURLO, E.T., 2008. Concerns, Coping Behaviour And Sense Of Coherence In Parents Of Children With Chronic Illness. Epilepsia, 49, pp. 180.

MIFSUD, J., CAMILLERI, T. and GALEA, R., 2007. A Retrospective Study Of Antiepileptic Drug Treatment In Pregnancy And Birth Outcomes In Malta, A Small Island State. Epilepsia, 48, pp. 2.

HEZSER, V., WEHRS, V., MIFSUD, J., DIMECH, V., BEKES, J., CZIKORA, G., SUDBROCK, H. and PFAFFLIN, M., 2006. The Pams Experience. Epilepsia, 47, pp. 105.

MIFSUD, J., SHABBI, H. and SOLER, D., 2006. Modelling pharmacokinetics for antiepileptic drugs in paediatrics, 2006, BLACKWELL PUBLISHING 9600 GARSINGTON RD, OXFORD OX4 2DQ, OXON, ENGLAND, pp. 122-123.

MIFSUD, J., SHABBI, H. and SOLER, D., 2006. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Of Lamotrigine In A Paediatric Population. Epilepsia, 47, pp. 124-125.

MIFSUD, J., SHABBI, H. and SOLER, D., 2006. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Of Lamotrigine In A Paediatric Population. Epilepsia, 47, pp. 124-125.

MIFSUD, J., SHABBI, H. and SOLER, D., 2006. Modelling pharmacokinetics for sparse lamotrigine data in paediatrics, 2006, INFORMA HEALTHCARE TELEPHONE HOUSE, 69-77 PAUL STREET, LONDON EC2A 4LQ, ENGLAND, pp. 68-68.

DIMECH, V., DIMECH, M. and MIFSUD, J., 2005. Epilepsy as a Hidden Disability. Epilepsia, 46, pp. 190.

MIFSUD, J., SHABBI, H. and SOLER, D., 2005. Paediatric Pharmacokinetic Modelling for Sparse Lamotrigine Data using Adapt®. Epilepsia, 46, pp. 108.

MIFSUD, J., SHABBI, H. and SOLER, D., 2005. Paediatric Pharmacokinetic Modelling for Sparse Lamotrigine Data using Adapt®. Epilepsia, 46, pp. 108.

MILLERSHIP, J.S., MIFSUD, J., GALEA, D., MCROBERTS, W.C. and HAMILTON, J., 2005. Chiral aspects of the human metabolism of ethosuximide. Biopharmaceutics & drug disposition, 26(6), pp. 225-232.

MIFSUD, J., 2004. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in clinical practices; demolishing some misconceptions. Part 1. The Synapse, November.

MIFSUD, J., GAFA, M., MICALLEF, M., DEBONO, A.G. and ELLUL-MICALLEF, R., 2004. Effect of antiepileptic drugs on in-vitro lymphocyte proliferation assays, 2004, BLACKWELL PUBLISHING INC 350 MAIN ST, MALDEN, MA 02148 USA, pp. 127-127.

PACE, T., MIFSUD, J., ELLUL-MICALLEF, R., FENECH, A. and CALI-CORLEO, R., 2004. The Use Of A Non-sedating Antihistamine In A Hyperbaric Environment: Po-085. Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology, 31(11), pp. A223.

SGHENDO, L., PORTTELLI, J. and MIFSUD, J., 2004. Pulmonary uptake of chiral antiepileptic drugs. European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 23, pp. S62.

CORDINA, M., FARRUGIA, C., FENECH, A., SCIBERRAS, E., CORDINA, P.M. and CASTAGNA, R.C.C., 2003. International Social Pharmacy Workshop. Malta College of Pharmacy Practice.

MIFSUD, J., SGHENDO, L., ELLUL-MICALLEF, R., PORTELLI, J. and SOLER, D., 2003. Pulmonary Uptake of Chiral Antiepileptic Drugs. Epilepsia, 44, pp. 174.

MIFSUD, J., SGHENDO, L., ELLUL-MICALLEF, R., PORTELLI, J. and SOLER, D., 2003. Pulmonary Uptake of Chiral Antiepileptic Drugs. Epilepsia, 44, pp. 174.

MIFSUD, J., 2003. Drugs and the athlete: what is the price for winning at any cost? .

SGHENDO, L., MIFSUD, J., ELLUL-MICALLEF, R., PORTELLI, J. and MILLERSHIP, J.S., 2002. A sensitive gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric method for the resolution and quantification of ethosuximide enantiomers in biological fluids. Journal of Chromatography B, 772(2), pp. 307-315.

GAFA, M., MIFSUD, J., MICALLEF, M., DEBONO, A.G. and R-ELLUL-MICALLEF, 2001. Determination of immunological levels in patients with epilepsy, 2001, WILEY-BLACKWELL COMMERCE PLACE, 350 MAIN ST, MALDEN 02148, MA USA, pp. 26-26.

MIFSUD, J., COLLIER, P.S. and MILLERSHIP, J.S., 2001. The pharmacokinetics of ethosuximide enantiomers in the rat. Biopharmaceutics & drug disposition, 22(2), pp. 83-89.

MIFSUD, J., MILLERSHIP, J.S., COLLIER, P.S., MORROW, R., HAMILTON, J. and MCROBERTS, W.C., 2001. Quantification of urinary excretion of ethosuximide enantiomers and their major metabolites in the rat. Biopharmaceutics & drug disposition, 22(3), pp. 129-136.

MIFSUD, J., 2000. Out of the shadows: services for persons with epilepsy in Malta.

MIFSUD, J., BUTTIGIEG, A., DEBONO, A.G. and MICALLEF, R.E., 1999. Therapeutic management with the newer antiepileptic drugs in Malta, 1999, LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS 530 WALNUT ST, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106-3621 USA, pp. 96-96.

MIFSUD, J., COLLIER, P.S. and MILLERSHIP, J.S., 1998. Animal models in the determination of stereoselective protective effects of chiral antiepileptic drugs, 1998, SPRINGER VERLAG 175 FIFTH AVE, NEW YORK, NY 10010 USA, pp. R33-R33.

MIFSUD, J. and CASSAR, E., 1998. Predictive Value of Kinetic Software for Pht: An Appraisal in the Clinical Setting. Epilepsia, 39, pp. 84-85.

MIFSUD, J., MILLERSHIP, J.S. and COLLIER, P.S., 1997. Improving Therapeutic Outcomes: Focus on Chiral Antiepileptic Drugs. Epilepsia, 38, pp. 65.

MIFSUD, J., 1997. Chiral aspects of the dispostion and pharmacology of the enantiomers of ethosuximide.

MIFSUD, J., COLLIER, P.S. and MILLERSHIP, J.S., 1997. Stereoselective Pharmacology Of Chiral Antiepileptic Drugs. The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 37(9), pp. 859.

MIFSUD, J., MILLERSHIP, J.S. and COLLIER, P.S., 1995. Stereoselectivity in the elimination of the enantiomers of ethosuximide: 18.4. Behavioural pharmacology, 6, pp. 96.

MIFSUD, J., 1994. Chiral drugs: one drug or two?: Clinical pharmacology through the looking glass: reflections on the racemate vs enantiomer debate.

MILLERSHIP, J.S., MIFSUD, J. and COLLIER, P.S., 1993. The metabolism of ethosuximide. European journal of drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics, 18(4), pp. 349-353.

__LecturingPortfolio
Research work in progress

- Pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenetics of drugs used in chronic neurological disorders
- OTC drug use and misuse and drug doping in sports
- Neurotoxicology and poisoning
- Stigma and educational inclusion in epilepsy


Involvement in projects and ongoing collaborations

- Member of the Scientific Advisory Board, IMI project NeuroDeRixk Neurotoxicity DeRisking in
Preclinical Drug Discovery http://neuroderisk.eu IMI-JU 821528 2019-2023
- Consortium Parter, H2020 GENDER ACTION GENDer equality in the ERA Community To Innovate
policy implementatiON. Coordination and Support Action SwafS-19-216 2017-2021
- Chair, Dissemination board and Ethics Board FP7 DESIRE Development and Epilepsy Strategies
for innovative research to improve Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment in children with
Difficult to Treat Epilepsy (Health-F2-602531-2013)(2013-2018)
- Workpackage leader Parter, Erasmus+, IT-based international diploma and professional
certificates in clinical toxicology (ITCT)(KA2 561915-EPP-1-2015-1-EG-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP)(2015-
2018)
- Workpackage leader Partner, LLP Erasmus Network, Science for Prevention Academic Network
(SPAN) (2013-2015)
- Partner, Leonardo Da Vinci LLP EU project on disability education (2009-2012)
- Chair, Dissemination board EU funded FP6 project EPICURE: Functional Genomics and
Neurobiology of Epilepsy: A Basis for New Therapeutic Strategies (LSH-037315). (2004-2009)
- UNESCO grant on learning impairment in epilepsy;
- Co-coordinator Grundtvig project. Curricular Education for Professionals Allied to Medicine
(PAMs) in Epilepsy 2006-2011.
- Co-ordinator of a UNESCO funded project on Gender Gap in science and technology in Malta,
2007.
- Co-ordinator of an EU Youth Grant - Epilepsy Youth in Europe, 2003

Awards
- Epilepsy Ambassador, International League Against Epilepsy and International Bureau of
Epilepsy, 2019
- Elected Fellow of the British Pharmacological Society, 2017
- Pektur award, Commission for Persons with Disability, 2017
- Italo Maltese award to La Sapienza University Rome Italy, 2009
- Visiting fellow US Fulbright scholarship to the University of Minnesota, 2007
- Pektur award, Commission for Persons with Disability, 2001
- DAAD grant, Bethel Epilepsy Clinic, Germany, 1999

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