The project

Currently, measurement of API solubility to simulate conditions within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract with media such as fasted state intestinal fluid (FaSSIF), and cell line permeability informs predictions of oral absorption. These measurements are used to risk assess candidate APIs and to identify formulation strategies for orally administered drugs.

Existing methods provide simplistic solubility/permeability values but no mechanistic understanding of the drug-colloidal structure interplay and how this may affect absorption. These interactions are especially important for highly lipophilic drugs. In addition, the fluids used do not reflect the time-dependant and regional-dependent differences in the composition of GI fluids.

This project will explore a series of biorelevant simulated intestinal fluids in combination with a series of model drugs to understand how the colloidal structures formed within intestinal fluids dictates the solubility and permeability of these drugs. This will provide a better “map” of the absorption range of the API in a population and can be applied to future APIs as part of a risk assessment at API candidate selction stage and also to inform the formulation strategy. The output will also enable prediction of drug pharmacokinetics in a broader range, reflecting variability in a population.

The applicant

We are looking for motivated candidates with a background in chemistry, pharmaceutical science, material science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or similar, to undertake this project. You will need to have a passion for research, multidisciplinary collaboration, and collaboration with industrial stakeholders.

The offered studentships cover home tuition fees, research/training costs and provide a monthly stipend for 3 years. Candidates eligible for home fees are UK nationals, Irish nationals, applicants with a settled or pre-settled status in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme, and applicants with indefinite leave to remain in the UK. We also welcome applications from EU or international candidates who can provide evidence of their ability to fund the fee difference.