Dr Vijay Suppiah joined Clinical and Health Sciences in June 2011. Prior to his appointment at UniSA, Dr Suppiah was a postdoctoral scientist at the University of Sydney (Western Medical School) where he was leading a pharmacogenomics project in hepatitis C. His academic journey includes Pharmacy education at the National University of Singapore and doctoral research in immunogenetics at the Queen’s University of Belfast (Northern Ireland).
Dr Suppiah coordinates two third year courses, Dosage Form Design 3 (PHAR3024) and Pharmacotherapeutics Theory 2 (PHAR3022) in the Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science programs. Both courses teach professional skills and knowledge to aspiring practitioners of pharmacy and pharmaceutical science.
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About me
Dr Vijay Suppiah joined Clinical and Health Sciences in June 2011. Prior to his appointment at UniSA, Dr Suppiah was a postdoctoral scientist at the University of Sydney (Western Medical School) where he was leading a pharmacogenomics project in hepatitis C. His academic journey includes Pharmacy education at the National University of Singapore and doctoral research in immunogenetics at the Queen’s University of Belfast (Northern Ireland).
Dr Suppiah coordinates two third year courses, Dosage Form Design 3 (PHAR3024) and Pharmacotherapeutics Theory 2 (PHAR3022) in the Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science programs. Both courses teach professional skills and knowledge to aspiring practitioners of pharmacy and pharmaceutical science.
Dr Suppiah’s research interest of pharmacogenomics in multimorbidity strongly aligns with the Australian Centre for Precision Health (ACPreH) at UniSA. His research projects are based on patients' genetic make-up in informing medication choices mainly in cancer and mental health. Additionally, he is also interested in the use of and long term effects of psychotropic medications across the lifespan.
Dr Suppiah shares his passion for research with undergrad and postgrad students both within UniSA and externally. He continues to supervise innovative Frontiers projects which have resulted in several joint publications with students. As a primary supervisor, he has supervised several higher degree students to completion. His team provides a supportive and nurturing environment to cultivate independent thinkers.
About me
Australasian Pharmaceutical Science Association (APSA)
International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)
About me
Doctor of Philosophy The Queen's University of Belfast
Bachelor of Science (Pharmacy) with Honours National University of Singapore
My vision is for a future in which medications for all ailments are prescribed based on a person's genetic make-up. A person's genetic architecture not only determines their susceptibility to diseases but also the way they are likely to respond to pharmacotherapy. The future of medicine lies in understanding and appreciating that everyone should be treated as unique individuals, specifically when it comes to medication and dose selection. Some medical specialities do this very well while it is still developing in other areas. I believe that psychopharmacotherapy would greatly benefit from this approach to the selection of medication and dose.
Pharmacogenomics in multi-morbidity
A person's genetic make-up can influence... Read more
Research
Excludes commercial-in-confidence projects.
Optimization and validation of assay of French protocol for phenotyping patient samples for treatment optimization, Pari-Passou Medical Consultancy, 03/08/2020 - 31/12/2020
Cost effectiveness analysis of NPS MedicineWise app in the management of heart failure patients, Cwth Dept of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, 06/05/2019 - 04/05/2020
Identification of DEPDC5 and PRRT2 deletions and duplications in causing childhood epilepsies, Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation of SA, 01/01/2014 - 30/06/2016
Previous Frontiers in Pharmacy Practice and Pharmaceutical Science (PHAR 4025) Projects (2017 - present)
2017
1. Assessment of patient understanding of their medicines: interviews with community dwelling older Australians.
2. The role of KIR variants in rheumatoid arthritis.
2018
1. Post discharge recommendations on opioid usage and monitoring in discharge summaries of GEMU patients at Noarlunga Hospital.
2. Medication related to gastrointestinal bleeding and the incidence of potential culprit medications.
2019
1. To determine the knowledge of community pharmacy clients regarding mental health and mental health support services.
2. Roles and challenges in PRN psychotropic medication administration by residential aged care facility nursing staff.
2020
1. Acute and long-term psychological impact of bushfires and COVID-19 pandemic in community pharmacists.
2. Anti-cancer medication expenditure and dispensing from 2013 to 2019.
2022
1. The risk of QT prolongation in hospitalised patients with polypharmacy.
2. Pharmacogenomics implications in patients using multiple psychotropic medications.
3. Mapping the resilience performance of community pharmacy to maintainpatient safety during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Research
Research outputs for the last seven years are shown below. To see earlier years visit ORCID, ResearcherID or Scopus
Open access indicates that an output is open access.
| Year | Output |
|---|---|
| 2018 |
2
2
14
|
| 2017 |
19
17
13
|
| 2014 |
Open access
14
15
4
|
| 2013 |
Open access
14
14
|
| 2009 |
1689
1549
|
| Year | Output |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
|
| 2022 |
Open access
|
| 2022 |
|
| 2022 |
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2021 |
1
|
| 2021 |
Open access
2
2
|
| 2021 |
5
2
35
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
Open access
1
1
1
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2020 |
10
10
3
|
| 2019 |
Open access
1
10
|
| 2018 |
Open access
|
| 2018 |
2
2
14
|
| 2017 |
Open access
13
12
1
|
| 2017 |
19
17
13
|
| 2017 |
Open access
40
38
38
|
| 2015 |
Open access
134
135
26
|
| 2015 |
68
65
3
|
| 2014 |
Open access
6
5
3
|
| 2014 |
6
5
1
|
| 2014 |
49
46
5
|
| 2014 |
18
18
2
|
| 2014 |
14
14
1
|
| 2014 |
Open access
20
19
|
| 2014 |
2
2
7
|
| 2014 |
Open access
14
15
4
|
| 2013 |
Open access
14
14
|
| 2013 |
Open access
45
41
15
|
| 2013 |
Open access
5
4
|
| 2012 |
72
67
5
|
| 2012 |
Open access
119
112
8
|
| 2011 |
Open access
64
58
|
| 2011 |
Open access
100
99
|
| 2010 |
Open access
150
131
|
| 2009 |
1689
1549
|
2012 Finalist of the Australian Museum Eureka Prize for medical research translation.
2010 Westmead Science Prize for best research paper in 2009/2010 for the Nature Genetics paper
You can hear more about my research here: http://www.unisa.edu.au/research/talking-papers/
Research
My vision is for a future in which medications for all ailments are prescribed based on a person's genetic make-up. A person's genetic architecture not only determines their susceptibility to diseases but also the way they are likely to respond to pharmacotherapy. The future of medicine lies in understanding and appreciating that everyone should be treated as unique individuals, specifically when it comes to medication and dose selection. Some medical specialities do this very well while it is still developing in other areas. I believe that psychopharmacotherapy would greatly benefit from this approach to the selection of medication and dose.
Pharmacogenomics in multi-morbidity
A person's genetic make-up can influence their treatment outcomes (response and adverse drug reactions). With the advancement of genetic technologies and the reduction in costs for genetic projects, it is fast becoming a reality to do these projects within a reasonable time frame and budget. The implications of these projects will revolutionise the way doctors prescribe drugs for their patients.
Mental health and use of psychotropic medications
Community pharmacists are one of the most trusted primary healthcare professionals in Australia. Research projects under this stream are aimed at increasing the reach of community pharmacists to enhance the mental health and wellbeing of their communities. Additionally, projects are also aimed at investigating the long-term effects of psychotropic medications.
I would like to share my vision with students and colleagues in Australia as well as internationally. I collaborate widely with academics and industrial partners who are inspired to lead change for a better future world.
External engagement & recognition
| Organisation | Country |
|---|---|
| Australian Genomics Health Alliance | AUSTRALIA |
| Australian Medical Association | AUSTRALIA |
| Burnet Institute | AUSTRALIA |
| Calvary North Adelaide Hospital | AUSTRALIA |
| CanTeen Australia | AUSTRALIA |
| Centenary Institute | AUSTRALIA |
| Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin | GERMANY |
| Curtin University | AUSTRALIA |
| Flinders Medical Centre | AUSTRALIA |
| Gastroenteroligische Ambulanz der Kinderklinik | GERMANY |
| Haddad Pharmacy | AUSTRALIA |
| Helping Hand Aged Care | AUSTRALIA |
| Hopital Pitie-Salpetriere | FRANCE |
| J. W. Goethe-University Hospital Frankfurt | GERMANY |
| Lyell McEwin Hospital | AUSTRALIA |
| Menzies School of Health Research | AUSTRALIA |
| Minia University | EGYPT |
| Monash University | AUSTRALIA |
| Murdoch Childrens Research Institute | AUSTRALIA |
| Murdoch University | AUSTRALIA |
| National Neuroscience Institute | SINGAPORE |
| Necker Medical School | FRANCE |
| Nepean Hospital | AUSTRALIA |
| Newcastle University, United Kingdom | UNITED KINGDOM |
| NPS MedicineWise | AUSTRALIA |
| Pharmacy Guild of Australia | AUSTRALIA |
| Prince of Wales Hospital | AUSTRALIA |
| Princess Alexandra Hospital | AUSTRALIA |
| Queen Elizabeth Hospital | AUSTRALIA |
| Rockefeller University | UNITED STATES |
| Royal Adelaide Hospital | AUSTRALIA |
| SA Health | AUSTRALIA |
| San Raffaele Scientific Institute | ITALY |
| Terry White Chemmart Pharmacy | AUSTRALIA |
| The Pharmacists' Support Service | AUSTRALIA |
| Universitatsklinikum Leipzig | GERMANY |
| Universitatsmedizin Berlin | GERMANY |
| University Hospital Geneva | SWITZERLAND |
| University hospital in Berlin | GERMANY |
| University Hospital of Zurich | SWITZERLAND |
| University of Adelaide | AUSTRALIA |
| University of Bern | SWITZERLAND |
| University of Bonn | GERMANY |
| University of Geneva | SWITZERLAND |
| University of Lausanne | SWITZERLAND |
| University of Leipzig | GERMANY |
| University of Melbourne | AUSTRALIA |
| University of New South Wales | AUSTRALIA |
| University of Nottingham | UNITED KINGDOM |
| University of Queensland | AUSTRALIA |
| University of South Australia | AUSTRALIA |
| University of Sydney | AUSTRALIA |
| University of Turin | ITALY |
| Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory | AUSTRALIA |
| Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research | AUSTRALIA |
| Westmead Hospital | AUSTRALIA |
External engagement & recognition
| Engagement/recognition | Year |
|---|---|
Advisory Board MemberSouth Australian Psychotropics Drug Committee |
2021 |
Council MemberSouth Australian Statewide Clinical Genomics Network |
2021 |
MemberAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association (APSA) |
2021 |
MemberPharmaceutical Society of Australia |
2021 |
TreasurerAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association (APSA) |
2021 |
Advisory Board MemberSouth Australian Psychotropics Drug Committee |
2020 |
MemberAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association (APSA) |
2020 |
MemberPharmaceutical Society of Australia |
2020 |
TreasurerAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association (APSA) |
2020 |
Advisory Board MemberSouth Australian Psychotropics Drug Committee |
2019 |
Best Poster AwardPharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA19), Sydney |
2019 |
MemberAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association (APSA) |
2019 |
MemberPharmaceutical Society of Australia |
2019 |
TreasurerAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association (APSA) |
2019 |
MemberAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association (APSA) |
2018 |
MemberPharmaceutical Society of Australia |
2018 |
Team member, Best poster prizePharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA18), Sydney |
2018 |
Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student LearningUniversity of South Australia Teaching Awards |
2017 |
MemberGenetics Society of Australasia (GSA) |
2017 |
MemberAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association (APSA) |
2017 |
MemberInternational Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) |
2017 |
MemberAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association (APSA) |
2016 |
MemberAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association (APSA) |
2015 |
MemberAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association (APSA) |
2014 |
1. Member of the UniSA Human Research Ethics Committee (2016 – present)
2. Steering group member of the Australian Centre for Precision Health (2019 – present)
3. Member of the South Australian Psychotropic Drugs Committee (2019 – present)
4. Treasurer of the Australasian Pharmaceutical Science Association (APSA) (2019 – present)
5. Member of the Statewide Clinical Network Clinical Genomics Steering Committee (2021 - present)
6. Academic editor for Frontiers in Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics and PLoS One
I am currently the course coordinator for Dosage Form Design 3 and Pharmacotherapeutics Theory 2. I also teach into Dosage Form Design 4.
The Dosage Form Design stream received the 2017 Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning UniSA Teaching Awards for the development of program wide pharmaceutical compounding practicals using the scaffold learning approach to improve student learning outcome. Team members included A/Prof Bernie Hughes, Dr Tim Barnes, Dr Kristen Bremmell and Dr Vijay Suppiah.
Teaching & student supervision
Teaching & student supervision
Supervisions from 2010 shown
| Thesis title | Student status |
|---|---|
| A pilot study to assess the acceptability, feasibility, and value of the NPS MedicineWise application in supporting medication adherence in patients with chronic heart failure | Current |
| Community pharmacy peer support program for early career pharmacists focused on understanding and managing the psychological impact of significant events | Current |
| Expanding the role of community pharmacists in mental health: addressing gaps in medication knowledge & physical health monitoring of consumers living independently in the community | Current |
| Pharmacogenomics to achieve precision dosing of fluoropyrimidines (FP) in cancer patients | Current |
| Sedative burden in hospitalised patients taking at least one antipsychotic medication | Current |
| Development and proof-of-concept of a smartphone self-management program to support adherence to oral chemotherapy in young and adults with cancer | Completed |
| Pharmacogenomics of interferon-beta treatment in Caucasian multiple sclerosis patients | Completed |
