Ƶ pharmacy professor Fawzy Elbarbry has been honored by the for a publication on his research identifying naturally occurring substances that could reduce inflammation in heart patients.
Elbarbry received the AACP Pharmaceutics Section’s 2025 Research Award at the organization’s Pharmacy Education conference and annual meeting in July in Chicago.
Elbarbry was recognized for his publication Antihypertensive and Protective Role of Food-Origin Isothiocyanate Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitors, part of a three-year study funded by a nearly $366,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health as part of its “Support for Research Excellence” program.
“Receiving this award is a great honor that confirms the impact of our work and the value of teamwork,” said Elbarbry, who also chairs the AACP’s Curriculum Special Interest Group. “This recognition marks an important step in my career and shows the dedication and creativity of our research team, which includes two pharmacy students, one staff member, and one faculty collaborator. Leading this team has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career, and I’m truly thankful for this recognition from AACP.”
The publication is part of a study examining the effects of six natural compounds called isothiocyanates and their potential to treat hypertension. The compounds naturally occur in vegetables such as kale, broccoli, cauliflower, and others. Initial results show that low doses of two of the isothiocyanates studied have the potential to be effective in treatment.
“Computer simulations helped explain how some worked better than others,” Elbarbry said. “In short, certain natural isothiocyanates could be useful for treating high blood pressure and heart disease because they are effective, selective, and likely to be safe.”
Participants in the study include associate professor of pharmacy Michael Espiritu, who is the study’s co-investigator, senior research assistant Jon Taylor, and students Kaylen Soo ’23, PharmD ‘26 and Baily Yee ’24, PharmD ’26.
The No. 1 private research university in the Northwest, the NIH grant funding Elbarbry’s research is among $14.7 million in federal grant funding in Pacific’s current sponsored projects portfolio and over $20.1 million in grants from federal, state, and local government organizations, nonprofits, and private businesses.
A member of Pacific’s pharmacy faculty since 2008, Elbarbry earned his PhD in pharmacy, with an emphasis in drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics, from the University of Saskatchewan in 2006. Originally from Egypt, Elbarbry received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in pharmacy from the University of Tanta. He is a board-certified pharmacist in both the U.S. and Canada.