Research Interests
The main research interest of our group is development of advanced drug delivery carrier, with special emphasis on drug delivery across the skin and the nail and drug delivery to the lung, Under this theme, our interests include:
1. Drug Delivery across the skin and the nail:
a. Skin-permeation-relevant physicochemical profiling of drugs
Our research activities in this area explore drug physicochemical properties that influence drug delivery across the human skin and nail. Skin-permeation-relevant physicochemical profiling pave the way for rational selection of drug candidates and rational development of advanced topical formulations.
b. Colloidal-carrier-based therapeutics for topical treatment of skin & nail diseases
Our research activities in this area explore the potential of colloidal carriers, e.g. microemulsions, Transfersomes®, for drug delivery across the human skin and nail. Special effort is spent to achieve advanced understanding of mechanisms by which these carriers improve dermal delivery of drugs. Such understanding is a prerequisite for rational product development and rational selection of drug candidates. We also address product stability and large scale production issues.
c. Advanced topical formulations for management of rosacea
Rosacea is a common but poorly understood chronic disorder of the facial skin. Symptoms begin with episodes of flushing. As rosacea progresses other symptoms such as papules and pustules may develop. In the most severe cases, skin can thicken and enlarge, usually on and around the nose. There is no cure for rosacea, but treatments are available to control symptoms. Metronidazole has been the most widely tested drug for topical management of rosacea. Azelaic acid, permethrin, retinoids, clindamycin, and benzoyl peroxide are also often employed. Our research activities in this area focus on development of advanced formulations of potential drug candidates.
d. Advanced topical antifungal therapy for onychomycosis
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail. It is caused predominantly by anthropophilic dermatophytes, less commonly by yeast (Candida spp.), and by nondermatophyte mold infections. Onychomycosis may present with hyperkeratosis, subungual debris, thickening, or discoloration of the nail plate. Total nail dystrophy may also result from advanced onychomycosis. Onychomycosis affects at least 12% of the general population. Available treatments include topical formulations of efinaconazole, ciclopirox, and amorolfine. Currently available topical antifungals are often not satisfactory; cure rates are very low and re-infection or relapse often occurs. Development of an advanced antifungal formulation for treatment of onychomycosis is one of our key projects.
2. Drug Delivery to the lung:
a. Key determinants of the performance of dry powder inhalation systems
Interactions in carrier-based dry powder inhalation (DPI) formulations involve variety of factors and are till date not fully understood. Carrier characteristics, such as the particle size, the content of fines, the particle shape, the surface and bulk porosity, and the water content, contribute to these interactions. The effects of these characteristics are sometimes linked and often interact with other variables, such as the mixing process or the inhaler design. Our research activities in this area aims at advanced understanding of the dependence of the performance of DPI systems on formulation properties. Development of analytical techniques that provide functionality-relevant characterization is one of our key goals.
b. Modelling the performance of dry powder inhalation formulations
Owing to complexity of interactions in dry powder inhalation (DPI) systems, development of formulations is still an empirical rather than a rational process. Mathematical analysis of data helps reveal hidden interactions and aids prediction of responses. A universal model of the performance of dry powder inhalation formulations is the ultimate goal of our research activities in this area.
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