The 7th Current Drug Development International Conference 2023 & 1st World Kratom Conference (CDD2023 & WKC2023)

Beginning in 2008, the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Prince of Songkhla University established the first International Current Drug Development (CDD) Conference to serve as a forum for exchanging knowledge and science related to drug research and development, which is an important resource in the development of pharmaceutical science. It also serves as a platform for graduate students to present their academic work as well as a starting point for academic networking, both nationally and internationally. According to a government announcement in 2021, Thailand has waived Kratom from the Category 5 narcotics list, allowing freedom and open use of kratom. As a result, the agricultural sector, the business sector, as well as the education sector for research and development in the country have demonstrated a newly heightened interest. Kratom is a plant that is native to Thailand and is found especially in the southern regions to the Malay Peninsula. Given its indigenous nature coupled with attraction to both its narcotic as well as various other chemical properties and even the cultural practice of eating it in the southern region, Prince of Songkhla University has become the world’s top research institution on kratom in determining both research direction and in developing the potential of kratom plants in addition to exchanging research data from international researchers. The 1st World Kratom Conference (WKC2023) for the year 2023 is considered as the starting point for the development of kratom into economic crops, as well as developing it is potential as a health product in an effort to keep pace with the rest of the world and create a network of academic collaboration between Prince of Songkhla University and leading international universities. In harmony with changes during the 21st century, particularly in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic which has made a huge impact on the medical and health sciences industries, and in order to aid in establishing the direction in research and development of kratom as well as exchanging perspectives from international Kratom experts, the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Prince of Songkhla University is organizing the 7th International Current Drug Development Conference and The 1st World Kratom Conference (CDD2023 & WKC2023). The main theme for the 2023 International Conference is ‘Innovations in Pharmaceuticals, Nutraceuticals and Cosmeceuticals for Health’ and ‘Global issues of Kratom Development’ for CDD2023 and WKC2023, respectively. This 7th International CDD tracks the progress of drug development and new pharmaceutical products in order to keep in pace with the rest of the world and remain applicable. The theme not only focuses on using an established knowledge base to innovate, but also encourages creativity in completely new sustainable developments that make effective use of existing natural resources. The resulting products of such innovation provide a competitive edge to personnel at all levels, both in the manufacturing and industrial sectors and lead to further commercial benefits. In addition, the WKC2023 will be a starting point in developing kratom’s medical and economic potential, in advancing kratom research around the globe, and in serving as a platform for networking and international collaboration between PSU and other universities, all of which will aid in the advancement and growth of the academic community. The conference consists of 5 fields of study in pharmaceutical sciences and health as follows: 1. Current perspective of Kratom 2. Natural Product & Traditional Medicine 3. Pharmaceutical Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Chemistry 4. Pharmaceutical Technology & Drug Delivery System 5. Cosmeceuticals & Nutraceuticals For Kratom research, topics include Kratom and other natural products as follows: 1. Pharmacognosy & Natural products chemistry 2. Pharmacology & Toxicology 3. Agricultural technology / Precision agriculture 4. Pharmaceuticals / Nutraceuticals and Cosmeceuticals development 5. Biotechnology & Molecular biology This academic conference has invited experts from various countries to serve as Keynote Speakers and have invited various Guest Speakers to give lectures in their respective fields of research. It is also an opportunity for researchers from educational institutions, research centers, public or private organizations, and graduate students to participate in presenting the results of their research, whether in oral or printed form.