Suong Ngo

Dr Suong Ngo

Senior Lecturer

School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences

College of Science

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD (as Co-Supervisor) - email supervisor to discuss availability.

Welcome to my Adelaide Uni Researcher profile. I am a Senior Lecturer in Pharmacology with research interests in the Molecular Pharmacology & Toxicology, Pharmaceutical Science, Pharmacogenomics/Pharmacogenetics, and Quality Use of Medicines areas. My research focuses on: 1) Xenobiotic disposition in Australian Marsupials 2) Molecular mechanism of drug-interactions involving complementary medicines, with a focus on cytochrome P450 CYP enzymes and P-glycoproteins 3) Appropriate and safe use of OTC medicines 4) Generic substitution - assessing in vitro bioequivalence of multiple generic NTI medicines. Recently I have developed teaching and research interests in genetic polymorphisms and their association to variable response/toxicity to anticancer drugs used in advanced breast and colorectal cancer patients.

Current projects:

1. Molecular insights into xenobiotic disposition in Australian marsupials: While most animals tend to select food low in potentially toxic chemicals, several Australian marsupials rely on eucalyptus leaves as a major or only food source. In order to ingest and absorb such large quantities of toxic plant secondary metabolites in these leaves, specialist eucalyptus feeders such as the koala must have evolved highly specialised detoxification mechanism involved several liver enzyme systems. The project will examine the dietary effect of eucalyptus terpenes on the induction of CYP4A, peroxisomal Acyl CoA Oxidases and other CYPs in Australian marsupials. The transcriptional regulatory role of the nuclear receptor PPAR-alpha will also be investigated. The project will contribute to the knowledge of the metabolic capacity of Australian marsupials, especially at the molecular level that is limited at present.

2. Appropriate and safe use of OTC medicines: The aim of the project is to investigate whether patients are well informed about OTC they take, with a focus on non-prescription analgesics, utilizing a cross-sectional study involving multiple item self-administered anonymous questionnaires and stratified samples of patients from community pharmacies. The project aims to identify various pathways that may be used for conveying of safe and accurate information to the patients. 

3. Mechanism of herb-drug interaction - The effects of St John's Wort (SJW) on membrane transport proteins and drug metabolising enzymes. The project examines the molecular mechanism by which SJW changes the way the body handles conventional medicines, particularly examining the factors responsible for drug up-take and handling along different regions of the intestines, the liver and kidneys. The project involves extraction and quantification of active constituents of SJW, animal studies, and analyses of CYP3A protein and mRNA expression utilising molecular biology techniques.

4. Generic substitution - assessing in vitro bioequivalence of multiple generic medicines: The project aims to assess in vitro bioequivalence of multiple generic medicines by dissolution test, with a focus on narrow therapeutic index drugs in which a relatively small change in systemic absorption can result in marked changes in therapeutic effects and toxicity.            

Current projects:  

          

1. Molecular insights into xenobiotic disposition in Australian marsupials: While most animals tend to select food low in potentially toxic chemicals, several Australian marsupials rely on eucalyptus leaves as a major or only food source. In order to ingest and absorb such large quantities of toxic plant secondary metabolites in these leaves, specialist eucalyptus feeders such as the koala must have evolved highly specialised detoxification mechanism involved several liver enzyme systems. The project will examine the dietary effect of eucalyptus terpenes on the induction of CYP4A, peroxisomal Acyl CoA Oxidases and other CYPs in Australian marsupials. The transcriptional regulatory role of the nuclear receptor PPAR-alpha will also be investigated. The project will contribute to the knowledge of the metabolic capacity of Australian marsupials, especially at the molecular level that is limited at present.

 

2. Appropriate and safe use of OTC medicines: The aim of the project is to investigate whether patients are well informed about OTC they take, with a focus on non-prescription analgesics, utilizing a cross-sectional study involving multiple item self-administered anonymous questionnaires and stratified samples of patients from community pharmacies. The project aims to identify various pathways that may be used for conveying of safe and accurate information to the patients.  

                  

3. Mechanism of herb-drug interaction - The effects of St John's Wort (SJW) on membrane transport proteins and drug metabolising enzymes. The project examines the molecular mechanism by which SJW changes the way the body handles conventional medicines, particularly examining the factors responsible for drug up-take and handling along different regions of the intestines, the liver and kidneys. The project involves extraction and quantification of active constituents of SJW, animal studies, and analyses of CYP3A protein and mRNA expression utilising molecular biology techniques.

  

 

 

4. Generic substitution - assessing in vitro bioequivalence of multiple generic medicines: The project aims to assess in vitro bioequivalence of multiple generic medicines by dissolution test, with a focus on narrow therapeutic index drugs in which a relatively small change in systemic absorption can result in marked changes in therapeutic effects and toxicity.                   

Date Position Institution name
2009 - ongoing Senior Lecturer in Pharmacology University of Adelaide, Adelaide
2007 - 2009 Senior Lecturer in Pharmaceutics Charles Darwin University, Darwin
2004 - 2007 Research Fellow University of South Australia, Adelaide
2003 - 2004 Research Associate University of South Australia, Adelaide

Date Type Title Institution Name Country Amount
2008 Teaching Award Lecturer of the Year Charles Darwin University Australia -
2000 Scholarship Australian Postgraduate Award University of South Australia Australia -

Date Institution name Country Title
2000 - 2004 University of South Australia, Adelaide Australia PhD
1999 - 1999 University of South Australia, Adelaide Australia BPharm (Honours)
1995 - 1998 University of South Australia, Adelaide Australia BPharm

Year Citation
2024 Guilding, C., White, P., Cunningham, M., Kelly-Laubscher, R., Keonig, J., Babey, A. -M., . . . Angelo, T. (2024). Defining and unpacking the core concepts of pharmacology: a global initiative. British Journal of Pharmacology, 181(3), 375-392.
DOI Scopus24 Europe PMC16
2021 Ngo, S. N., & Williams, D. B. (2021). Protective effect of isothiocyanates from cruciferous vegetables on breast cancer: Epidemiological and preclinical perspectives. Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, 21(11), 1413-1430.
DOI Scopus18 WoS16 Europe PMC16
2021 Ngo, S., White, P. J., Davis, E. A., Santiago, M., Angelo, T., Shield, A., . . . Hinton,, T. (2021). Identifying the core concepts of pharmacology education. Pharmacology Research and Perspectives, 9(4), e00836-1-e00836-13.
DOI Scopus25 WoS25 Europe PMC22
2021 Santiago, M., Davis, E. A., Hinton, T., Angelo, T. A., Shield, A., Babey, A. M., . . . White, P. J. (2021). Defining and unpacking the core concepts of pharmacology education. Pharmacology Research and Perspectives, 9(6), e00894-1-e00894-9.
DOI Scopus22 WoS21 Europe PMC18
2018 Ngo, S. N. (2018). Reduction of UV-induced skin tumours in hairless mice by topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Journal of Cancer and Tumour International, 7(2), JCTI.39590-1-JCTI.39590-7.
DOI
2018 Ngo, S. N. T., & Wong, S. (2018). Use of in vitro dissolution testing to assess multiple generic metformin tablets. Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International, 21(4), JPRI.39508-1-JPRI.39508-9.
DOI WoS1
2018 Wright, M., & Ngo SNT. (2018). Management of Eastern Brown and Tiger snake envenomation in domestic animals in South Australia. Annual Research and Review in Biology, 25(4), ARRB.40513-1-ARRB.40513-12.
DOI
2018 Bishop, B., & Ngo, S. (2018). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as chemopreventive agents: Evidence from cancer treatment in domestic animals. Annual Research and Review in Biology, 26(1), 1-13.
DOI
2018 Ngo, S. N. (2018). Can multiple choice questions assess application of knowledge in pharmaceutical science teaching?. Pharmacy Education, 18(1), 202-206.
2018 Ngo, S., & Schumannn, A. (2018). Drug metabolism and disposition in Australian marsupial Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Annual Research and Review in Biology, 28(4), 1-10.
2016 Ngo, S. N. T., & Leong, W. S. (2016). Uses of non-prescription ibuprofen by consumers from community pharmacies in South Australia. Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research, 46(1), 92-93.
DOI
2016 Ngo, S. (2016). Are isothiocyanates from cruciferous vegetables potential therapeutic agents for breast cancer. International Journal of Biological Engineering, 6(1), 7-11.
DOI
2013 Ngo, S., Stupans, I., & McKinnon, R. (2013). Generic substitution in the treatment of epilepsy: Patient attitudes and perceptions. Epilepsey and Behavior, 26(1), 64-66.
DOI Scopus14 WoS13 Europe PMC11
2012 El-Merhibi, A., Ngo, S., Marchant, C., Height, T., Stupans, I., & McKinnon, R. (2012). Cytochrome P450 CYP3A in marsupials: cloning and identification of the first CYP3A subfamily member, isoform 3A70 from Eastern gray kangaroo (Macropus giganteus). Gene, 506(2), 423-428.
DOI Scopus7 WoS6 Europe PMC5
2012 Ibrahim, R., McKinnon, R., & Ngo, S. (2012). Knowledge and perceptions of community patients about generic medicines. Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research, 42(4), 283-286.
DOI Scopus4
2011 El-Merhibi, A., Ngo, S. N. T., Marchant, C. L., Height, T. A., Stupans, I., & McKinnon, R. A. (2011). WITHDRAWN: Cytochrome P450 CYP3A in marsupials: Characterisation of the first identified CYP3A subfamily member, isoform 3A70 from Eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus).. Gene.
DOI
2011 Ngo, S., Williams, D., & Head, R. (2011). Rosemary and cancer prevention: Preclinical perspectives. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 51(10), 946-954.
DOI Scopus167 WoS137 Europe PMC86
2011 El-Merhibi, A., Ngo, S., Crittenden, T., Marchant, C., Stupans, I., & McKinnon, R. (2011). Cytochrome P450 CYP3A in marsupials: Cloning and characterisation of the second identified CYP3A subfamily member, isoform 3A78 from koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Toxicology & Pharmacology, 154(4), 367-376.
DOI Scopus8 WoS8 Europe PMC5
2011 Milic, N., Ngo, S., Marchant, C., Height, T., & McKinnon, R. (2011). Pulmonary cytochrome P450 enzymes belonging to the CYP4B subfamily from an Australian marsupial, the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Toxicology & Pharmacology, 153(1), 60-66.
DOI Scopus3 WoS3 Europe PMC4
2010 Ngo, S., Stupans, I., & McKinnon, R. (2010). Correlation between peroxisome proliferation and up-regulation of cytochrome P450 CYP4A and peroxisomal beta-Oxidation fatty acyl CoA oxidases (AOX) in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Gene Expression to Genetical Genomics, 3, 1-6.
DOI
2010 Ngo, S., & Barnes, T. (2010). Is there variability in drug release and physical characteristics of amiodarone chloride from different commercially available tablets? Possible therapeutic implications. The International Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 18(4), 245-248.
DOI Scopus5 Europe PMC2
2010 Ngo, S., Stupans, I., Leong, W., & Osman, M. (2010). Appropriate use of non-prescription ibuprofen: A survey of patients' perceptions and understanding. The International Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 18(1), 63-65.
DOI Scopus18 Europe PMC18
2009 Turkanovic, J., Ngo, S., & Milne, R. (2009). Effect of St John's wort on the disposition of fexofenadine in the isolated perfused rat liver. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 61(8), 1037-1042.
DOI Scopus5 WoS4 Europe PMC4
2009 Kong, S., Ngo, S., McKinnon, R., & Stupans, I. (2009). Cloning and expression of koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) liver Cytochrome P450 reductase. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Toxicology & Pharmacology, 150(1), 1-9.
DOI Scopus8 WoS8 Europe PMC7
2008 Phan, T., Heng, S., Abarno, D., McKinnon, R., & Ngo, S. (2008). Induction of cytochrome P450 CYP3A by St John's Wort in the rat liver and intestine. Integrative Medicine Insights, 2, 61-69.
2008 El-Merhibi, A., Ngo, S., Jones, B., Milic, N., Stupans, I., & McKinnon, R. (2008). Molecular insights into xenobiotic disposition in Australian marsupials. Australasian Journal of Ecotoxicology, 13(2), 53-64.
2008 Jones, B., El-Merhibi, A., Ngo, S., Stupans, I., & McKinnon, R. (2008). Hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes belonging to the CYP2C subfamily from an Australian marsupial, the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Toxicology & Pharmacology, 148(3), 230-237.
DOI Scopus12 WoS13 Europe PMC11
2007 Ngo, S. (2007). When do differences in dissolution profiles predict clinical problems?. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 32(2), 111-112.
DOI Scopus7 WoS6 Europe PMC4
2007 Ngo, S., McKinnon, R., & Stupans, I. (2007). Hepatic nuclear receptor PPARα in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus): Cloning and molecular characterisation. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Toxicology & Pharmacology, 146(3), 375-382.
DOI Scopus5 Europe PMC6
2007 Ngo, S., Williams, D., Cobiac, L., & Head, R. (2007). Does garlic reduce risk of colorectal cancer? A systematic review. Journal of Nutrition, 137(10), 2264-2269.
DOI Scopus94 WoS81 Europe PMC49
2006 Tong, Y., Zhang, R., Ngo, S., & Davey, A. (2006). Alteration Of Fexofenadine Disposition In The Rat Isolated Perfused Liver Following Injection Of Bacterial Lipopolysaccharide. Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology, 33(8), 685-689.
DOI Scopus8 WoS9 Europe PMC8
2006 Ngo, S., McKinnon, R., & Stupans, I. (2006). Cloning and expression of koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) liver cytochrome P450 CYP4A15. Gene, 376(1), 123-132.
DOI Scopus18 WoS18 Europe PMC17
2003 Ngo, S., McKinnon, R., & Stupans, I. (2003). Effects of Eucalyptus terpenes on hepatic cytochrome P450 CYP4A, peroxisomal Acyl CoA oxidase(AOX)and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPARα)in the common brush tail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C: Toxicology and Pharmacology, 136(2), 165-173.
DOI Scopus10 Europe PMC9
2003 Ngo, S., McKinnon, R., & Stupans, I. (2003). Identification and cloning of two forms of liver peroxisomal fatty Acyl CoA Oxidase from the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Gene, 309(2), 91-99.
DOI Scopus11 WoS11 Europe PMC12
2000 Ngo, S., Kong, S., Kirlich, A., McKinnon, R., & Stupans, I. (2000). Cytochrome P450 4A, peroxisomal enzymes and nicotinamide cofactors in koala liver. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology: Part C: Pharmacology, Toxicology and Endocrinology, 127(3), 327-334.
DOI Scopus24 WoS20 Europe PMC15
- Ngo, S. N. T., & Addison, C. J. (2018). Are COX-2 Selective NSAIDs Associated with Less GI, Renal, and Cardiovascular Side Effects: Evidence from Animals Treated with NSAIDs. Annual Research & Review in Biology, 29(6), 1-8.
DOI

Year Citation
2024 Ngo, S. N. T., Thurgood, L., & Meech, R. (2024). Effect of allyl isothiocyanate in the paediatric ALL cell line REH. In Abstracts of Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologist, Asia Pacific Federation of Pharmacologists & Australasian Pharmaceutical Science Association Joint Congress 2024 P433. Victoria - Melbourne.
2024 Ngo, S. N. T. (2024). Students’ experiences, perceptions of hybrid learning in pharmacology education: A case study. In Abstracts of Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologist, Asia Pacific Federation of Pharmacologists & Australasian Pharmaceutical Science Association Joint Congress 2024 P243. Victoria - Melbourne.
2023 Ngo, S. N. T. (2023). Using clinical case studies to build professional skills: A case study. In Abstracts of the ASCEPT 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) (pp. 44). Sydney.
2022 Bertram1, B., Meech2, R., & Ngo1, S. (2022). Inhibition of cancer stem cells of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 by phenethyl isothiocyanate. In Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologist-Australasian Pharmaceutical Science Association Joint Conference 2022 P545. Western Australia - Perth.
2022 Ngo, S. (2022). Outcomes and popPKs of antiviral drugs used in COVID-19 patients: A review. In Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologist-Australasian Pharmaceutical Science Association Joint Conference 2022 P514. Western Australia - Perth.
2022 Ngo, S. (2022). Using clinical case studies to build work relevant skills. In Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologist-Australasian Pharmaceutical Science Association Joint Conference 2022 P501. Western Australia - Perth.
2008 Ngo, S., Phan, T., Trec, S., Heng, S., & McKinnon, R. (2008). Molecular mechanism of drug interactions involving St John's Wort: Impact of exposure, dose and time on up regulation of CYP3A across different tissues. In PROCEEDINGS OF THE 17TH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON MICROSOMES AND DRUG OXIDATIONS (pp. 83-86). Saratoga Springs, USA: Medimond.
1999 Ngo, S. N. T., McKinnon, R. A., & Stupans, I. (1999). The characterisation of CYP4A in the Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). In Proceedings of ASCEPT. ASCEPT.

2024, $1000, Conference Travel grant, School of Animal & Vet Science, University

2023, $5000, Collaborative Research Project grant, School of Animal & Vet Science, University 

2019,  $2000, Conference Travel grant, School of Animal & Vet Science, University

2018, $500, Publication Incentive award - Department highest quality publication, School of Animal & Vet Science, University

2011, $2000, Conference Travel grant, Faculty of Science, Enginering and Technology, University

2008, SNT Ngo, R Rumble, et al $72,000, CDU Allied Health Group, Infrastructure grant, University

2008, SNT Ngo, T Barnes, $10,000, CDU Project grant, University

2007, SNT Ngo, T Barnes, $7,800, CDU Project grant, University

2005, SNT Ngo, A Davey, A Evans,  $17,600, UniSA Australian Competitive Grant (ACG) Development Scheme, Project grant, University

2005, A Davey, SNT Ngo, R Milne, $18,500, UniSA Australian Competitive Grant (ACG) Development Scheme, Project grant, University

2004, AM Evans, SNT Ngo, $10,000, Centre for Pharmaceutical Research, UniSA, Pharmaceutical Industry Research grant

2004, SNT Ngo, $5000, Health Sciences Faculty/Division, UniSA, Project grant, University

2003, SNT Ngo, $5000, Health Sciences Faculty/Division, UniSA, Project grant, University 

I teach, coordinate and delivery of Pharmacology & Toxicology in both the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and Vet Technology Programs in the School of Animal and Veterinary Science, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Information Technology (SET): Courses include:

Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology 7009RW: Course Coordinator 

Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Therapeutics II 2025RW: Course Coordinator

Date Role Research Topic Location Program Supervision Type Student Load Student Name
2021 - 2021 Principal Supervisor Inhibition of cancer stem cells of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 by phenethyl isothiocyanate The University of Adelaide Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Other Full Time Belinda Bertram
2019 - 2019 Principal Supervisor Cytotoxic Effects of Phenethyl Isothiocyanate on Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 The University of Adelaide - Honours Full Time Cameron Russell
2015 - 2015 Principal Supervisor Anticancer effects of allyl isothiocyanate on human breast cancer cells MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 The University of Adelaide - Honours Full Time Sabah Butt
2010 - 2012 Principal Supervisor Generic substitution in the treatment of epilepsy The University of Adelaide - Doctorate Full Time Rafie Ibrahim
2008 - 2009 Principal Supervisor Use of in vitro dissolution testing to assess multiple generic medicines with a narrow therapeutic index Charles Darwin University - Doctorate Full Time Rabia Tabassum

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