Petra Högger

Prof. Dr. Petra Högger is a full professor at the Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Würzburg. A graduate of pharmacy from the University of Münster (1988), she earned her doctorate in 1992 and habilitation in 2000, both focusing on glucocorticoid action. Her research connects molecular pharmacology with clinical applications through extensive work on:

• Glucocorticoid receptor dynamics and tissue binding
• Pharmacokinetics of respiratory medications
• CD163 receptor regulation in inflammation
• Polyphenol bioactivity and metabolism

With over 30 years of research experience including a DFG fellowship at UCSF (1993-1994), she has mentored 21 PhD students and developed innovative models for pulmonary drug absorption. Her work combines in vitro, ex vivo, and clinical study approaches, particularly using human lung perfusion systems and dried blood spot technology.

Recent publications focus on:

• Polyphenol stability and metabolism
• Neuroprotective silibinin derivatives
• Glucocorticoid pharmacokinetics in respiratory diseases
• CD163 shedding mechanisms
• Biomarker development in arthritis and diabetes
• Pharmacological evaluation of plant extracts (Pycnogenol, Robuvit)

She maintains active research in clinical pharmacy with applications in asthma treatment optimization and metabolic syndrome management.