American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics

American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
Name	American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
Formation	1908
Headquarters	Rockville, Maryland
President	John R. Raymond Sr.
Website	https://www.aspet.org/

American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. It is a premier professional society dedicated to advancing the science of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics. Founded in 1908, the society fosters research, education, and public policy initiatives to improve human health through the discovery and application of new medicines. Its membership includes scientists from academia, industry, and government engaged in pharmacological research and drug development.

History

The society was established in 1908 by a group of prominent pharmacologists including John J. Abel, often regarded as the father of American pharmacology. Its formation was a pivotal moment in the professionalization of the discipline within the United States, providing a dedicated forum separate from broader physiological societies like the American Physiological Society. Early meetings were often held in conjunction with other scientific organizations, such as the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. Key historical figures in its development include Reid Hunt, Arthur Cushny, and Alfred Newton Richards, who helped shape its focus on rigorous experimental science. The society's growth paralleled major advancements in the field, including the development of sulfa drugs, the discovery of penicillin, and the rise of molecular pharmacology.

Organization and governance

The society is governed by an elected Board of Directors led by a President, currently John R. Raymond Sr., and supported by a Chief Executive Officer who manages the headquarters in Rockville, Maryland. Key operational committees include the Program Committee, the Publications Committee, and the Awards Committee. The membership is organized into specialized divisions reflecting the breadth of the field, such as the Division for Cardiovascular Pharmacology, the Division for Neuropharmacology, and the Division for Drug Metabolism and Disposition. The society maintains close collaborative ties with related organizations like the American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics and the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology.

Publications

The society publishes several high-impact, peer-reviewed scientific journals that are central to the pharmacological literature. Its flagship journal is the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, one of the most cited journals in the field. Other major publications include Pharmacological Reviews, Molecular Pharmacology, and Drug Metabolism and Disposition. These journals cover topics from clinical trials and toxicology to receptor signaling and pharmacogenomics. The society also publishes educational resources and the magazine The Pharmacologist to inform its members about research trends and society news.

Meetings and conferences

The society organizes major annual meetings, most notably the Experimental Biology meeting, which it co-sponsors with other constituent societies of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. It also holds the standalone ASPET Annual Meeting at EB featuring symposia, poster sessions, and workshops. Specialized topic-focused conferences are regularly convened, such as the ASPET Washington, DC Area Pharmacology Conference and meetings on cannabinoid pharmacology or opioid research. These gatherings provide critical venues for presenting research, facilitated by the Program Committee, and for networking with scientists from institutions like the National Institutes of Health and Pfizer.

Awards and honors

The society administers a prestigious suite of awards to recognize outstanding achievements in pharmacological research and education. Its highest honor is the Goodman and Gilman Award in Drug Receptor Pharmacology. Other major awards include the Torald Sollmann Award in Pharmacology, the John J. Abel Award in Pharmacology, and the ASPET Award for Experimental Therapeutics. It also bestows early-career prizes like the Bernard B. Brodie Award in Drug Metabolism and travel awards for trainees. Many award recipients have gone on to receive national accolades such as the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, including past members like Earl Sutherland and Louis Ignarro.

Advocacy and public policy

The society engages in active advocacy to promote federal investment in biomedical research and sound science policy. It works closely with agencies like the National Institute of General Medical Sciences and the Food and Drug Administration to inform regulatory and funding decisions. Key policy priorities include sustaining funding for the National Institutes of Health, advocating for the ethical use of animals in research, and supporting training for the next generation of pharmacologists. Through its communications and public outreach, the society educates policymakers and the public on the importance of pharmacological research in combating diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and opioid use disorder.

Category:Pharmacology organizations Category:Medical and health organizations based in Maryland Category:Scientific organizations established in 1908