“Ponte Las Pilas!” -Mexican Proverb

3rd Year PhD Student

Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy

Drug Discovery Track

About me:

   Hello! My name is Bianca, and I am first-generation college graduate from Watts, California. I identify as Latina, Chicana, and LGBTQ+.

– Some of my research interests involve the use of natural products to develop new pharmaceuticals, specifically identifying and characterizing phytochemicals from potential medicinal plant species for lead compound discovery.

– I am also passionate about translational research and science policy, and how both fields are instrumental to consider in drug development.

Thesis Project: Use of Bile Acid Sequestrants to Treat Superwarfarin Poisoning and Prevent Long-term Adverse Effects

I am studying the tissue distribution and elimination of warfarin analogues. Warfarin is a synthetic derivative of coumarin, which can then be converted to a toxic dicoumarol, a plant-fungal natural product from spoiled yellow sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis). Dicoumarol interferes with metabolism and synthesis of vitamin k1, which is essential for the clotting cascade mechanism. Superwarfarins, also called long-acting anti-coagulant rodenticides (LAARs), function as anti-coagulation agents. LAARs are longer-lasting second-generation warfarin-based rodenticides that are more potent than their warfarin predecessors. While unintentional exposure to humans still occurs, LAARs also pose as a chemical terror threat that can cause immense bodily harm from intentional exposure to humans. The standard of care for superwarfarin poisoning is treatment with vitamin k1 to control clotting. However, vitamin k1 is expensive and treatment may be required for several months. My role in the Van Breemen lab is to investigate alternative therapy using bile sequestrants that shorten superwarfarin half-lives. In my research, I hope to develop a faster screening assay for superwarfarin poisoning detection and a fast-acting time-sensitive treatment option for human exposure.