Disintegration and dissolution of solid oral dose forms in the fed stomach: novel insights using MRI imaging in humans

Applications are invited for a PhD project funded via the EPSRC Industrial Cooperative Awards in Science & Technology (ICASE) scheme and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

There are key gaps in our basic knowledge of the fate of oral dosage form (i.e. drug tablets) in the human stomach, how they dissolve and disintegrate, and particularly so when the stomach has food inside (in the fed state).

This project originates from a collaboration between specialists of gastrointestinal imaging at the University of Nottingham and specialists in biopharmaceutics at GSK.

This project will investigate how solid drug tablets dissolve and disintegrate in the human stomach using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It will provide new information on spatial and temporal processes occurring to the tablets in the stomach with the potential to lead to better in-vitro and in-silico (modelling) tools for oral drug product development.

The successful applicant will experience an exquisite multi-disciplinary research environment. They will design suitable test formulations, carry out in vitro and in vivo studies in healthy humans, use a range on MRI scanners at the world leading Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre in Nottingham and optimise imaging methods and image analysis techniques. They will undertake regular reporting and visits to the Industrial partner.   

Applicants should have (or expect to obtain by the start date) a First or Upper Second-Class degree UK degree (or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK) in a relevant subject (including Engineering, Physics, Pharmacy or related subject area). Ideally they would have a background in medical imaging, preferably in MRI. Having a postgraduate degree is not essential but would be desirable.

The studentship is funded for 4 years and is full time only. The student will be based at the School of Medicine at the University of Nottingham.

The start date will be 1 October 2022.

The PhD will be jointly supervised by Prof Luca Marciani and colleagues, University of Nottingham, and Dr James Butler and Dr Konstantinos Stamatopoulos, GSK.

EPSRC ICASE

studentships are fully-funded (fees and maintenance) for eligible UK students.

International (including EU) students may be considered for a small number of

awards at the UK rate. Full eligibility criteria can be found via the following

link; https://www.ukri.org/councils/epsrc/.