This project employs an advanced manufacturing technique, microwave-induced in situ amorphization, in combination with a wide range of characterization techniques to tackle the consistent stability issue of amorphous solid dispersions as a means of improving the dissolution performance of paediatric personalised formulations with poorly water soluble drugs.
To alleviate the burden of drug discovery and development and improve the clinical efficacy, more effective approaches are in urgent need to overcome the solubility issue of poorly soluble drugs. Lately, microwave-induced in situ amorphization has been proposed as a promising strategy to enhancing the dissolution, circumventing the physical stability issue and simplifying the problematic downstream processing of amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs).
The aim of this proposal is to establish and optimise a novel personalised formulation platform for preparing paediatric dosage forms (such as mini-tablets) with poorly water soluble drugs by utilizing the microwave in situ amorphization approach. The optimisation will involve a wide range of impact factors, including both formulation factors such as the glass transition temperature of the moisture-plasticized polymer and processing factors (i.e. the microwave time). These will be achieved by a combination of techniques, including microwave radiation, thermal analysis, spectroscopic and imaging techniques, etc.
Training will be provided on the following techniques: In situ Microwave Amorphization, Spray drying, Thermal Analysis (DSC & TGA), X-ray Powder Diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Expect impact activities include: validation of the translational and commercial potential of the paediatric formulation platform and the creation of a spin-out once the robust platform is established.
Home applicants must meet the following academic criteria:
1st or 2.1 honours degree in a relevant subject. Relevant subjects include Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Biological/Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
International applicants must meet the following academic criteria:
IELTS (or equivalent) of 7.0, a 2.1 honours degree (or equivalent) and a master’s degree in a relevant subject.
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