Experimental and computational pharmacokinetics of long-acting formulations and implant for the treatment of HIV infections.
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Dr M Siccardi
Prof A Owen
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No more applications being accepted
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Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
Project Description
Antiretroviral therapy has significantly reduced the morbidity and mortality associated with HIV infection however, currently available antiretrovirals necessitate lifelong, daily dosing. After prolonged periods of time, patients may miss doses of their medication resulting in a detrimental effect to the success of their therapy. Nanomedicine offers the possibility of improving the treatment of HIV infection, in addition to other diseases, by enhancing the delivery of antiretrovirals. Using nanoformulation and device such implants, the opportunity exists to develop long-acting formulations that enable drug administration just once per month and even longer with sustained delivery over that period.
The development of novel formulations for long acting applications is complicated by multiple factors. The aim of this PhD studentship is to generate novel predictive approaches for the design and optimisation of novel formulation, supporting a more rational identification of optimal formulation characteristics. The students will integrate laboratory based assay, aimed at characterising molecular and cellular processes underpinning drug release over time, with mathematical tools (such as physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling), for the prediction of pharmacokinetics resulting from the administration of long-acting formulations. Training will be given in bioanalytical methods, molecular and cellular biology as well as computational pharmacokinetic modelling.
This studentship is part of a larger, NIH funded, project to develop these novel long-acting and implantable technologies in collaboration with colleagues at Johns Hopkins University (USA) and the Department of Chemistry at the University of Liverpool. The student will join a multidisciplinary team with a wide range of expertise including Pharmacology, Immunology, Materials Chemistry and Computational Modelling and will be expected to fully engage in many aspects of the overall project.
Students with a background in Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Biochemistry, Biology, or Drug Delivery and related subjects are invited to apply for this 36 month fully-funded project. Applicants should send a CV, a letter of motivation and two names of referees who can send letters of recommendation to Dr. Marco Siccardi ([Email Address Removed])
Funding Notes
Fully funded project for 36 months.