Novel strategies and innovative technologies to produce amorphous solid dispersion

Poor drug solubility presents a major challenge in drug product development of oral solid dosage (OSD) forms. However, many new development compounds exhibit poor solubility and only a few of them reach market approval. Therefore, several formulation strategies are being explored to overcome solubility issues, with solid dispersion technology being of particular importance. Hot-melt extrusion is one of the key technologies for the production of amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) and presents several advantages such as continuous and solvent-free processing, versatility and the capability to produce high-drug loaded formulations. Especially, high dose formulations are often required to reduce the pill burden of the patient, but the development of high dose formulation can also be challenging in terms of ASD stability and processability. Lately, novel manufacturing techniques emerge having the potential to revolutionize future pharmaceutical manufacturing. One of these techniques is additive manufacturing or 3D Printing, which enables dose personalization as well as the production advanced dosage forms. Coupling of solubility enhancement strategies and novel manufacturing techniques has a high potential and offers new opportunities in future drug product development.

The overall aim of this project is to connect early formulation development of ternary amorphous solid dispersion and post-processing through AM techniques and create a link between material properties and their processability.

Applicants should have a 1^st or 2.1 honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. Relevant subjects include Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline. Students who have a 2.2 honours degree and a Master’s degree may also be considered, but the school reserves the right to shortlist for interview only those applicants who have demonstrated high academic attainment to date.

The successful applicant will be integrated into QUB research groups of experienced researchers with access to world-leading facilities, and will work in close collaboration with the industrial sponsor. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to spend time to the industrial sponsor and being exposed to industrial view on drug development, attend conferences, mini courses & workshops for further development.

The techniques that will be used during the project cover a wide-range and include: 3D Printers, Single Screw & Twin Screw hot-melt extruders (HMEs), Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Contact Angle Goniometry (CAG), Raman Microscopy, Mechanical Characterization, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Hot stage microscopy (HSM), Rheology, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and In Vitro Release Studies. Transferrable skill training will also include research management, personal effectiveness, communication skills, networking, team working and career management.

The PhD student would be encouraged to engage in a variety of impact activities, disseminate the research project findings through public talks, and participate in QUB showcase events. Examples of impact activities includes: Blogs or web articles, Magazine articles, public lectures, School visits, oral & poster Presentations (at local, national and international conferences), and Publication of scientific papers in peer reviewed journals. 

Interested applicants should apply at the following link: https://dap.qub.ac.uk/portal/user/u_login.php