Development and Evaluation of Microneedle Arrays for Ocular Drug Delivery

About the Project

Minimally invasive microneedles (MNs) offer unique opportunities to address current challenges in the effective management of ocular disorders, such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. There is a clear unmet clinical need for efficient, safe, minimally/non-invasive and patient-friendly strategies for the treatment of prevalent diseases of the posterior segment of the eye. We have previously demonstrated how MN technology can enable localised drug delivery to target posterior segment tissues using both polymer-based soluble MNs and hollow MNs. For example, delivering small molecules and biologics within the scleral tissue offers localised and minimally invasive alternative to highly invasive intravitreal injections that are given on a monthly/bi-monthly basis for the rest of the patient’s life.

In this project, the PhD student will take a systematic approach to address some of the fundamental questions in ocular delivery using MNs. The aim of this approach is to reduce the need for frequent eye drops, enhancing patient compliance and offer better disease management. Over the course of this three-year PhD project, the student will:

1. Perform Gap Analysis, Comprehensive Literature Review, and Project Design Development.
2. Design, develop, and characterize MN formulations.
3. Develop and qualify analytical techniques for charactering both polymers and API analysis.
4. Develop and investigate techniques for efficient in vitro and ex vivo characterisation of MN-based formulations.

The student will receive extensive training in experimental design, protocol development, and advanced techniques for creating novel MN-based formulations. They will work within one of the leading Ocular Drug Delivery Research groups in the UK, which emphasizes an industry-focused approach. This aligns with the skill requirements of the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors, preparing the student to be career-ready upon graduation. Key skills developed will include project management, problem solving, analytical thinking, proposal and protocol writing, data analysis, quality control, and presentation skills.

By collaborating with seasoned researchers from both industry and academia, the student will gain practical experience and have opportunities to present their findings at national and international conferences. Through this project, they will build a comprehensive skill set that positions them for future roles in pharmaceutical product development and ocular drug delivery, making them highly valuable to both academic and commercial sectors.

Training that will be provided through the research project

PhD students will receive comprehensive training in key areas such as pharmaceutical formulation, pharmaceutical analysis, microbiology, and mathematical modelling. Throughout the program, students will engage in a wide range of R&D activities, equipping them to become independent researchers and fully prepared for roles in academia or the pharmaceutical industry. They will develop critical skills in experimental design, data analysis, and problem-solving, supported by opportunities to present their research at prestigious national and international conferences. This unique training experience offers a solid foundation for advancing their careers in cutting-edge drug development and pharmaceutical innovation.

Funding Notes

This project is not funded; applications are welcome from self-funding candidates.

References

Ocular drug delivery, sustained release, microneedles, biologics, liposomes