The University of Bath is inviting applications for the following PhD project commencing in October 2022 under the supervision of Dr Sarah Bailey, Dr Chris Bailey and Prof Stephen Husbands in the Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology.
Buprenorphine is already one of the most successful treatment agents for opioid use disorders, yet patients are now reporting that a new sustained release, depot formulation provides additional quality of life changes. Specifically, there appear to be dramatic anxiolytic effects. We have hypothesised that this may relate to activity at the kappa opioid (KOP) receptor. The focus of this PhD studentship will be to evaluate the behavioural effects of depot buprenorphine versus acute buprenorphine – and the primary metabolite norbuprenorphine - in a range of different paradigms. The studentship provides a unique opportunity to develop behavioural- and neuro-pharmacology skills, to engage regularly with the clinical team, to collaborate with our industrial partner, Camurus (subject to contract) and to be part of the University’s Addiction and Mental Health group – a large multi-disciplinary team looking to positively impact those suffering from substance abuse and mental health disorders.
The project will build on our earlier studies showing that buprenorphine has antidepressant-like activity equivalent to the SSRI fluoxetine in a range of behavioural tasks and that this is likely mediated through blockade of KOP receptors (Almatroudi et al., 2015; Almatroudi, 2018). Norbuprenorphine, a major metabolite of buprenorphine with its own distinct pharmacology. Its primary activity is as a high efficacy agonist of the MOP receptor, but it also has a distinct pharmacokinetic profile, appearing to have very limited access to the brain. Thus, the clinical significance of norbuprenorphine has long been a topic of debate. That it has some clinical effect seems likely, possibly in relation to the peripheral actions of buprenorphine (constipation) and interestingly, there are suggestions that norbuprenorphine contributes to neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (Griffin et al, 2019). Differences in norbuprenorphine levels after sustained release administration compared to daily buprenorphine dosing are likely to have clinical significance and will be evaluated during the PhD.
Project keywords: pharmacology, opioid, depression, anxiety.
Candidate Requirements:
Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or good Upper Second Class Honours degree (or the equivalent). A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.
Non-UK applicants must meet our English language entry requirement.
Enquiries and Applications:
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Dr Sarah Bailey ([Email Address Removed]) or Prof Stephen Husbands ([Email Address Removed])
Formal applications should be made via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Pharmacy & Pharmacology.
More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found on our website.
Funding Eligibility:
To be eligible for funding, you must qualify as a Home student. The eligibility criteria for Home fee status are detailed and too complex to be summarised here in full; however, as a general guide, the following applicants will normally qualify subject to meeting residency requirements: UK nationals (living in the UK or EEA/Switzerland), Irish nationals (living in the UK or EEA/Switzerland), those with Indefinite Leave to Remain and EU nationals with pre-settled or settled status in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme). This is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Additional information may be found on our fee status guidance webpage, on the GOV.UK website and on the UKCISA website.
Exceptional Overseas students (e.g. with a UK Master’s Distinction or international equivalent and relevant research experience), who are interested in this project, should contact the lead supervisor in the first instance to discuss the possibility of applying for supplementary funding.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:
We value a diverse research environment and aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups.
If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.
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