Funded PhD Studentship

Novel controlled release formulations for improved cardiovascular health in older patients

Deadline: 30^th　May 2013

Supervisory Team: Dr Fang Liu, Dr Liam McAuley, Mr Narinder Bhalla

Applications are invited for a fully funded interdisciplinary research studentship in the Department of Pharmacy at University of Hertfordshire. The department aims to foster the integration of science and practice in pharmacy, providing relevant, innovative and progressive research which presents real value to the national and international pharmaceutical and healthcare communities. The PhD student will join in an exciting and dynamic research environment supported by state-of-the-art research laboratories and work with a multidisciplinary supervisory team including a Consultant Pharmacist in Cardiovascular Diseases and academic staff specialised in formulation and drug delivery.

Elderly patients often suffer from chronic diseases and co-mobility, and as a result struggle with polypharmacy (taking more than 5 medicines at the same time). Controlled release formulations are ideal for these patients by reducing dose frequency and incidence of adverse drug effects compared to conventional immediate release dosage forms. This is particularly important for their cardiovascular health, a major issue for the elderly population, as many cardiovascular drugs are available as controlled release dosage forms. However, controlled release formulations are often available in the form of single unit (large) tablets or capsules, which cause administration difficulties to elderly patients with swallowing difficulties. The aim of this interdisciplinary project is to evaluate and develop innovative and bespoke controlled release formulations for older patients. The PhD student will first investigate the current clinical situation of administrating controlled release formulations to elderly patients and assess the clinical appropriateness of different controlled release formulations for this age group based on a risk/benefit approach. This will lead to the design and development of novel controlled release formulations more suitable for older patients. Appropriate experimental design methodologies will be used to develop the formulations and investigation of drug release mechanisms will be performed with advanced analytical techniques facilitating further formulation optimisation.

Funding:

This studentship will cover the full cost of tuition fees at the UK/EU rate, as well as provide an annual stipend of £ 13,726 for three years.

Application Requirements:

Students should have or expect to hold a Bachelor (honours) or Master degree of either First Class or Upper Second Class or equivalent gained outside the UK, in a relevant discipline (e.g. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or related scientific subject).

To apply:

Please contact Dr Fang Liu f.liu3@herts.ac.uk, via the apply button below.