Developing novel delivery systems for local administration of drugs to the eye

Regular intravitreal injections are a cornerstone treatment for various retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion. Medications like anti-VEGF agents (e.g., ranibizumab, aflibercept) and corticosteroids are commonly administered directly into the vitreous humor to manage these conditions. Despite their efficacy, the frequent need for these injections—often monthly or bi-monthly—presents significant burdens for patients, including discomfort, risk of infection, and the logistical challenges of regular clinical visits. This repetitive treatment regime can lead to patient non-compliance and suboptimal therapeutic outcomes.

Additionally, the absence of effective neuroprotective strategies in current treatments underscores the need for advanced delivery systems capable of providing continuous and targeted therapy to preserve retinal neurons and maintain visual function. These advancements could significantly improve patient compliance, reduce complications, and enhance the overall management of chronic retinal diseases.

Our research groups are developing soft microscale cryogel carriers which release neuroprotective agents over a period of 6 months. This represents a significant step forward in the controlled release of drugs to eye. We now need to further assess modifications to extend this release further and analyse the possibility of refilling the drug delivery system in vitro. We would also like to expand the range of payloads that can be delivered by the microcarriers, to expedite clinical translation.  

Methods: By working on this project, the PhD candidate will learn a range of techniques.  State-of-the-art microfluidic techniques and sub-zero polimerisation will be used to synthesise cryogel microcarriers. The student will learn to characterise the cryogel microcarriers and the loading and release profile of a variety of therapeutics. Biocompatibility and efficacy will be analysed in vitro and ex vivo.

The aim is to make a non-toxic, soft and transparent drug delivery device that can deliver a range of drugs and proteins to the retina to promote rescue of retinal ganglion cells from toxic insults that model neuropathies.

The project with therefore equip the PhD candidate with a wide range of laboratory skills whilst giving them a firm knowledge base in drug delivery systems. Such a skill set would provide the candidate with an ideal platform for a career in academia or pharmaceutical companies.

The project will take place at Cardiff University, between the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and the School of Optometry and will be supervised by Dr Ben Newland and Prof. Marcela Votruba. 

Enquiries regarding the project: Dr Ben Newland, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, and Prof Marcela Votruba, School of Optometry & Vision Sciences.

E-mails: newlandb@cardiff.ac.uk and votrubam@cardiff.ac.uk

Please use our online application service at: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/pharmacy