Research
Abstract |
The successful development of novel vaccines and drugs
to prevent or treat diseases is a
constant challenge in the pharmaceutical industry. However,
drug discovery is only the first
challenge in this process. Without a robust delivery
vehicle that allows administration, protective delivery
and tissue targeting, many potentially successful treatments
can be
rendered useles. Drug delivery systems can prevent off
target interactions that result in negative side effects,
protective delivery to prevent degradation during delivery,
and enhance target interaction to improve efficacy and
reduce dosing requirements. They can also allow the
use of alternate administration routes that may be more
conducive to patient compliance and overall treatment. |
|
Research
Activities/
Experience |
The research conducted in the Pharmaceutical Science
Department at Northeastern University considers a
range of diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative
diseases,
cardiovascular conditions and vaccines for infectious
diseases. Development of delivery systems for drug
compounds, proteins and DNA to different organs and
tissues for these diseases each requires consideration
of a specific set of parameters in order to be successful.
Particle mediated delivery systems must be developed
from biocompatible materials and be able to carry
the compound of interest via complexation, encapsulation,
or other means.
Drug delivery formulations must be optimized to the
specific size, shape and surface characteristics that
will allow targeted delivery and tissue interaction.
The effective release and activity of the drug must
also be coordinated with the desired administration
route in order to prevent premature release or prevention
of release. |
